L. A. Benson, Clay Center, Kan.
I write to inquire as to the truth or falsity of the rumor that you have severed your connection with the Magazine which bears your name. I have been a voting Prohibitionist since 1885. I bought the first issue of “Tom Watson’s” and read it, and have hungered for its appearance ever since. I have read every line of Editorial and other matter which came from your pen. I was beginning to think myself so much of a Populist that I could “keep step.” From 1894 until 1901 I lived in Philadelphia, Pa., and judging the Populists from the caricatures appearing in Eastern papers I felt surprised to find that I have all along possessed just such views as constitute the essence of Populism. I find myself unwilling to give up the opportunity to follow your pen. I will regard it as a matter of genuine kindness to me if you will put me in connection with the Magazine which takes your copy and spreads it among your many disciples and admirers. I regard the work which you are doing as fundamental, and I am aware that you, like all leaders in reforms which touch the money-king, will suffer. If it be in the power of “Old Plute” to crucify you, he will not be too tender. He will not be lacking in heartless cruelty. But while you are bidding high for the hate and vengeance of “Old Plute” you are winning the glorious title of “friend” and “brother” to those who are crushed ’neath the heel of this heartless, greedy foe. To oppose him and to stand the loving helper of men, is to trace the footsteps of the Man of Galilee, up a modern Calvary. In plain language, it is the essence of pure and undefiled religion. Here’s my hand, brother, and may God bless and prosper you.
Hedging on Human Life.
N. B. McDowell, Ronceverte, W. Va.
In reply to your question in Watson’s Magazine of August: “Is it true that railroad corporations insure the lives of the railroad mail clerks?” I cannot speak for the railroad corporations, but it was developed in court here that the St. Lawrence Broom & Manufacturing Co., the largest corporation in this section, has the lives of its employes insured for its benefit. This company employs a large number of men and boys and has never made any provisions for their protection against the inclemency of the weather, or the many dangers of machinery that might be averted.
I was an employe of this company for fifteen years and have seen a number of men and boys mangled and maimed for life, but it was not known until quite recently that the corporation received insurance for every employe that got crippled. A boy got his hand cut off and sued the company for damages and it was clearly proven that the employes were insured for the benefit of the company.
Must Have the “Jeffersonian.”
D. H. Chamberlain, Harriston, Miss.