Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1901-09-19

Address.
Last night at the fair grounds before
a disappointingly small audience. num-
bering scarcely zoo people, Eugene Y.
Debs, the socialist leader, delivered
lecture that held the attention OF all
despite the fact that the weather was
unusually chilly. the meeting was
called to order shortly after s o'clock
by Joseph Yahn. the pres dent Cf the
local socialistic society. He introduced
as the first speaker Harry Leeds.
Mr.. Leeds made but brief address,
referring to the small attendance and
expressing regret that the tragedy ut
Buffalo, which had saddened the hearts
of all the United States. and the great
steel strike settlement had kept many
from attending the meeting. In con-
Guiding his remarks he said that the
socialists are conscientious class of
workingmen. whose interests do not
lie with the interests of capital, and
that he took pleasure in introducing
the greatest of the opponents OF the so
cialistie eause-Eugene V. Debs.
Mr. Debs stepped forward and in his
opening remarks said:
Fellow Workingmen: In such a
gathering, as II is my privilege 10 adj
dress, | consider 1t eminently fitting
that reference should be made to the
Tragic Event at Buffalo,
which has deprived nation OF rs Pres
ident and cast all into mourning and
sorrow. Those who understand the
principles of the socialists know that
murder and assassination have no place
in the creed of the workiusman. true,
we are opposed to the prcsest economic
system but our method of lighting the
condition of affairs is by tae ballot and
not the bullet. We condemn in I'M
qualified words the act and deplore the
unumely death Of our Presiden., and
express the greatest sorrow for his
loss
Mr.. Debs then set forth The principles
of the socialist party. He spoke OF the
many thousands OF men. women and
children who die each yea in orr big
cities merely for lack O. air ana prop
err food, and stated that the condition
Of affairs that produced these results
were those most
Heartily Opposed
by the socialist party. 1t Was not right
for one small class TO have more than
they could possibly use. While the large
masses suffer from want until death
comes to their relief. Fortunately,
he said. this system has almost fulGI-
ed its purpose and 1t is only a question
of a short time until this system will
have passed away and make room Tor
its successor" Proceeding he said:
Under the present system man Is ar
raigned against man. nation Is against
nation. and for an excellent example
we have only to look to Europe. What
is il that IS involved? It is the matter
OF commerce Were there no gold
would there be soldiers in the Trans
vaal to-day? Were there nothing valu-
able In the Philippines would there be
soldiers there to-day. No. 1t is only
greed. (Applause).
"fhe socialist however, believes the
earth to be the equal heritage of all
men. but alas, we find that the man
that puts forth the greatest effort mas
the least and the man who puts forth
the last effort has the mosh. Instead OF
the cooperation Of all men, we find
competition. This must give place to
the former if the human race is to be
uplifted.
Not Anarchist Principles.
Recently the socialistic party has been
subjected to much unjust criticism at
the hands of the public. The socialistic
principles and the anarehistic princi-
pies are widely separated. They have
not the same end in view. The anar-
chist is fighting for individuaiism ana
his own good. The socialist Is Tight
ing for mutualism, or the good OF all
the human race.
Mr.. Debs next took up the trust and
said that he could conceie
No Greater Crime
than their destruction. They had
brought forth much improved machin-
cry which had benefited the working
man more than he knows. They have
also showed him the strength that
comes from combining. and when the
time comes, when the workingman has
combined, ne can take this machinery,
which has been improved by the trusts
into cooperative ownership.
With the improved machinery should
come shorter working hours and more
time for the development of the mind
and heart. Under the present condition
he has not time for this, but ne VIII
have when ali men work in harmony
for the good of his fellows.
"The rich man is continually fight
ing for more wealth. but is not hap
py, The workingman does not want
wealth. All he desires is enough to
supply his physical wants, to keep his