The labor world. [volume] (Duluth, Minn.) 1896-current, 1905-02-25
land shall not be sold forever"
Nabobs Leave the Church..

cnurch, but new ones came. AS afore-
time, the note that offended pharisees
attracted publicans and sinners. The
publ1cans and sinners had lean purses,
however, and for a while restitution
threatened the Vine street preacher
with one of the penalties of getting
enough religion to hurt. For months
his income was almost nothing. He
and his wife were upon the verge Of
starvation; and the question of being
able to keep on became a serious
problem.
But the problem was solved at last.
The Vine street church has been as
firmly re-established on the abolition
side of the question of economic slav-
cry now, as it was originally estab-
lished on the abolition side of the ques-
ton of Negro slavery some seventy
years ago.
Tom johnson Attracted to Bigelow.
While Mr.. Bigelow was in the midst
of his church work, at a crcitical stage
in its progress, Tom L. Johnson's po-
litical plans in the same general direc-
tion were taking shape in Ohio, and
johnson called upon Bigelow to lend a
hand. This call to participate in prac-
tical politics was unwelcome; but Big
Glow could not refuse without resisting
the anti-slavery spirit and stultifying
the anti-slavery traditions Of the Vine
street church. Regarding the political
cause that Johnson was leading as be-
ing also religious If pursued with re-
ligious motives-devotion to the Chris
tan principles of liberty, equality and
fraternity-the Vine street preacher re-
sponded to Johnson's summons; and
for two years he lived and faithfully
and effectively labored in what to him
was hell, the maelstrom of practical
politics. He did it in the same spirit in
which he had before lived and worked
In the social hell Of the slums.
Becomes Candidate for Office.
1t was while performing this dis
tasteful but necessary duty in practi-
cal politics that Mr.. Bigelow became a
prominent Candidate for political office.
The office offered neither profit nor
honor, and the nomination did not SO
much as promise ELECTION to the office.
But 1t did offer an exceptional oppor-
tunity to preach the gospel Of liberty.
equality and fraternity to the people Of
Ohio. while serving as a pioneer in po-
lltically organizing the believers in this
gospel against the cohorts Of special
privilege. For that reason Bigelow &C
cepted the nomination, in 1902, OF the
Democratic party Of Ohio for secretary
Of state.
For two years thereafter, without
neglecting his church duties, he bat
tied in political warfare against the
combined forces Of hoodlums and phar-
isees in Cincinnati. But now he has
withdrawn from all active political
service.
Withdraws from Politics.
Not as deserter has Mr.. BigelOw
withdrawn. He has done it because he
believes that the obligation of that par
ticular call has been, for the present,
at least, completely redeemed. When
the call came, he alone could answer
to its demands, but that is no longer
true. Into the political work which
Bigelow has faithfully helped Tom L.
johnson to do in Ohio. other men have
come who are capable 81 taking Bige-
lows place. s>-"1'
One can easily believe. what Bige-
Johnson and his purposes, understood
so we'll by Bigelow though as yet
vaguely by the public, must have filled
a large measure Of Bigelow's thoughts
when he decided to withdraw from pol
itics. A warmth Of affection glowed
within him as he considered that john
son must struggle on in the maelstrom
he himself was quitting for more ex-
acting duties. No matter what the
public may think Of Johnson's political
battles, at least Bigelow knows that he
has never suffered defeat.
His Estimate Of Tom johnson.
In everything and in all circum-
stances, what Bigelow has seen in
Johnson Is what all who know him
we'll have also seen, 1.-The man in him
victorious. 1t is easy to believe that
the loyalty Of such supporter cannot
falter, and that Bigelow's faith in
Johnsons leadership is such that If the
call were to come to-day to go down
again into the political hells, Bigelow
would be there before the set Of sun,
making the same devoted fight though
it held forth no prospect but certainty
Of defeat. 1t is of his nature to help
the more the greater the need. No
light tribute was that Of g. clergyman,
spontaneously offered while Bigelow
was in the midst Of his political work
a. clergyman in good, even in high
standing in one Of the most qeclesiasti
cal Of denominations, and whose per-
sonal relations with Bigelow were not
intimate, but who judged him by his
career. Said this clergyman to a cleri-
cal friend Of the same denomination:
Il regard Herbert s. B1gelow as g.
consecrated man."
Character Of tho Man.
AS may be seen from the portrait Of
Mr. Bigelow, his smooth-shaven face
reveals finely chiseled jaw. massive
and firm; while all the face above Is
expressive of the gentleness, charity,
and unaffected humility and good hui
NOR which are known to be as charac-
teristic of the man as his strength. He
speaks in public after careful prepara-
ton, but with extemporaneous deliv-
cry Although his OratOrv often emitS