The labor world. [volume] (Duluth, Minn.) 1896-current, 1908-07-18
MR PH|ll|P 8 REP! H
!. TO DULUTH. MINISTER.
Philosophy Of Socialism Seems to
be the Subject Of Contention
4 > Between Them. =..s
Honest Interchange 81 Views Con
tributes Towards the Ar s.s
y: ::s%s III rival at Truth. -

VI rival at Truth. III n =
Z Mr.. Editor:-I desire, with your per
in my own unadorned way,
to offer q few observations, in reply to
what I$deem most incorporate com
in, thought. and language,
from the pen Of Rev. =. "a. Lumby Of
West Duluth. 81. bs:..S -
It is perhaps source Of congratu-
1at1on to know, that wetSocialists have
at last aroused the defenders of the
present capitalistic system, and COM
PEELED them to come out from under
cover, and defend their position in the
open. II remember correctly, and 1
think I do the reverend gentleman
stated. at a, meeting of the Question
club last winter that he was trying to
live the life OF Christ. That is we'll
Some OF us at least. though In an
humble degree have the same aspira-
tions, and desire to put the philosophy
OF the Nazarine into every day prac-
tioe,- as we'll in our econenaic land in
dustrial life, as in our observance Of
rules and ceremonies. =: 49,.
I believe that Socialism furnishes a
solution of the economic problems of
the day, and would forever put an end
to the shameful departures from the
doctrines of the Christ so prevalent in
our land. Evidently the reverend gen
tleman does not agree, with. this view.
I have, I hope, the courage of my
conVictionsi and am willing at :. all
firnoS nj MI IN crixy
the faith that is in me. am willing
to. cOncede., to him the same courage
and sincerity; and that we may: ex-
change views and defend our respec-
tive positions before the public I will
meet him in public discussion of the
question Of Socialism, before Du-
luth audience at any time or: place he
may select. Notwithstanding the Sc
verify Of the gentleman's denuncia-
tons we still lay claim to the fact
that otr philosophy is more in accord
with the doctrines Of the gospel than
is the capitalistic creed which he un-
Willingly upholds.
The good brother says: ."'our zeal is
distempered and darkened by imper-
feet knowledge and bitterly erroneous
conceptions, it is frenzied by internal
contentious and system blighting, i'm
moral uncers."'.
Such; balloon; ascensions into the
clouds OF figurative language are be-
yond our comprehension. We are COM
mon every day people; the people who
earn our. bread, not by coming long
involved sentences OF jaw breaking
terms. but by the sweat Of our brow.
1t is true that with many of us, the
nature of our work compels us to be
"unkempt" from the reverend gentle
mans point Of sYiew; but does that fact
justify the gentleman in applying to
us such epithets sand superlatives as
"hideous looking monsters" ,uncouth,
unlettered destitute of true manhood,
etc., etc." and for his climax that we
are fit for nothing else but to adorn
the wards Of some insane. asylum.
There Is no argument in such vitu-
peratlon. Let LIS, get down from Off
our lighthouses and talk practical
sense. Last winter, I, myself, took the
reverend gentleman to visit the Bethel
on Lake avenue. Two ladies' &C.
companied us, and at the. sight that
met our eyes, he made this exclama-
ton: my God can these be men"
and on our way: toa.the car, he spoke
no word, until at the corner of Lake
avenue and Superior street. I asked
him If he were: not going home he
made this reply: IT must get lunch
to settle. my stomach" It was my
interest in humanity that constrained
me to take the ladies and the reverend
gentleman in there. that they might
know some Of the existing conditions.
Now, Mr.. Lu1lley, let me ask you in
all: seriousness without the use of any
big words: Is it just right for you to
characterize men who are doing all
they can to alleviate human suffering
and want as tunkempt, unlettered,
unschooled, ,unchristion" and what
not? When you are spelling for a
fight" and want to cut a figure III the
arena of discussion we will meet you
with facts, figures and argument, and
lest you might arrogate to- yourself to
be Judge, jury and advocate. we will
have the decision made by a jury of
the public. So: u !: .r
In conclusion let me ask. you, since
you are so fresh In denouncing us,
what have you done to relieve the
want and suffering Of your fellow men,
women or children in Duluth during
the panic from which the nation has
hardly yet emerged? What have you
by word or deed done to abolish even
one Of the 1873 saloons that curse our
city? What about the houses in the
Red Light district? Do: you try to
study and arrest the causes that drive
the poor girls. to a life Sof shame
Even assuming that you are doing
some reform work along the lines In,
dictated, is it In good grace for you
to denounce in such Incorporate Ian.
/ guage, men who are striving to get a,