The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1897-06-22
BELLAMY ON DEBs's PLAN.
He Has Misgivings Concerning the
Colonization Scheme.

SPRINGFIELD Mass, June 2.-"DebS'
plan is stupendous undertaking, and one
fraught with great danger" said Edward
Bellamy yesterday at his pretty home in
Chicopee Falls Mr.. Bellamy has been
credited in some places as being a cooper
ator with Debs in his project to COLOMBO
some State like Washington or Utah, and
there establish the brotherhood of the CO.
operative commonwealth with the idea of
affording the world mammoth object les
son in communism and socialism
Regarding the plan," said Mr.. Bellamy,
81 know as much as anyone who has read
the accounts of the convention at Chicago
and no more Not knowing more, 1 can
neither condemn it nor indorse it, but how
is Mr.. Debs to move 100000 men? Who is
to support them while they are getting the
settlement ready for the start toward the
system which is desired. The railroads are
not in favor of changed conditions and so
no help can be expected or them in trans
porting the men. Full fares will have TO be
paid, and unless he can draw a check for
five or six millions he cannot very well send
a hundred thousand men to Utah or Wash
ington. The railroads are satisfied with the
present conditions, or prefer them to condl-
lions which would reduce their gains ana
power
ut is a stupendous undertaking. am
interested in it, just as every student OF
political economy and social problems must
be- but have not the slightest idea how
Mr.. Debs hopes to carry out his, plans.
But really / do not see the reason why men
who believe that the present order of things
is all wrong have any call to get together
in one community. 1t seems to me that
they should remain at home and spread the
truth among their friends and nelghborS
and convert them. Only in this way can the
conditions existing be overthrown
Under such a plan would there not be
dissatisfaction over money matters? Would
not there be those who would seek to feath-
er their own nests rather than to work Tor
the best good of the whOle?"
Money is the great stumbling block of all
labor organizations" replied Mr.. Bellamy,
land there would undoubtedly be suspicious
of unfair dealings and dishonesty. 1t is so
now, and bill of So for stationery seems
enormous extravaganza to many members
of the orders. They are not used to hand
ling large sums of money, and there would
undoubtedly be trouble over finances; but /
know so little about the plans of Mr.. Debs
that l cannot speak freely about them.
He may have this matter all planned out
so that everything would be all satisfac-
tory"
What would be your idea of the probable
action on the part of the institution should
some man who put his property into the
scheme sold his home, say, and went to
Washington one of the pioneers of the
movement were to find that the climate did
not agree with him and that his life depend
ed on his return to his former home?
Would he be given back the money that he
had put imp
only Mr. Debs can answer your ques-
ton, but my advice would be to stay at
home and keep your home until the scheme
has proved success" replied Mr.. Bellamy.
LAS | understand it this is one of many
schemes which have been submitted to the
not been adopted, but l may have the
wrong impression about the matter. How
ever, l shall be deeply interested in the eX-
pertinent, if tried, for all who have the well
fare of their fellowmen at heart must well
come any effort to tighten the burdens and
bring about equality and justice for all"