The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1897-06-27
BELLAMY THROWS COLD WATER
Advises Folk to Let Debs' Social Democ-
racy Alone.

racy Alone.
New York, June 26.-The Herald's cor
respondent at Springfield. Mass, Gays:
"Debs' plan is a stupendous under.ak-
ing. and one fraught with great danger"
said Edward Bellamy to me today, when
L called upon him at mis- pretty home in
ChicOpee Falls.
Mr., Bellamy has been vredited in some
places as being a co-operator with Debs
in his project 10 colonize some state like
Washington or Utah. and there establish
the brotherhood of the cooperative COM
monwealth, with the idea Of affording the
world a mammoth object lesson in COM
muniSm and socialism.
Regarding the PLAN" said Mr.. Bella
my, Il know as much as any one who
has read the accounts Of the convention
at Chicago, and no more. Not knowing
more. l can neither condemn nor indorse
II. but how is Mr.. Debs 10 move 100000
men? Who is TO support them while they
are getting the settlement ready for the
start toward che system which is de-
sired?
The railroads ere not in favor OF
changed conditions, and 80 no help can
be expected Of them in Transporting the
men. Full fares will have to be paid.
and unless a man can draw check FOR
five or six millions ne can not very we'll
send a hundred thousand men 10 titan or
Washington. The railroads are satisfied
with the present conditions, or prefer
them 20 conditions which would reduce
their gains and power.
1T is A stupendous undertaking. am
interested in il. just rs every student Of
political economy and social problems
mast be. but have not the slightest idea
how Mr. Debs hopes TO carry out his
plans.
But really, I do not see the reason
why men who believe that the present
oIder OF things is all wrong have any call
to get together in one community. II
seems 10 me that they should remain a.
home and spread the truth among their
friends and neighbors and convert them.
Only in this way can the conditions now
existing be overthrown.
Under such a plan" l asked would
there not be dissatisfaction over money
matters? Would there not be those who
would seek 70 feather their own nests
rather than to work for the bss; good OF
the whole
Money is the great stumbling block
Of al labor organizations" replied Mr..
Rsllamy. "snd there would undoubtedly
be suspicious OF unfair dealing and dis
honesty. Il Is so now. and a. biz OF IS
for stationary seems enormous ex;rava-
gance 10 many members OF the orders.
They are not used 70 handling large sums
Of money. and there would undoubtedly
be trouble over finances. but l know so
ntIle abou; the plans OF NJ. Debs that I
cannot speak freely about them. He may
have ;5is matter al Planned out 50 that
everything would he satisfactory.
VIVA; would De you- idea Of The prob
able action on the par, OF the institution
should some man VINO put his property
into the scheme. so.i his home. say. and
went 10 Washington as enc OF the pion-
GERS % The movement. only 70 find that
the climate did no; agree with him AMI
that his life depended upon his return 10
his former homer Would ne be given
back the money thai he had pCs in ,"
Only Nr DebS can answer your cues-
ton. bu, my advice would be 20 stay a;
home ans keep your home until the
scheme has been proved a success" re-
piled Mr.. Bethany.