The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1912-10-04

. number Of seif-seeking people, Every body
of men working for political social and onS!-
Il ness progress is hampered by the presence oil
number OF those who have notoriety to gain
=. selfish ends to consummate. On the crest
Of every reform wave rides into power some
damagogue who has seized his opportunity and
capitalized revolt against unbearaole condi-
lions.
s7 These men discredit great causes. The dis
eoyery OF their demagogism and of their IN
sincerity reflects upon the true leaders OF that
cause and payes the way for suspicion OF any
Who. coming after them, may lead some other
movement for good
False prophets we have with us always ana
-mf=eaps will haze with lis. and If many could
net discriminate between the true and the
false, real progress and reform would he im-
possible Were ii not that people have learned
not to lose faith because they have been de-
ceived time and time again, true patriots would
! moi have SO large a following as their patriot
ism should attract to them. 2--" '.r.' -a"'
OF recent years the American people have
awakened TO the realization OF the fact that
uo9ffraf e8u4iitions' of tho nation must be- rer
formed They have awakened to the fact that
the national congress IL not controlled by the
people so much as by the special Interests
They have awakened to the fact that many OF
their servants are false to their masters and
4 only TOO true TO those who have bribed them
with offers OF power. preferment, and even of
money Realizing conditions small body OF
real men and patriots began to work assidu-
cusly for reform. They seized the people and
made them listen Listening, the people were
Ut hrst Indifferent. then interested and then
rsehteousiy indignant They placed their
trust in these leaders. and in larger and larger
numbers they began to support them. Seeing
tlfese men who had worked conseientiously for
a reform Of conditions thrust into office the
better 10 perform that work. demagogues aud
self-seekers joined in the cry against corrup-
ton hoping to gain in this way that which
their natural abilities denied to them.
One of these men was William r. Hearst.
Thousands realized that Mr. Hearst was work
Ing for Mr. Hearst, but they believed that he
4 was disclosing the existence of improper reia-
tions between public officials and private in
terests, and while dfstrusting. they tolerated
Hill IoT tue anu I've StSibrd w w IfhuCi ans
--rffe7r cause~~~fte did some harm, tin that he
laid others open 10 suspicion of working for
self but seemed to be doing more good by his
activities Now he has been subjected TO a
charge from a reputable Source that his ex-
posures were not genuine: that he has stopped
10 theft and forgery 10 pillory before the pub
lie both those men who should be retired to.
private life and those who are innocent OF
wrongdoing He has used his power, accord
ing to the allegations 10 wreak vengeance and
10 crafty his lust for dragging in the mud
honorable men along with the dishonorahle
II this charge be proven true-and the evil
dence is plausible to say the least--a heavy
blow has been dealt great
Another who has discredited the present
movement for the rule OF the people, the de-
thronement OF bosses and the dissolution of
tile partnership between privilege and the gov
ernment is George W. Perkins and, in so far
as he is responsible for Perkins. Theodore
Roosevelt Through the medium OF of the
newspaper of Frank A. Munsey. another bogus
leader for reform, he suggests that the court
4hieh passes unon railroad matters should be
made up OF railroad men. Thus Perkins shows
the eioyen hoof and the great party with which
he is identified is In measure, diseredited,
The Master saw fit to warn His followers
against false prophets, but this warning has
been Anheeded by many throughout the CEN
turtles since His appearance on earth False
prophets of religion, OF reform and OF progress
have been innumerable and each has had his
day and his following. Always their insincer-
tty has been uncovered. a desirable consum-
nation. but when they identified with d
good cause their unmasking has not been uu-
attended with evil II is only the sublime
Il faith Of the average man in his brothers. a
Il faith which exists despite the carping OF the
cyncs and faith which has been justified
the Malings ot he weak and faithess,
D that has prevented every true prophet from
speaking unheard and which has inspired all
u their followers 10 support them in their cru
/ sades
MURPHY stRRENDERS.