The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1910-05-07
UP FROM HOBODOM
Rapid Rise Of Harry Kemp,
Tramp Poet" of Kansas.
Former "Bum" Now Friend
Many Prominent People.
is STRONG SOCIALIST.
Has Bowed" in All Parts of
Great United States.
Poetry Appears in Leading
Magazines of Nation.

Harry Kemp, THE Tramp Poet. ;,
| read some of his own poems at the In
ternational Labor Day celebration at
Garfield park Sunday.
The Man Without a Hat.
Kemp seldom wears a hat, being a
convert to the "hatless health idea,
probably, Sunday, he had a slight CAP
of delicate texture which he wore
| on his hand. The "hatlet' bore the
brand of Lawrence clothing store.
Anyway with rather thick hair, he
doesn't need head gear. What does
he look like? Just like-Harry Kemp.
And he always speaks and acts just
like he looks. Really, while he isn't
matinee idol, his face with clear
light eyes, is singularly attractive.
tuated them with spontaneous ges-
lures which were forcible, but not I'M
graceful.
A Trail Blazer.
He attracted attention as soon as he
blew in at Lawrence in 1905, and
announced his intention of securing
sure 'nough education. In the
class rooms at the university he was
continually saying things which no
one else had ever thought of-but
what he said was generally true, and
the teachers, although college pro-
nize the merit thereof
And when he wrote for the maya
zines he left the beaten paths, so that
his stuff attracted much attention.
Through his verses he became ac-
quainted with William Allen White,
and as guest at the latter's home
met Miss Ida Tarbell. The young poet
later visited Miss Tarbell at her New
York home.
The boy was born at Youngstown.
- q. -.
there. Early in life he was attracted
to the road and has worked and ''hobo-
ed in nearly every state in the union.
Much of his tramp experience is de-
scribed in his poems. His early writ
ings are tinged with an undercurrent
of wildness and anarc hism. Neverthe
less, his productions have ring of
originality and truth in them which
makes them good reading.
His first poem published was 1.-THE
Man Behind the Plow," which APP
peared in the New York Independent,
January %, 1906. just before he
struck K. L. The verses show how
the farmer who tolls at home for the
support of the army deserves as much
credit as the "man behind the gun"
This and several others were read at
the meeting Sunday.
Is strong Socialist.
Kemp is a strong follower of Marx
and other Socialists and an active
worker in the Socialist party. Elk
planning his position Kemp says:
ct believe that those who cooperate
to produce, should cooperate to con-
sumo. That is one reason why am
Socialist. I am also Socialist be-
cause I think that party is the best. 1t
gives the squarest deal to every one.
OF course there care crooks in it, just
as there are crooks among the capt.
talists, or in any party or class, but
the majority Of the Socialists I believe
are sincere, honest and working for
the best interest of the masses.
However. I have tanned down
somewhat. Now, I am what may be
called a conservative Socialist-not
red rag one. 1 do not believe in con-
demning capitalists universally.
think there are some capitalists who
are really good and intend to do right.
l do not think any person should be
condemned without thorough invests
CATION. What wrong people, of GER
tain class, may do is often not their
fault as much as 1t is the systems.
1t is the system that is wrong, and I
believe in the condemnation of wrong
principles"
The poet, after somewhat of a
unique and stormy career has Ear
rived" His poems are now published
in the leading magazines, and he is
the friend Of such men as William
Allen White, of Miss Ida Tarben and
Upton Sinclair.
Here are two of his best: