The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1915-02-22
PEOPLES FORUM
Mr.. Dick-rson Replies TO Mr.. Belts.

Editor virginian:
sir--Having read Mr. Belts again in your
issue of the 18th instant in reply to an article
II mine, published IN your valuable paper of
recent date, ] must confess that | am at a loss
to understand just what the gentleman Is driV-
Ing at He credits with possessing some
dreadful power or influence over those VINO
adorn without shame the soed and weather.
stained garments on which mother nature has
embroidered in the dinRy work shop, and dusty
labor fields her own hsraldiC honors; and over
thirty thousand or more people in our city to
the extent OF begging to spare business be
fore them.
Now Mr. Belts I am ready to testify, that
the rank and file of labor and the thirty thou
sand people OF whom you refer. are at least
honest in any purpose which they Jointly pur-
size. sufficiently INTELLIGENT to know and under
stand their collective interest a people, and
| have found them attentive and courteous on
all occasions which 7 addressed them. and
they seemed legs concerned some dire ca
lamity overtaking them than some other people
who hear not. but spring to the defense of that
which Is neither criticised threatened Mr..
Eetts. lets have a clear understanding, see
wherein differ ana wherein agree.
| have honest pride in all of honest
business industries, and sincere thanks for those
business gentlemen in midst and abroad.
who conduct their enterprises honest
basis, figuring their profits accordingly. ] have
nothing but contempt for the promoters and
schemers of corrupt and dishonest combines,
and corporations operating dishonest basis.
mean, In OrGer fhat there may De no mlSun-
Outstanding. such enterprises guilty Of
juggling their securities. placing unfair values
on franchises rights and privileges on which
20 begin figuring fair and reasonable profits.
Every honest man takes honest inventory OF
his properties and stocks to begin figuring his
earnings. He does not place thousands of dol
lars valuation the license for which he pays
few dollars, which privileges him to do bus-
ness. In other words If $1,000 Is invested in
! an enterprise having secured rights and priVi-
lcges for ST. It is dishonest to begin operation
on basis other than 81 DOL, and feel sure
that If the physical valuation OF the properties
Of some privately owned public service corpora
tion determined and found to be over
capitalized YOU Mr. Belts would join hands
with many OF us who feel that are justified
IN belief that gougiug profits are being *
acted by All such corporations. who oppose and
object to giving out the actual amount Of money
leeitmately invested in their enterprises.
This Is an honorable fight. It is a fight for
men of metal All we are seeking to do I'm adj
vising the payment Of poll taxes is to gain
through the ballot tho concentration Of the
I power of government in the hands of that great
mass of humanity representing no particular
interest, hut of all walks OF life, who are ar
feeted financially through the Eouging of those
abusing special privileges entrusted to their
hands by tho existing government,
Hoping I have succeeded in making clear my
position await the defining Of yours concern
/ ing these things and the injection OF other
! to becoud the issue
! Most respectfully,
! las f. DICKERSON.