The Washington herald., 1911-03-26
THE BIRTH OF A SOUL
Rudolph Spreckles Tells How He
Came to Study Public Affairs.

from inc OlnLnOnH.
Have you ever heard the story that
Rudolph Spreckles tells of his initiation
into the study of public affairs? 1t ought
tc be heard by every citizen who desires
to live up to his civic responsibilities. 1t
Is especially important that young men
shall hear 1t. Mr.. Spreckles has been
speaking before clubs, colleges, and legis-
latures At Lincoln, Nebr., he first ad-
dressed the Commercial Club, and the
members, crowding every foot Of space in
the banquet hall, listened with breath
less interest to the plain cnd simple story
OF the way in which his own heart was
reached and his manhood stirred by the
knowledge he acquired of crookedness in
business and municipal government He
was then invited to speak before the
State senate of Nebraska, and in the
evening addressed a body of students at
the university. Every one who listened
to him went away stronger for what he
said.
Spreckles began business as a young
nan-as a boy, in fact-under his fathers
tutelage. His first recollections were of
the lawless conduct of rivals who were
attempting to prevent competition. Ma
chinery was damaged by persons obtain
ing admission to the works, and trust
ed employe was bribed to furnish infor-
nation. Later, as a director in a, local
gas company in San Francisco, he be-
came aware of the indefensible methods
that were being employed by the COM
pany. He appealed to the stockholders,
reorganized the company, and started out
to put the corporation upon an honest
business basis. Then he came into con-
tact with the grafters In municipal life,
chief among whom at that time was Abe
Ruef. He had been gradually becoming
conscious of a work that needed to be
arouse his moral nature was an offer
made by Abe Ruef that involved conse-
ouences so fiendish that young Spreckles
burst forth into reformer. 1t was the
birth OF a soul, to borrow a phrase that
has been used many times before He
dates his political career from that date
Since then he has not only spent his
money, but what is even more note
worthy. he has risked the social ostra-
cism which the predatory interests are
able to visit upon those who hold virtue
above might. He is largely responsible
for the shaking up in California politics
shaking that will do the State more
good than the earthquake did harm.
One Of the best tests Of the political
wisdom and moral courage of Spreckles
Is that he recognizes the premiership of
La Toilette among the progressive Re-
publicans; he appreciates the long and
unfaltering fight that the Wisconsin
Senator has made.
The Commoner rejoices that a man
like Spreckles has thrown the weight Of
his influence in favor of reforms In
stead Of using his wealth to pamper the
flesh and to chloroform his intellectual
energy. he is contributing to the ad-
vancement OF political measures which
he believes TO be right. Instead of fear
ing the masses, he has wisely determined
to be their friend. He is willing to trust
his fortune to laws made by the people
The initiative and referendum and the
recall have no terrors for him. He has
confidence in the patriotism and the in
telligence of the average man, and that
confidence is not misplaced. Nebraska is
better for the visit paid it by Rudolph
Spreckles. May his life be spared and
his zeal be unabated until his dollars will
be forgotten in the public's admiration
OF those qualities of head and heart that
outShine money metals