The daily worker. [volume] (Chicago, Ill.) 1924-1958, 1927-09-10
Impressions OF
Magnus Johnson
BY PAUL CROUCH

to be a fellow speaker lat Brush Lake, Mont.)
with ex-senator Magnus johnson of Minnesota. I
could hardly imagine former United States sena-
tor being willing to speak with Communist SEN
fenced to prison for revolutionary activities in the
army 'tt't
Ny surprise was even greater when Magnus John
son (who the last speaker) told the audience
Everything Crouch said is true, there is ques-
ton about that" few minutes before he had
been praising the personal" qualities of Cal Cool
idge--those very qualities which make him the
rubber stamp of American imperialism.
Though he possesses good voice and consid-
cradle talent a humorst, it is only in political
life that the famous Minnesota farmer is unusual
character And in spite of his failure in the milking
contest Magnus johnson is real farmer with the
typical psychology of most rural people
The cause of Magnus Johnsons political influence
is easy to see only when he is on the platform be-
fore audience of farmers. He told with pride
how Coolidge devoted thirty-five minutes to dis
cdssion Of his own twelve minute talk, failing to
understand the methods of flattery and deception
used for political purposes in Washington to bring
opponents in line when other methods have failed
to prevent their election But tho be was at sea in
the of political intrigue and unable to under
stand the tactics of big business in Washington, he
does understand the psychology if not the real prob
lens of the farmers of Minnesota.
The last thing the farmer desires is to hear of
matters he cannot Immediately understand. But he
is able to appreciate humorous story and often
judges the intelligence of the speaker by his talent
comedian. Magnus Johnson knows this, and
carefully avoids offending the farmer by expect
ing him to think. However, he is unable to see that
the only salvation of the farmer is the unpleasant
task of learning to think and understand the real
cause of present evils and the fact that the only
solution is unity in an UNCOMPROMISING fight
against capitalism. When Magnus johnson enter
tains the farmers with humorous stories and spares
them the pain of thought, he is unconsciously aid
ing big business in keeping them in slavery. He can
not see the futiity of electing representatives to
congress WREN the farmers themselves remain in
ignorance of the real probSv---
Magnus Johnson possesses tE= ability Of keeping
an audience interested without disturbing them with
serious thought and this quality would lead him
to greater success if he a better politician.
This farmer and former glass blower from Sweden
who became United States senator seems to be
honest-according to the conventional standards of
bourgeois virtue. Thru subtle flattery and false
promises the agents of big business were able to
prevent any real efforts in Washington against the
forces of capitalism, but it appears that Magnus
Johnson did not take part in the undisguised forms
of corruption characteristic of the American gov
eminent. No who be deceived by Cal Cool
idges flattering attentions is really dangerous but
nevertheless he nuisance and the greatest
thing to his credit the successful effort made
to remove him from the senate so that the con-
scious tool of big business could take his place
| travelled with Magnus johnson from Montana
to his home in Minnesota and in personal conversa
ton able to understand more thoroughly the
character of who spoke of receiving inspra-
ton from Eugene V. Debs and then praises Gov
Lowden of Illinois.
Everything Crouch said is true, there is no ques-
ton about that l had been exposing the true ma
ture of American imperialism and calling on the
workers for united front against the danger of
new capitalist wars. And this approval" was from
man who believes Vice president Dawes is one
of the best leaders of the American people and
praises him to me in the highest terms. Magnus
johnson expresses approval of the fight of Com
munist against American imperialism and tells OF
his admiration for of the leading spokesman OF
imperialism-an efficient tool of Morgan and gang
Magnus Johnson may be an inspiration in com.
parison with most of the political tools of CAPT
talism, but we cannot expect any effective oppos
ton to the rule of big business from man who
denounces imperialism and supports the imperial
lists.