Paul Wambach,
W. E. Horton.
To Eugene V. Debs, Esq.,
Woodstock, Ill., Nov. 22, 1895.
DEBS AND THE POETS.
(Clipping from New York Socialist, June 20, 1908.)
An infallible instinct for heart-analysis appears to be an attribute of the poets. For the most part they possess an unfailing judgment of character-worth, and whomsoever they know well and call good is apt to be a pretty safe pilgrim to tie to. President Roosevelt, of vituperative vocabulary, may loudly denounce him as an “undesirable citizen,” but when the poets with deeper discernment and prophetic vision pronounce him a “desirable citizen” they voice the sure verdict of the justifying years.
To Eugene V. Debs have the poets been especially kind, for in him have they recognized a kindred spirit. In him they have detected the true impulse of the brotherhood, concerning which no poet can well be deceived. They have found that his mind is a garden in bloom, and that his soul is filled with fragrance. So right blithely have they sung him of their best, and many of Fame’s favorites have been proud to call him friend—they who “sit at wine with the Maidens Nine and the gods of the elder days.”
It was James Whitcomb Riley who thus characteristically expressed himself concerning this beloved Apostle of Advancement:
“God was feeling mighty good when he created ’Gene Debs, and He didn’t have anything else to do all day.”