Kansas agitator. [volume] (Garnett, Kan.) 1890-1905, 1900-07-13


In a memorial sermon delivered be-
fore u. S. Grant and Franz Sigel Posts,
G. A. r.. of Chicago, ILL.,, a few days
ago. the Rev. Johnston Myers, d. d.,
made some unvarnished remarks con-
corning trusts, and the intolerance
that has of late distinguished some Ia
Dor movements in the great city OF the
west. He said in part:
Self-destruction is the most common
form of destruction. Nations and men
are most often the causes of their own
ruin. These United States are today
in their very MONDAY of power and
strength. If they fall or fail it will
be in all probability because they
brought on their own ruin. We are
safe as far as others are concerned,
but the question rises, are we still de-
tenders of this flag? If you love your
country and love your flag l wish to
call your attention to somes OF our ma
tion's present perils. Some of these
perils may take peculiar and startling
forms within the next few years. The
first peril is peril from wealth-that
ruined Tyre and Babylon of Rome and
Greece. In her days of poverty there
was a bond of sympathy which united
American people. III conditions OF
life all Americans were upon level.
Today we are tending toward class dis
tinctions. Wealth is centering around
a few individuals. Not because OF
their superior merit or ability but be-
cause of our imperfect laws and i'm
perfect social regulations, which make
such things possible. Under the sys-
tenn of trusts, which have grown so
rapidly, one man controls over $1,O0O,-
100000 and 100000 workmen are under
his control. Here is an absolute mon
archical institution in the midst or
free nation. 1t is menace to our in
situations that any man, or any few
men, should mass together such
wealth. It's tendency is toward an in
dustrial slavery, more or less unbear-
able. We may be glad that this
wealth is often in the hands of kind
men. and these men save society from
revolution. In the hands of Others it
has enraged noble, thoughtful neil
and women. The formation of trusts
has aggravated the American people
to a point almost beyond endurance.
l tell you that the low rumblings OF
discomfort which, even today, affect so
decidedly our whole city, when some
thing. There are fanatics, and idle
men among these disconnected people,
but there are also many of our braini-
est bravest spirits among them. And
il the conditions grow harder and the
age needs him the Lincoln will appear.
What can be done? We need radical
legislation upon this subject. and the
party which does not give 1t is not
worthy Of your vote. Work for every
intelligent movement which locks.
toward placing benefits of the peoples
wealth in the peoples hands. This is
for the happiness of all classes. This
is American. This condition alone is
worthy this flag. The second peril Is
from unjust demands of labor. No
lUSClIutlOu WllCu Ieio any ii6HI uPoh
American soil has any right to say
how much l shall work and when 1
shall work. 1t is not American when
any man or company of men shall as
sumo the right to drive me from my
work or determine what | shall receive
for it. 1t is not American when some
walking delegate, a stranger to me ana
to my employer, shall compel me to
leave my place. 1t is as un-American
as slavery itself that any workman
should be obliged to go and ask GER
tain man or body of men whether he
can work. For this condition l do not
blame labor unions, but unwise lead
ership has brought them into a posi-
ton which they cannot maintain upon
American soil.