The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1897-06-15
DEBS' BIG EXODUS.
Convention to Discuss the CO.
operative Commonwealth
Meets in Chicago.

Chicago, June ia giant prOpagan-
da, which has for its ultimate aim the
enlistment of all the working millions
of the United States under the banner
of socialism, but for its immediate pur-
pose the establishment of an immense
cooperative community in the west,
was inaugurated at Handel hall this
morning. There was a, large assem-
blage present.
At the sessions of the convention
which will witness the merging of the
American Railway union into a coop
eratiVe society, 450 delegates, represent
ing various schools OF economic thought
throughout the country will hear from
Mr.. Eugene v. Debs and his coadjutOrs
the plan already formula ted which the
session is expected to put into execu-
ton
Edward Bellamy, Prof. Parsons of the
Boston law university, A. S. Edwards
of the Huskin Cooperative colony, Vic
tor Edwards, editor of the Milwaukee
VOrWaeTts; Rev. MyrOn Reed of Den
yer, Henry D. Lloyd and Prof. Ler-
mOnd of Maine are of those who will
unite with Eugene v. Debs in forming
the crusade
Mr.. Debs said in an interview:
Never were the masses in America
so badly off as at present. Menacing
the happiness of the country and the
continued freedom of its people from
turbulence is an army of not less than
5000, 900 persons out of employment.
Every passing hour adds to their ranks.
machinery,
prOvements on old appliances, the con-
centratfOn of wealth and other condi-
tionS are throwing people out Of en-
plOyment all the time. Millions are
looking into a future that has no hope.
Trade untOniSm furnishes no ade-
quate remedy for the terrible evils
which confront the toilers. Organized
labor cannot hope to cope with organ
money also hold all means of prOduc-
ton, of distribution and of purchase.
They could starve out their antagon-
lists, who possess nothing. A terrible
revolution may be aVerted 1t is near
enough to be threatening.
THE plans which pill be adopted by
the convention have for their fOunda-
ton the exodus of the co-Operators to a
western state. We have had invitations
to settle in dozens of states. The pla-
ces which have thus far been consider
ed with most favor are Washington,
Utah, Idaho, and Texas. Immense tract 3
of fertile land are there which can soon
be irrigated and upon which can be
built homes and stores and factories
which will produce not only enough for
the consumption OF the community, but
a surplus which can be sold to the out
side world A few thousand men will
proceed within a few week to the IOca-
prepare abiding places for the great
army that will follow. AS our ideas be-
come understood we will have ample
funds TO start, given not only by our
ions and schools of economics, but also
by capitalists who will be glad to see
the idle millions-the tramps as they
are called-melt away from the cities
and the byways. Out Of the small
membership fee and per capita tax that
are charged there will be soon a reve-
nue. of $4,000 a month. That will buy
lands, procure agricultural implements,
tools for building, machinery for factor
les and such other articles as are need
ed at once.
Women will go. It will be a COM
munity of families and homes. The
people will be educated They will
have newspapers and literature They
will develop the resources of the state,
organize Industrial enterprises, build
roads, canals, school houses and pub
lie buildings. Six hours a day for each
man will be sufficient to produce
enough for the community. The man
who tolls the hardest will work the
fewest hours. The common store Will
supply all. The kitchen in the house
will be abolished and food win be dis
tributed from a common kitchen The
general conduct of the colony will be
such as the federal statutes will coun-
tenance, and it will be a happy, bright
spot in civilization, where men will be
brothers"