The West Virginian. [volume] (Fairmont, W. Va.) 1914-1974, 1916-07-17


could be furnished TO sustain the
above assertion. but they are TOO well
known to repeat. moreover paper and
space In war times Is TOO expensive
for even brief account Of them all,
therefore We will dwell upL1 those
OF very recent date and contine the
narrative to our immediate vicinity.
A few weeks ago The West vir-
ginian informed It's readers OF an as
sault on the State Organizer Of the
Socialist Party. Mr.. G. 2. Parsons.
who vas attacked and beaten with
out word Of warning while he vas
making arrangements :or a meeting
70 be held later. In an ed!rcria! The
West Ei-gi2!aa denounced this mean
and cowaTdly crime, not only those
who made the assault, but those who
paid .oT AID superintendent Il. out up
to date the criminals have not been
arrested aud no attempt has been
made TO ascertain who they were.
Two years ago. the writer Is told,
one OF our respected citizens was
beaten up by certain notorious in
divtdual Of this community, simply
for entertaining CONSCIENTIOUS puliu-
cal views and expressing them within
the bounds OF his Constitutional
rights, the authorities ware duly no.
ufed OF this assault, but the hireling
vas not arrested; in fact, the author
tiles refused TO arrest him.
Recently. when at a late hour re-
turning from a convention IN a
leighboring citr, the writer had the
questionable honor OF this street
loafer's special attention, the reason
for which is totally unknown TO him.
Suspiciously following me from the
time alighted from the car. his pur-
suit continued for several blocks 10
4 restaurant, and later until 4 taxi
carried me from his august presence.
Eare since been informed that he
is the same individual who exercised
his skill in handling the black jack
case TWO Tears ago mentioned above.
Just what his intentions we're do
not know; am no criminal in any
sense Of the word. hare not been In
conflict with the law at any time or
IN a1T place for any reason vharso-
ever. Ee is no personal enemy OF
mine, since to my best knowledge
have never seen him before and do
positively know that l have never ex-
changed words with him. There re-
mains then political reasons. l. e..
reasons pertaining TO my own per-
sonal opinion, matter that ! am
used TO consider as purely ny own
business.
What would have happened had I
walked home, I was not prepared at
that time to and out. Perhaps he
desired information for future refer
ence. or he mar have intended 10 pre-
vent ne from attending another con-
venr.on in this world b. the black
Jack" method.
Faced by facts like these, what is
an honest man IN a free country''
going to do' Is he to continually
yield to the demands from above. .
become hypocrit, kill his better self
and allow his mental faculties 10 be
dictated TO by murderers and high
waymen who are paid by those same
powers "above?"
Shall he, based on his knowledge
after years Of study and experience,
against his will, change his opinion,
join the ranks Of the weak minded
mass that are led by others and be-
come a willing tool Of Plurocracy:
Shall he remain with his principles
and depend upon the Law OF the land
10 uphold his rights OF free speech
and press and in consequence there
OF demand protection from the law
Or shall he. seing that the law does
not protect him. resort 10 the ex-