The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1900-03-09
SOCIALISTS ARE HEARD
THEIR POSITION EXPLAINED AT
CRIMINAL COURT MEETING.
Eugene v. Debs Declines the Presi-
Dental NOmfnafIOn-The Vote
ON AmaIgamati0n.

The Social Democrats who are In the
city to attend their national convention,
held a meeting in the Criminal Court room
last night, to discuss socialism with those
who are interested in the movement but
who do not belong to the party. About
one hundred were present. among the
number being several ladies. r. r. Backus,
of this city, presided n called the meet
ing to order at $50. Max Hayes, of Cleve-
land, O., whose name was suggested in
the afternoon as a candidate for Vice
President, was introduced and spoke at
length on socialism. He said the Social
lists were not responsible for any social
struggle, but that they point to the fact
that such a struggle exists. He said it
is the purpose of the Socialist party to
harmonize the two clashing interests, and
that the ultimate end will be the over
throw of the capitalistic system with a
cooperative plan.
'In regard to the formation of trusts"
said he. Capitalists show how much
wiser they are than the laboring man. IT
clearly demonstrates that they realize that
O competitive system of industry is a
failure. They have been taught that TO
cut into each others pockets is ruinous
Laboring men are called upon to bid, one
against another. to compete among them
selves. and capital reaps the profits. No
wonder they cry sixteen to one, as IL then
every workingman would lave his pockets
weighted down with silver. 1t matters lit
tie to the workingrnan whether we nave
sixteen TO one or whether 1t is four hun
dred to one. 1t is all the same. the only
difference being that the profit is shifted
from the Eastern baron to the Western
baron. We do not propose to pull any
rnorc chestnuts out of the first and be
ere tired of being fooled by both Of the
cid parties. There is only one solution
and that the great system OF cooperative
legislation."
He rehearsed the progress of labcr-sav-
ing inventions and said the m is
fast replacing the horse and that liquid
air will soon revolutionize the motive
power of the world. He asked what will
become of the laboring man then unless
some means is devised for a better system
OF government. He predicted a coming
panic when the trusts Will be dissolved.
which will educate the people up to the
socialist doctrine and place the industries
On a cooperative footing.
And that breaking up OF trusts he
said, will not be through legislation.
There never was and there never will be
an antitrust law that can be enforced. II
is against the right of contract. When
that time comes you are going to notice
something. The so-called preferred stock
will remain in possession OF the capitalist
and the smaller fry will share the COM
mon stock which Is so much wind"
He said that with the socialist plan of
government il will only be necessary for
all TO work four or five hours a day to
receive a compensation that Will provide
luxuries along with the necessities OF life.
He finished by saying:
I'VE don ask you TO fall over yourself
10 get in line. All we ask Is for you to
study socialism and then If you are con-
WINGED IL is the ideal government. join our
ranks. We want you TO study Only the
intelligent laboring men we care to enlist
After he was through Mayor Chase. OF
Haverhill. Mass, spoke. He said IL Is not
the purpose OF the party TO secure a divi-
| sion with the capitalist but TO stop divid-
| fng with him.
: The afternoon session in Reicawein's