And if he died ’twas nothing lost.[61]

In the following poem, by an unknown writer, “The Bum on the Rods and the Bum on the Plush” states the case of labor against capital in the language and accents of the hobo:

The bum on the rods is hunted down

As the enemy of mankind,

The other is driven around to his club

Is feted, wined, and dined.

And they who curse the bum on the rods

As the essence of all that is bad,

Will greet the other with a winning smile,

And extend the hand so glad.