The herald. [microfilm reel] (Los Angeles [Calif.]) 1893-1900, 1896-05-24
SINGLE TAX PROPAGANDA
The cr'tsade 10 the Little State
Sof Delaware
THE TYRANNICAL OFFICIALS
Attempt ID Vain 20 Suppress Free
Speech
Interesting Interviews With Henry George
Tom l. johnson and James q. Hsguire.
Prospects for Victory

WILMINGTON, Del, May 16.-(Spe-
cial correspondence to The Herald.)
Since my recent special to The Herald
from this point the gag law has been
tried again by idiotic officials, who seem
to imagine that the way to prevent the
growth of public sentiment in favor of
reform movement is by the forcible
suppression of free speech.
r. f. Powell, one of the Single Takers
and active workers, was arrested at
NIiddletown while addressing crowd
at an evening meeting on the street. He
was first notified by an officer that the
address must not be given. However,
the sidewalk was cleared and the speak
err proceeded with his talk. Very soon
the officer agains interfered and told
Powell that he could not speak in the
streets of that town. Powell, however,
regardless of the constables order, went
on with his talk, and was very soon ar
rested and led away. the mayor. mean
while, upholding the officer in his ty--
Iannical interference with a natural
right In a short time the entire COM
munity was excited over the arrest and
the best citizens denounced it as an out
rage The result was that in short
time Powell was released and was again
talking to a much larger audience than
he had at first.
1t would seem as though some of the
opposers Of this movement had gone
mad, or they would know that such I'M
warrantable proceedings all tend to
react In favor of the very men and move
ments they are trying TO crush out. Thus
far there has been no abatement in the
efforts Of the campaigners. or 'crusad-
ers,' as they are Familiarity called. Every
few days new speakers come into the
state from other portions of the country
ard take hand in the holding of meet
ings the distribution of literature, and
such other propaganda work as can be
made available.
Judge Mcguire of San Francisco has
accepted an invitation to come into the
state again, and for the fifth time, as
soon as congress adjourns. The Judge is
deeply interested in this campaign of ed
ucation. for he is an ardent single taxer
and is always ready to do what he can
TO help along this reform movement.
He informs me that the New York Jour-
nal,- Mr.. Hearst's paper, has made an
engagement with Henry George by
which Mr.. George will write articles on
his pet theory for the Sunday issue of
that paper, to be continued probably
over period of several months. In the
same conversation Judge Mcguire stated
that Mr.. Hearst expressed his belief In
the justice and wisdom of the single
tax, and said he hoped it would sue
coed in Delaware in order that the ex-
pertinent might be fairly tested
While in New York the other day,
called to see Henry George at his pres
ent home at Fort Hamilton. He has
been living in that rather secluded spot
ever since last October He went there
from his city home mainly for the pur-
pose of being more secluded while writ
ing his new book, on which work he is,
and for several months has been, devot-
Ing nearly all of his time.
The old-fa shioned homestead occupied
by Mr.. and Mrs. George and their house
hold pets is the one where the father of
the Hon. Tom L, Johnson lived for many
tod 10 1nr tc
picturesque spot, near the edge of the
high bluff and overlooking the bay. 1t
is reached from Brooklyn by the Fifth
avenue electric cars. Mr.. George was
looking and feeling we'll, though his face
wore the appearance of a man who was
thinking too much and sleeping too lit
tie. The book he Is now writing will be
complete exposition of economic princi-
piles, though the exact title of the work
has not yet been decided upon. This
hook undoubtedly will be Mr.. Georges
masterpiece. He is taking his time on
the work and giving to it the best
thoughts evolved in his ponderous brain.
Several months will elapse before its
completion. In response to question
as to what he thought of the outlook
for the single tax reform the distin-
guished political economist replied
Il feel greatly encouraged our prir-
ciples are gaining ground steadily and
unfailingy throughout the United
States, and in several foreign countries.
] had thought to visit England soon.
but have decided not to go until after
my book is finished. In our own coun-
try there is deep. strong undercur-
rent of sentiment in favor of tax reform
on single tax lines. Thousands. yes. tens
of thousands in almost every section
OF the country are ready for radical
change in our taxation methods, though
they may not be avowed single takers.
The Delaware movement, whatever
may be the result, Is a great educator.
and it cannot fail to have reach
irg influence upon the public"
Al Mr. Georges home ] also met Hon.
Tom /. Johnson who is now the princi
pal owner of the electric railroad run
ming out to Fort Hamilton, and. be-
lieve, of several other street-car lines
in Brooklyn. During our subsequent
ride together on one Of his cars he talk
ed freely not only about the street rail-
road lines of which he is now owner In
several eastern and western cities. but
about politics and the single tax. The
noted champion of free trade and direct
taxation is evidently as radical and pug
naciouS now as he was during his two
terms in congress. while making for
himself a very unique political reputa-
ton. ON being asked if he would run
for congress this season he unhesitat-
tngly repliedsthat he would. The ques-
ton as to whether he would be lected
Sefled 10 nave no weight with him. He
Will run anyhow. and. as he expressed
1t: Have some fun and make it warm
and lv Fly for the Republican candidate.'
II suppose you will preach free trade
IN the campaign, will you not, Mr.. John
son?"
Indeed I will" he promptly replied.
land ] shall preach single tax, too clear
and straight. If the Democracy had
sense enough to come out boldly and
declare for free trade and direct taxa
ton, and incidentally for sound money.
the party could win, if not this year in
the near future. What wins the con-
ficence of the people is not a cowardly.
trucking policy, nor the adoption of half
a truth but bold, clean-cut avowal OF
correct principles, be they popular or
unpopular. The Democracy can never
win another presidential election by the
cry of tariff reform. | am tired of hear.
ing that term mentioned. IT means moth
ing worth contending for. The only
way TO reform the tariffs is to wipe il
out Asked what he thought of the
Delaware campaign, Mr.. johnson re-
piled:
Il think it & grand educational move
ment. 1t appears that there Is a fair
prospect for our people to carry that
state in November AT all events the re-
markable campaign they are so ablv
conducting is doing much to direct the
public mind towards the Importance Of
a sweeping reform in our abominable
taxation system No. ] have NOT Yer
been to Delaware, but I am going,
have been so absorbed with city rail
. f..s.e- tf,uf I