The citizen. (Honesdale, Pa.) 1908-1914, 1910-03-25
MAN Of MILLIONS
1 REPENTS THEFTS
Joseph Fels to Use His Wealth
Against the System Under
Which He Acquired 1t
SCORNS OTHER RICH MEN
Calls Carnegie, Rockefeller, and Nor
gan Robbers Through Unjust Laws,
Although Personally Honest-John
D. Mild and Harmless.

Although personally Honest-Jonn
D. Mild and Harmless.
Chicago. Carnegie, Rockefeller,
Morgan, and other captains of indus
try are robbers. and their millions are
ill-gotten gains. We cannot get rich
fast enough nowadays without rob
bing the public. I admit that l, too,
have robbed the public, and | am still
doing it, but I propose to spend the
accursed money in wiping out the
system by which ] made IT,"
Joseph Fels, millionaire manu-
facturer Of soap, made this statement
in talking to fellow-diners at the Uni
versity Of Chicago Settlement. He
was the guest Of honor, the hostesses
being Mrs. w. F. Dummer and Miss
Mary Mcdowell His remarks were
in application or a briefer state
ment that startled members of the
City Club whom he had addressed at
luncheon earlier in the day.
Under a fire of questions Mr.. Fels,
who has lied from the La Sale Hotel
to escape the appeals of fortune hun
ters. melted by reports that he intend
ed to divide $5,0O0,0oO among the
worthy explained his plans to quiet
his conscience" by heavy expenditures
of his ''robber wealth"
81 do not believe in charities" he
said. "They are agents of pauperiza-
ton, Neither am l philanthropist.
IN, ,1a n aiI II.
tions of mercy however worthy they
may be generally esteemed"
Rockefeller and other millionaires
have accumulated their wealth
through unjust laws, especially under
the tariffs protection" he said. and
because of these laws l, too, have
robbed the public and am still robbing
it. am not responsible for these
laws. but am doing. and intend to do,
what l can to change them
How are you getting rid of your
robber wealth." Mr.. Fels was asked.
For one thing" he replied 81 am
interested in spreading the single tax
propaganda throughout the world. The
movemep, is active in the United
States. England, Canada, South Aus
tralia, New Zealand New South
Wales. Lenmark, Sweden. and other
nations
One of the diners who knew volun-
teered the information that this work
was costing Mr.. Fels S150,GOO a year,
as he duplicated, dollar for dollar,
every contribution made TO the cause.
A house of public speakers, trained
in the argument against land monop-
oily" are kept in the field.
IF We had an educational fund OF
$4,000 900 a year" said Mr. Fels, we'd
upset the world in twenty years as to
economic conditions. | will be one
of twelve to supply the funds"
Maryland, a model town, 30 miles
from London. also has been the recipi-
ent of about $150,OOO of Mr.. Fels's
conscience fund" or "swag," as he
calls his wealth.
81 intend TO use my money" ex-
planned Mr.. Fels, Ito force into use
land that is being held for the incre-
ment. | do not believe in specializing
swindle. As business man and land
owner ! have taken advantage OF
monopolies which private ownership
Of lands gave me; lands which righs
fully belong TO many instead of the
few. The tariff is further pauperiza.
tion Of the toiler for the benefit OF the
monopolist. Perhaps l would have
made fortune despite the laws, but
! want to bring into operation condi.
tions Of equal manhood, conditions
under which all have an equal
chance"
Mr.. Fels said he did not mean that
he and Rockefeller and Morgan, and
Carnegie had been personally dishon
est-in the accumulation of their for.
tunes.
John d. Rockefeller" he contin
ued, 'is a mild, harmless man with a
mistaken ideal, but personally honest
None the less. he is a robber"