Okolona messenger., 1905-01-11

-r6Sa sire TO vote their Donest cOhVlct-
tiOns.
1f-tASH Those who cast their ballots for
me we're brave enough to stand with the minority,
and conscientious enough to think that a ballot is
prostituted which does violence to ones sense Of
right
Tbe campaign Of 1904 was but prelude to the
campaign of 1908. The start had to be made, and it
seemed to me vital necessity tc start at the time
when both the old parties we're openly pledged to
Plutocracy and Glass Legislation. The Republicans
stood pat for every evil Of the present system which
builds colossal fortunes upon the false basis OF
Special Privilege The Democrats, led by place
hunters and time servers avenous for the spoils Of
Office, shamelessly abandoned every democratic
principle and transferred the standard to the hands
of the gambler, the mOnOpolist and the Wall Street
corporation.
At such a time, when both the old parties we're
down on their knees to the pampered benefciaries
of Glass Legislation, it seemed high duty that
someone should preach the gospel Of equal rights
to ALL"
AS we'll as l could made the fight fOrJeffersOn
principles. All things considered, the support ]
received was encouraging. Therefore, am resOlv-
ed to devote the next four years to a campaign OF
education, ia which all governmental questions will
he discussed and the citizen brought to realize how
runous to the masses are the present tendencies o
Municipal State and National legislation.
By law, one mans business has been iOstered at
the expense Of anOfhers; by law, class has been
given special privileges not enjoyed by Others by
law, certain forms of wealth have been entirely
empted from national taxation to the vast injury OF
the non exempt by law, the artificial PERSONS call
ed corporations have been clothed with powers i'm
munities and privileges not exercised by individuals;
BY law, the rich are getting richer and the poor
are getting poorer and more enslaved Thus the
enormous forces OF law and government tend ire
sstibly to concentrate wealth. power and opportunity
in the hands Of few.
Already one per cent. of our population own
more than the other ninety nine per cent combined
Already you can count upon the fingers of one hand
the trusts that annually absorb more than one.hali
OF the entire increase inwealth Alreadyyou can name
fOur railroad kings who, by agreement among them-
sci res, can levy heavier tribute upon the people Of
this country than Congress itself can impose; the
Trust invades every Market dictates where you buy
and where you sell; fixes the price when you sell,
and fixes it when you buy. You are nothing; the
Trust is ell in all.
Meanwhile, the expenses Of government grow
larger and larger; the cost Of living mounts higher
and higher; the ragged egiOns Of poverty multiply
day by day; the rich swsgger more and more with
offensive bluster and display, and the stOrm-cOud
OF class hatred bla, kens the future as never before
Nine-tenths Of the suffering OF our people arc due
to bad laws and bad government. The situation
has become so desperately intoIerabIe that we are
nearer the dangerline than we ourselves know.
Il is my purpose to discuss ell economic and gov
ernmental questions to point out abuses and advo-
cate practical remedies.
believe that equal and exact justice between
man and man should be the object Of Law. believe
that special privileges can never be granted to
class without gross injustice to others.
Instead Of the Hamilt0nian theory Of the Divine
Right Of the Few to govern and mOnopoze be-
lieve, as Jefferson and Lincoln did, in the rule Of
aI for the benefit Of all.
invoke the cooperation Of al who believe, as
do that present conditions are wrong; that they can
be and be improved. I wish this magazine to pen
citrate every city, town village and country precinct
with my monthly message. II you are in sympathy
with me lend your aid not only BY promptly for
warding Your own subscription but BY going among
your neighbors and enlisting their support.
The political purpose which is herein proclaimed
IS but one feature Of this new magazine, il
viii interest every member Of the family with
reading matter that viii appeal to and benefit all.
The first number viii be issued IN February.
Subscription one dollar per year. sendtt in al