Chapter II: Studying Law! (3)

If socialism is anything, or is to be anything in human history which is to make for the betterment of humanity, then it must rest upon the fundamental principles of honesty, justice and truth. All those who would not be cursed by its adoption to-morrow, by reason of their lack of development and their consequent lack of capacity to appreciate its meaning and the obligations inherent in it, assert that brotherly love, the golden rule, and the Sermon on the Mount, are also corner-stones in the foundation of its most noble structure.

But let us leave the latter out of consideration for the present. It is not conceivable that there can be dug up in the office of the _Appeal_ one individual so low in the scale of human development as not to concede honor, truth and justice as being the beginning, the very A B C of socialism. What must we think, then, of the estimate that the one who penned the abominable article referred to, places upon the intelligence of his readers, to say nothing of the hundreds who have drawn from the little stock of their earnings which are really needed for the comfort of themselves and family, to assist this poor degenerate in distributing his venom and flaunting his idiocy in the faces of a nation of intelligent people, to the disheartenment of thousands of advocates of socialism, and the great glee of those who aver that the animus of socialism and of all socialists is such as “Breathes the hot breath of brutal hate, and riots as it runs” through the two columns of the “Appeal?” To those who have not been unfortunate enough to read it, suffice it to say that it is a wholly uncalled for, unsocialistic, and, from every point of view, rascally, assault upon Hon. Thomas E. Watson, and to make it, if possible, more pusillanimous, it is given publicity just at a time when, on account of Mr. Watson’s having been grievously misused by his former business associates in the _Watson’s Magazine_ enterprise, Mr. Watson is deserving of the sympathy of every person who possesses a spark of decency. It is cowardly in the extreme to strike a person when he is down or crippled.

Mr. Watson’s life history is now an open book to anyone, not an absolute ignoramus, in this broad country. He has his prejudices. He has his own political ideas, which, at the test of the ballot box, have been shown to be largely in the minority, but, to his honor be it said, the fact that they were not the winning card, has never caused him for one moment to falter in devoting time, money and energy in their advocacy, a fact which of itself would give the lie to the baseless, senseless and hypocritical charge of treachery and double dealing, which, by their own statements, finds 250,000 duplications in this issue of the Appeal.

It is doing too much honor to quote from it, but the readers of progress will excuse the presentation of some short samples. “Tom appears to have a grudge against whatever tends toward progress.” Think of that in reference to the father of the rural free delivery postal system which carries tens of thousands of copies of this very diatribe of lies to the farmers of the country, in whose interest Watson succeeded in having this system established, as the _Congressional Record_ will bear witness. Again, “But he has been repudiated by the respectable democratic press of his state--as witness the merciless exposure of his methods by the _Atlanta Constitution_ and the _Macon Telegraph_!” Respectable! The _Atlanta Constitution_ and the _Macon Telegraph_! Socialists of intelligence, what have you to say of the creature so lost to decency as to, in the columns of the leading socialist weekly paper of America, if not of the world, so far as circulation goes, laud the _Atlanta Constitution_ and the _Macon Telegraph_, notoriously the most mercenary and most thoroughly corporation-serving papers of the entire South, and for no other reason--for he can plead no other--than because they are fighting Tom Watson, who happens to be under the ban of his displeasure?

And why are the ultra corporation journals fighting Tom Watson? Because honest Tom Watson is sacrificing his private interests in a determined effort to defeat the machinations of the Walter Parkers, the Herrins and the Abe Ruefs of his beloved state.

Again: “That Watson received the price for his perfidy is not for a moment to be doubted.” Whoever penned those lines either knew that he was penning a most villainous lie or he is too ignorant to be worthy of the contempt of a chimpanzee. There isn’t a person with intelligence enough to write connectedly on truth, or any part of the scurrilous rot this creature did, but knows perfectly well that if Tom Watson had been corruptible, he could have received ten times more to have sold himself to the very forces this creature is supposed to be fighting, than it has ever been claimed he did get. That is just as true of Tom Watson as it is of ’Gene V. Debs. Everyone, including the writer of that malicious screed, _knows_ that they both could be rolling luxuriously in wealth if they had but followed the course of these very papers which he is pleased to declare “respectable.”

But the last quotation is manly as compared with this one: “It is said that he has been up for sale before, and was knocked down to the highest bidder,” etc., “It is said!” The language of the conscienceless gossip, the method of the footpad, with the sand-bag, or the gas-pipe who strikes you out of the dark. Again: “John M. Barnes, a man for whose veracity many stand ready to vouch, etc.” Very good, Mr. No-name. Mr. Barnes is good enough authority to use in an effort to injure your brother man, Mr. Thos. Watson. Would you accept Mr. John M. Barnes’ statement as to the offices you, your associates and the _Appeal to Reason_ are performing in America, and would you abide by and endorse them in your own case? Never! And that very fact impeaches your honesty in quoting, as against Tom Watson, the slanders of corporation hirelings and political hacks, whom you know are fighting him for what there is in it. No! no! When you go straining a point, you always _prove too much_.

Be something like a man, and bid him God speed in his task of awakening the people to their dangers, even if he does leave them short of being full-fledged socialists.

Tom Watson’s opinions are not in all respects mine. In fact, there are many points on which we do not agree. But if I have outgrown the tenets of Populism, and he has not, or if he sees so many falling away from the mere party organization of populism as to be heart-sore and discouraged, and chooses to advocate _the same principles_ under the name of Jeffersonian Democracy, he is still entitled to the respect of friend and foe alike, until he sacrifices principle to greed or puerile hatred.

Wants to Follow Watson’s Pen.

_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._

A few days ago I saw in the Memphis _Commercial-Appeal_ that you had severed your connection with _Watson’s Magazine_. I am a subscriber and have taken the Magazine solely on account of your Editorials, which I regard as the finest and most forceful I ever read in any Magazine. My subscription is about run out and if you are no longer connected with the publication I do not care to renew. This is my reason for making this inquiry, and I will be glad to hear the report is untrue. If it is correct let me know if it will be your purpose to edit a similar periodical. In that event you can count on me as a subscriber, even if the subscription price should be increased to $5.00 per annum.

I think you are doing a great and necessary work in your attempts to arouse the people to the dangers that now menace the liberties of this unhappy land, “to hastening ills a prey.”

There is one point on which I am constrained to criticise you and that is your ill-advised attacks on W. J. Bryan, which is something I am utterly unable to understand.

Why do you do this when you both stand for the same things? It seems to me unfortunate, to say the least, that soldiers of the hosts of Reform should turn their artillery upon each other when so much ammunition is needed to fight the cohorts of Plutocracy, and in this connection nothing will ever be accomplished in the way of bringing this Government again into the possession of the people if any such suicidal policy is pursued. The reformers must get together if this Republic is to be preserved, if it is not even now too late to save it. Of this I am certain: we have no time left us for internal dissensions, and I hope that so splendid a soldier of the common good as yourself, will, in the future, refrain from stirring up discord in the ranks of Reform, and reserve your ammunition entirely for our enemies.

As to Gins.

_R. W. Barkley, New York City._

November 12, 1906.

I note that you are proposed as President of the Cotton Association. I have read your Magazine from the first number until Mann got it, and I know your desire to benefit the South. I control the patent rights on a cotton gin which works on a new principle and which leaves the cotton in natural lengths, thereby enhancing the price to the planter by one to five cents per pound. The gin can be run by hand, or by power, and a few farmers can own one in common and thereby earn money by ginning their own cotton. The gin consists of “mechanism for gradually opening and loosening the cotton fibres while still attached to the seeds, with means for thereafter removing the seeds.” Just take a little cotton and gradually pull the fibres apart, without, however, separating them from the seed, until you have a large puff ball and then see how easily they come off at the seed. Well, that is what this machine does. No “gin cut” cotton in it. Seed practically unhurt, also. Am looking for money wherewith to build a large machine, (the inventor made the working model by hand himself); it does the work fairly well, but it is getting to be ram-shackle for demonstration purposes, and then for capital wherewith to work the gin commercially. Such a gin ought to interest you and also the Cotton Association.

EDITOR’S NOTE.--Having just been run through one new and improved gin--known as _Town Topics_--and having been badly “gin cut” myself, have but slight inclination for new inventions of the gin variety.

Getting Used to It.

_S. R. Sikes, Ocilla, Georgia._

I have your card of November 10th, advising me of your withdrawal from _Watson’s Magazine_, and of your intention of publishing in the near future WATSON’S JEFFERSONIAN. I desire to express my sympathy for you in your recent trouble with the New York publication, and to assure you of my friendship and best wishes for you in your new enterprise, “THE JEFFERSONIAN.”

I feel sure that you have been treated very unfairly by those New York people, and I feel a spirit of resentment for you, and I am to-day writing them to discontinue mailing _Watson’s Magazine_ to me, and to erase my name from their list of subscribers. (Copy of letter enclosed.)

I would feel worse for you over this transaction than I do if it were not for the fact you have been unfairly treated and falsely accused so many times during the last ten or fifteen years, until I suppose you have to some extent become toughened so that you can stand such treatment better than the average man, and I see very plainly now, and have seen for quite a while past, that the current of public sentiment is rapidly drifting your way. I desire to offer you all the encouragement I possibly can in the noble work you are doing--educating the common people of the country on the public issues that are now facing the American people, and in this connection I will state to you that I have been with you, so far as my ability extends, in this battle, and on some occasions have been severely criticised for taking your part and standing by the principles of original democracy in the days when the Democratic Party was seeking to destroy the principles upon which our government was founded. Of course I will subscribe for the JEFFERSONIAN. I want the first copy that is printed and each succeeding issue. Mail me a few sample copies, and I think I can induce some others to subscribe.

* * * * *

(Copy.)

November 14, 1906.

Editor Watson’s Magazine, New York.

Dear Sir:--After reading and carefully considering the recent differences between you and the Honorable Thos. E. Watson, I wish to say to you that I think Mr. Watson has been treated very unfairly. I am a great admirer of Mr. Watson and his writings, and this led me to subscribe to the Magazine in its beginning. I have been highly pleased with it, and especially so with Mr. Watson’s editorials, but as he has been forced to sever his connection with the Magazine, and as his writings were the principle things which induced me to subscribe to the Magazine, I write to request that you erase my name from your list of subscribers. If I remember correctly, my subscription is paid up to March 1st, 1907, but under the circumstances I do not wish another copy mailed to my address.

Very respectfully,

S. R. SIKES.

Watson Was Its Strength.

_V. L. Anthony, Jr., Hurtsboro, Ala._

I subscribed for _Watson’s Magazine_ on account of your connection with it. Now, as you are no longer with it, I wish your new Magazine when you start it.

“The Gang” Insults the Readers.

_D. J. Henderson, Sr., Ocilla, Ga._

When the stockholders of the _Watson’s Magazine_ attempted to restrict you as Editor and Manager, causing you to sever your connection with it, they struck, what I call, a death blow to the Magazine. All of its readers who believe in pure Jeffersonian Democracy felt the insult as keenly as you. I enclose you copy of a letter I sent last week to DeFrance, ordering mine discontinued. I am a subscriber to the Weekly _Jeffersonian_ and will be to the Magazine you contemplate starting in Atlanta as soon as the first issue is out.

The editor of the _Ocilla Star_, whom I asked you some time back to exchange your Magazine with, has, since that time, “passed over the River to rest in the shade.” The paper will be continued by his two young sons, who, I know, if not doing so, will be pleased to exchange with _The Jeffersonian_.

May the blessings of Heaven be upon you and yours.

* * * * *

(Copy.)

Ocilla, Ga., Oct. 24, 1906.

Mr. C. Q. DeFrance, New York City.

Dear Sir:--Please strike my name from the list of subscribers to the _Watson Magazine_. I learn the stockholders endeavored to place restrictions on Mr. Watson as Editor and Manager, and he, for that reason, severed his connection with it. Thank God for that. I am glad to know he had so much manhood about him. Tom Watson is one among the greatest statesmen the United States has. It is a source of satisfaction to know that he will neither speak nor write with a corporation muzzle on. When the stockholders attempted to restrict Mr. Watson in his Editorials for the Magazine, they didn’t only insult him, but they insulted every reader of it who believes in the pure Jeffersonian principles which Mr. Watson so ably advocates and defends. I would be proud of Tom Watson were he from any other section of the Union. He being a Southern man and a Georgian at that, I am exceedingly proud of him. I fear somebody has been taken upon the Mount and shown the glorious things the railroads will do if they will only fall down and worship them. If _no Watson_ is with the Magazine then _no Magazine for me_.

Respectfully,

D. J. HENDERSON, SR.

“It Would Be a Noble Charity.”

_Chas. D. Hunt, Gueydan, La._

Reading with interest your valuable editorials in the October number and the most striking and interesting subject, “It Would be a Noble Charity”--here you have treated a subject in a light that any person could not help from shielding with an honest heart, with a strong desire in mind to spread the cause of charity, but you have almost been selfish with your subject. What of the territory bordering along the Gulf of Mexico? That is, the extreme portion.

Here we have settlers of almost ancient times. They are not altogether uncivilized, but are not able to meet the demands of our educated requirements. Hence are we to still keep them back or are we to give them a helping hand? These people know nothing of education and its help in life, but toil with an earnest heart to maintain _merely_ a _scant living_ and to bring the younger class up in their own path.

I think if the Humane Society would stop and think deeply in regard to the young boys and girls that spend their school days in hard labor out of school there would be something done to protect them and give them a chance for a better future than is now before them.

It would be surprising to anyone who has had the advantages of education and _really_ felt its _real value_ in life to stroll along the prairies and see just how many bright young boys and girls are out of touch with the educated world. Why? Their parents are not able to aid them to secure an education, but are more than willing.

Do you not think much could be done in both mountain and prairie territories?

Wants Only the Real Thing.

_Burton H. Jeffers, Rose, N. Y._

Having read in the _Missouri World_ that you had ceased writing for _Watson’s Magazine_, I was greatly surprised. I had supposed that you owned the Magazine, and had taken great pleasure in securing subscriptions for it in this vicinity. Some of those subscriptions have just expired, and the subscribers say they don’t want it again if you are not going to write for it. That would seem to sound the death knell of the now so-called _Watson’s Magazine_.

When you start your new magazine send me a sample copy, and I will endeavor to give your subscription list a little boost. I would also like a few sample copies of your weekly paper.

You Shall Hear Again.

_J. J. Hunt, El Paso, Tex._

Looking forward and hoping to get the November number of your Magazine, I hear, verbally, that you have severed your connection with that periodical, and I don’t care now whether it ever appears again, for what I read in it was what you wrote, little else. I know you quit your association there for good cause and that your work will not end, and believe I shall hear from you again. I dare say two thirds of the readers of _Watson’s Magazine_, like myself, will care little for it now.

While I’m traveling, please know that I’m still a citizen of good old Georgia, living at 257 South Pryor Street, Atlanta.

Samples of the Replies DeFrance May Expect to Get to Begging Letters.

(Copy.)

Boaz, Ala., Nov. 16, 1906.

C. Q. DeFrance.

Dear Sir:--In this paragraph you say too much to get my help; you say that Mr. Watson’s backers cared nothing for Mr. Watson’s “ideas.” But the money which you hoped to get out of those who do care for Mr. Watson and his “ideas” was the object in view. Had it not been for Mr. Watson and the principles he advocated I would not have been a subscriber. This and the fact that Mr. Watson was forced to resign because of non-payment of his salary and what you say in the fourth paragraph forever settles it with me. When Mr. Watson betrays the people’s cause or trust for any cause I am done, for I would never confide in another man as I have in him, but he will never forsake the people.

Yours truly,

T. B. MOSLEY.

* * * * *

(Copy.)

Mr. C. Q. DeFrance, Business Manager, New York City, N. Y.

Dear Sir:--I received the November number of the _Watson’s Magazine_ a few days ago, and your circular letter and subscription blanks today, and in reply would say that I am one of those who much prefer the play of Hamlet with the Prince of Denmark left in.

Further comments are unnecessary. My subscription expires February, 1907. Please discontinue same with the November number received.

Yours very truly,

A. A. DELONG.

* * * * *

(Copy.)

_Watson’s Magazine, 121 W. 42nd Street, New York, N. Y._

Gentlemen:--You will please discontinue my subscription to _Watson’s Magazine_.

I subscribed to this periodical in order to read Mr. Watson’s editorials; and, inasmuch as he is no longer identified with this publication, it is useless to send it to me any longer.

Very truly,

BURGESS SMITH.

Wants the Jeffersonian.

_Chas. E. Harris, Alton, Ill._

I was very much surprised on buying _Watson’s Magazine_ for November to find that you were no longer connected with it as editor. Of course I will have no further use for the Magazine as I only bought it in the first place for your writings.

I saw in one of the St. Louis papers that you intended to start another Magazine and call it WATSON’S JEFFERSONIAN. Please advise me if this is true and when it will be ready for publication, as I want you to put me down on your subscription list.

I hope to cast my first vote for you and Bryan in 1908.

No Sham for Him.

_Benjamin H. Hill, West Point, Ga._

Some time ago I subscribed for your splendid Magazine solely and only to get to read your articles therein and I notice to-day’s number, with one exception, contains nothing from your able pen. Without your articles I would not give ten cents a year for it, in fact don’t want it at any price. I desire to read after you, but don’t want this other trash.

I regret your trouble and hope it will yet prove for your benefit and help.

The Jeffersonian is the Answer.

_Chas. Buttlar, Oakland, Cal._

I have been a regular purchaser of your Magazine from its beginning, and it is with the deepest regret that I learn that you have withdrawn from the Magazine. I presume that the enemies of truth have destroyed its publication as they have done heretofore with others.

Will you kindly inform me, also, whether you will start a new Magazine or paper by which we may enjoy the education that you have given us? I wish you success and strength to overcome all opposition.

Hamlet Without the Dane.

_H. G. Sumner, Passaic, N. J._

_Watson’s Magazine_ without Watson is of course no longer _Watson’s Magazine_. I haven’t seen the November number, but it must be like “Hamlet” with Hamlet left out.

I am proud of having been one of the faithful in 1904, when I heard you speak at Jersey City and again in that matchless “old fashioned stump speech” at the Grand Central Palace in New York, where I managed to jam myself through the crowd on the platform and get hold of your hand for a second.

The monthly visits of your Magazine were like those of a dear friend dropping in for an evening to discuss matters which should be of the gravest concern to every true American. I have the numbers all bound in volumes, but now my set is complete much sooner than I had anticipated.

A few minutes ago I took up a copy of _The Public_, in which I saw a paragraph to the effect that you would soon start a new Magazine. I hope this may be true, and I want to be one of the first subscribers, for I am anxious for the continuation of the “Life of Jackson” and for more of your Editorials.

From a Constant Reader.

_Jas. E. Dillon, Otwell, Ind._

Too late I learned the sad story of _Watson’s Magazine_. I have been a subscriber to it from the first number, and I did not want to miss a number.

I sent a long list of names to it a few days before I found it out, for sample copies. But it has lost its attraction to me and I hope such men as DeFrance and Mann will soon be relegated.

I have enclosed a few names that might subscribe to the new JEFFERSONIAN MAGAZINE.

I hope you will have success in spreading the truth and nothing but the truth.

Wants a “Watson’s” With a Watson in It

_H. C. Britt, Sparta, Ga._

I have been informed that you would send to the present subscribers to _Watson’s Magazine_, if they so desired, your new publication, free of cost, for the time for which they had paid their subscriptions to the Magazine. I am a subscriber to the Magazine, and have been from the date of its very first issue, and my subscription is paid to the corresponding date in 1907.

I took the Magazine because of your connection with it. I would appreciate the opportunity of getting acquainted with your new Magazine.

Returning Thanks to My Friends

Shouldering the responsibilities and the financial burden of a new magazine, is a serious matter. As nearly everybody will understand, it involves tens of thousands of dollars in the way of necessary expense, and whether you will ever see that money again depends entirely upon circumstances over which you yourself have nothing like _absolute_ control. There are already so many brilliant and beautiful magazines circulating throughout the Union, that establishing another is a venture that borders upon temerity.

But in my case there was no alternative. _It had to be done._ Flesh and blood could not bear the infamous treatment which was being handed out to me by that fat rascal, Col. W. D. Mann, and that lean sneak, C. Q. DeFrance. _Out of consideration for the subscribers_, as well as in justice to myself, it was absolutely necessary that I should establish a magazine of my own, which should extend to the subscribers of the New York Magazine the privilege of securing the remainder of their terms from a magazine which was, _in fact_, what the _name_ of the New York Magazine had led subscribers _to believe it to be_.

To have Mann and DeFrance publishing, in New York, a _Watson’s Magazine_, and securing money from thousands of innocent people, _who would subscribe upon the faith of my name, and would then be told falsehoods as to why I was no longer writing for it_, WOULD HAVE BEEN AN INTOLERABLE SITUATION.

To remain silent and acquiescent under those circumstances, would have been to make myself a party to the fraud. I understand that Col. Mann and C. Q. DeFrance are using, for themselves, the money sent to the _Watson’s Magazine_ by those who are not aware of the fact that there is no Watson connected with THAT Magazine. _If they do not extend to the subscriber the option of getting his money back, or of having it sent to the genuine Watson’s Magazine_, they will be cheats and swindlers; and they ought to be made to plead on the criminal side of the Court, _where the appearance of Col. Mann would not be considered extraordinary_.

Not wanting to be a party to a fraud by making no effort to defeat it, and not having a disposition to lie down quietly while those two rascals trampled upon me, I announced the purpose of establishing WATSON’S JEFFERSONIAN MAGAZINE. Of course it was hoped that my friends would stand by me. It was hoped that those subscribers who had gone to the Magazine in New York would follow my Magazine in Atlanta.

Did the subscribers of the New York Magazine want a _real_ Watsonian Magazine, or was it _just any old magazine_ that they were after? Were those subscribers men and women who had faith in me, and who were attached to myself, my work and my message? _Would they have sufficient interest in the matter to sympathize with me, and follow me?_ These were the questions. They could not be answered until the opportunity was offered _for the subscribers themselves to act_.

With grateful heart, I hereby return profound thanks to those steadfast and earnest comrades who have already enrolled themselves with WATSON’S JEFFERSONIAN MAGAZINE.

These friends did not wait for a sample copy; they did not wait for the day of publication. _They had faith._ They knew in advance what my Magazine would be. THEY HAD CONFIDENCE. They knew perfectly well that their money would be safe in my hands. Therefore, from California to North Carolina and from Florida to Michigan, they have poured in upon me their letters of sympathy and encouragement. And together with these letters they sent remittances to cover their subscriptions in advance.

* * * * *

From so great a number it is difficult, and perhaps not quite fair, to single out individuals, but as it is my intention to carry in the Magazine from month to month, a Department in which those who are most active in their support of the Magazine will be mentioned by name, a few will be mentioned now. Others will be mentioned later.

I want every one of my friends who have written me, to feel that their encouragement and support is profoundly appreciated.

You naturally inquire, _who was the very first subscriber to_ WATSON’S JEFFERSONIAN MAGAZINE?

DR. CICERO GIBSON, THOMSON, GA.

Following closely after Dr. Gibson, came a good many others who arrived so nearly together that it would perhaps be unjust to some to say which was literally the first-comer, yet I cannot refrain from selecting a few for special mention.

There was my gallant and loyal friend of LaGrange, Ga., Dr. Frank Ridley, whose letter I am going to print in full:

“Please know that I am in thorough sympathy with you in the matter of the Magazine contention, and all other matters.

“I have written to the New York office of the _Watson’s Magazine_, instructing them to discontinue sending me their paper. I am enclosing check for $1.50 for WATSON’S JEFFERSONIAN MAGAZINE. With sentiments of my continued warm regard and friendship.

“P. S. Please see that my subscription begins with the first issue.”

* * * * *

Then there was the very warm-hearted H. J. Mullins, Franklin, Tenn.; there was J. J. Gordy of Richland, Ga., who had rendered such faithful service for the New York Magazine, and who transferred his zeal and influence immediately to the JEFFERSONIAN; there was whole-souled Frank Burkett, of Okolona, Miss.; and there was that gray-haired but warm-hearted veteran, Thos. H. Tibbles, of Nebraska.

From the Empire State, Texas, came the cheering response of sturdy Milton Park. From Salem, Va., W. H. Tinsley spoke words of encouragement. And my good old friend, Allison W. Smith, of North Georgia, went to work as earnestly and as promptly for the new Magazine as he had done for the old.

And how can I fail to mention Paul Dixon of Chilicothe, Mo? _A truer man does not live._ Of the many who have stood by me at this juncture and shown a willingness to co-operate, none has been more emphatic than Dixon & Lankford, who enjoy the distinction of publishing one of the three Mid-Road Populist papers which stood the storm, and did not go down in consequence of the awful mistake and of Fusion.

From Los Angeles, Cal., came a heart-warming letter from Lucian L. Knight, which you will find elsewhere in this number of the Magazine. From Athens, Ga., came a most welcome letter from A. D. Cheney; and his bright boy, Jean Cheney, took up the work of canvassing his community, with results so extremely helpful to me that I mention his name in grateful recognition of his service.

From A. G. Thurman Zabel, of Petersburg, Mich., comes the following:

“I saw a notice in the _Missouri World_, that you were about to publish a new Magazine. Enclosed find remittance for which send me your Magazine as long as that pays for, and then let me know, and I will remit for it for a longer term. I am glad to learn that you will continue your good work.”

* * * * *

From Kentucky comes a cordial word from that veteran editor and gifted gentleman, Hon. Henry Watterson, who, on the eve of his departure for Europe, drops a line to the Atlanta management of the Magazine to say:

“Mr. Watson has few greater admirers or better friends than I am and whenever the _Courier-Journal_ can do anything to advance his personal interests, it is always at his hands.”

Judge John J. Hunt, one of those level-headed Democratic leaders who did his best to prevent the awful mistake that was made by the Men in Control, in 1896, was swift with his assurances of hearty co-operation and support. And my old college friend. Alex. Keese, of Atlanta, _was not behind anybody_ in the warmth and vigor of his protestations against the wrong which had been done me by those knaves in New York.

Nor should I forget stanch W. S. Morgan, of Hardy, Ark., nor J. M. Mallett of Cleburne, Tex., both of whom were emphatic in their denunciation of the New York outrage:--Nor yet sturdy Jo. A. Parker.

From far-off Seattle, State of Washington, the voice of _The Patriarch_, was heard in scathing condemnation of what had been done by Col. Mann and DeFrance; and from New Jersey, Dr. Geo. H. Cromie was equally emphatic.

My good friend, C. E. Parker, of Bainbridge, not only enlisted under my banner, turning his back upon those New York knaves, but he _remitted the largest individual check that was sent_--$13.80--and the largest number of subscribers received in any one remittance.

_From the Hawaiian Islands_, came a cordial hand-shake from that veteran of the Reform Wars, JOHN M. HORNER. From Paris, France, spoke the sympathetic voice of JOHN ADAMS THAYER--the brainy, nervy man who achieved such a wonderful success for _Everybody’s Magazine_.

Nor must I omit from the Roll of Honor the name of PROF. M. W. PARKS, President of the Georgia Normal and Industrial School, and President also of the Georgia Educational Association. His letter was a noble tribute which I highly value.

Taylor J. Shields, of Vineland, Ala., has my sincere thanks for his generous words.

Bay City, Michigan, is the home of an ardent, personally unknown friend whose hand I hope some day to shake--his name is Francis F. McGinniss.

And I must find room to mention my untiring friend, Col. W. A. Huff, of Macon; R. E. Thompson, of Toomsuber, Miss.; J. S. Ward, Jr., of Thomasville; Ben Hill, of West Point, Ga., and Clarence Cunningham, of Waterloo, S. C.; Rev. R. L. Benson, Clay Center, Kan.; H. G. Sumner, Passaic, N. J.; Chas. Butler, Oakland, Cal.; Theron Fisk, Sioux Falls, S. D.; and Prof. Z. I. Fitzpatrick, of Madison, Ga.

And then there is W. F. Smith, of Flovilla, Ga., who has never flickered in his loyal comradeship any more than has that noble old Roman, Gen. William Phillips, of Marietta.

Here is a specimen of the way they are writing to me and below it a sample of how they are writing to the bogus _Watson’s Magazine_:

Dixie, Ga., Nov. 23, 1906.

Hon. T. E. Watson, Thomson, Ga.

Dear Sir:--I am writing the New York office today cancelling my subscription to the counterfeit _Watson’s Magazine_. Old man Mann, and DeFrance are a set of fools, if for one moment they entertained the thought that they could detain the followers of the _real_ Tom Watson on their subscription list. The thing can’t be done. When the readers of the New York _Watson’s Magazine_ find out the truth about the manner in which they treated the genuine Tom Watson, you will see them leaving like rats leaving a sinking ship. The idea of _Watson’s Magazine_ with Watson left out! Might as well try to run a locomotive steam engine without steam. Tom Watson was the steam--the electricity--the spirit--yes, the very life of the Magazine, and without him its name is Dennis. It is a burning shame, the way they have treated you.

I am sending my check for $1.50 for your JEFFERSONIAN MAGAZINE, and wish for it the success that you so justly deserve. I hope to be able to get others interested in the new publication. You have thousands and thousands of true and tried friends in old Georgia, and in fact, in every State in the United States, and the numbers are growing all the time, and every effort of the enemies of truth to put you in the background only brings you more prominently before the masses as the friend of Good Government.

May God abundantly bless and prosper you and yours, is the sincere prayer of your friend and brother,

(Signed) G. B. CRANE.

* * * * *

(Copy.)

Dixie, Ga., Nov. 23, 1906.

Watson’s Magazine, 2 West 40th St., New York City.

Gentlemen:--I hereby cancel my subscription to _Watson’s Magazine_, and ask you to refund balance that you are due me on same. I do not care to read your slanderous vaporing about Tom Watson. You will soon find out that, bad as you try to make him out to be, he was really the Magazine, and without him it will sink in the cesspool of public contempt--as it should do.

Yours very truly,

(Signed) G. B. CRANE.

Here are others, clean, clear-cut and business-like:

(Copy.)

Honaker, Va., Nov. 14, 1906.

Watson’s Magazine Co., New York.

Gentlemen:--The November number of _Watson’s Magazine_ is at hand. As Mr. Watson is no longer _the Magazine_, will you please discontinue my subscription and return to me the three month’s unexpired subscription price, and oblige,

Yours truly,

J. L. KIBLER.

* * * * *

Dearing, Ga., Nov. 14, 1906.

Hon. Thos. E. Watson.

I received a card from you yesterday concerning the Magazine. I
noticed your proposition to make good the subscription to the _Watson
Magazine_. I think mine will be out in June, but I got it at club
rates and _don’t want to be a burden to you_, but I don’t want a
_Watson’s_ without a Watson in it, so you send me the WATSON’S
JEFFERSONIAN MAGAZINE, and I’ll see you and pay for six months at
least, as I have great confidence in you as a reform leader and want
to help what little I can.

Yours truly,

J. J. PENNINGTON.

* * * * *

G. M. Stembridge, of Milledgeville, is good enough to say, in subscribing, “you are doing more for the Reform cause than any other man in the United States.” “If ever anybody wants to whip you,” writes friend M. S. Chiles, of Macon, in remitting his subscription, “I will be pleased to push you aside and say, ‘Whip me first.’” “I would not carry the New York publication from the postoffice,” says W. W. Shamhart, of Newton, Ill. Dr. R. R. Smith, of Burtons, Miss., doesn’t “like the jingle of the editorials” of the bogus _Watson’s Magazine_ for November and would like to see any response that I may make. Verily, he shall see it. J. K. Sears, of McCoy, Oregon, wants a Magazine “published at Atlanta by Tom Watson and not by Col. Mann at New York.” “Please enter my name from now till doomsday,” writes Prof. J. H. Camp, of Chicago, who at the same time cancels his subscription to what he calls “the New York dummy.” Dr. J. D. Allen, of Milledgeville, enrolls himself and says, “send me the first copy.” “I shall always be a subscriber,” writes W. W. Bennett, Esq., of Baxley. “The reason I subscribed to the other Magazine,” says W. W. Arendell, of Gause, Tex., “was that you were the editor,” so of course he wants the genuine WATSON’S JEFFERSONIAN. B. L. Milling, of Neal, Ga., was a subscriber to _Watson’s Magazine_ of New York from the first issue, “and would continue to be, had it not been that ‘the gang’ tried to impose upon you,” he writes. Likewise C. W. King, of Rome, Ga., “only subscribed to the New York publication on account of your colors flying at the mast-head, so”--he writes--“of course I wish to enter my name as a subscriber to your new venture.” H. Gillabaugh, of Missoula, Montana, thinks the bogus _Watson’s Magazine_ as at present conducted, is “like a church with the devil as pastor.” “No more of C. Q. DeFrance for me,” writes J. T. Melbone, of Huntingdon, Tenn. A cordial message greets me from Captain Jack Crawford, the poet-scout. A. Benoit, of Shreveport, La., sends $10, with the request that $1.50 be credited to him for subscription, and the balance be used “for the cause.” From the little city of Flippen, Ga., a list of 25 subscribers to the bogus _Watson’s Magazine_ goes forward to DeFrance. A copy of the letter is sent me with the request that they be enrolled on the JEFFERSONIAN.

And so they go.

It is something to have lived and worked in such a way as to have won true hearts in every part of the Union.

God knows how much I appreciate these stanch friends, many of whom I have never seen and will never personally know.

* * * * *

My lady friends--God bless them!--have been just as prompt and just as earnest in taking my side in this struggle against a rascally New York millionaire and a treacherous sneak who are trying to make off with _Watson’s Magazine_.

Shall I ever forget the warm-hearted letter of MISS SALLIE T. PARRISH, of Adel, Ga?

Or that of MISS MATTIE V. MITCHELL, of St. Louis, Mo?

* * * * *

Various subscription agencies, as well as newspapers and magazines, had made clubbing rates with _Watson’s Magazine_ while I was with it. Of course Col. Mann and DeFrance would like to have these clubbing rates stand, and would like to have the revenue coming from those who are still subscribing to _Watson’s Magazine in ignorance of the fact that it now has no Watson connected with it_. The managers of these subscription agencies, and the managers of those newspapers are necessarily compelled, _as men of honor_, to hold up all subscription money coming from those who wish a _Watson’s Magazine_, until the managers of the clubbing rates shall have notified the subscriber that Mr. Watson is no longer with the New York Magazine that bears his name, but is now publishing in Atlanta, the JEFFERSONIAN MAGAZINE. In other words, as a matter of common honesty, the subscribers should be put on notice that the New York Magazine which bears my name, has been taken away from me by Col. Mann and DeFrance, and the subscriber should therefore have the option of sending his money directly to the JEFFERSONIAN MAGAZINE.

THE UNION LIBRARY ASSOCIATION, of New York, promptly assured me that this would be its attitude in the matter. They will hold the money until the subscriber shall have elected which of the two magazines he really wanted. This was very honorable in the Union Library Association of New York, and the promptness with which the manager took that position, is highly appreciated by me. I give Mr. Bowman’s letter in full:

New York, Nov. 26, 1906.

Hon. Thos. E. Watson, Thomson, Ga.

Dear Sir:--Yours of the 23rd inst. is at hand. You evidently did not receive our letter, although we have an acknowledgment of receipt of same from your manager.

We wrote you voluntarily that we would be glad to do just what you now ask us to do. That is, endeavor to switch subscriptions for _Watson’s Magazine_ to WATSON’S JEFFERSONIAN MAGAZINE.

It seems to us that if anyone wants your Magazine they will not be satisfied with Colonel Mann’s continuation of the original. It is a rather unfortunate state of affairs, but no doubt in time it will get straightened out and everyone know the true facts in the case.

We can assure you of our interest in the matter, and will be glad to do what we can to throw business your way.

Yours very truly,

CHAS. L. BOWMAN.

* * * * *

THE ATLANTA JOURNAL has notified our Circulation Manager, Mr. Clement, that its position would be the same. In fact, I cannot see how the managers of those various clubbing arrangements, which are now standing in the name of _Watson’s Magazine_, can, as a matter of common justice to me, _as well as to the subscriber_, turn over the money to Col. Mann and DeFrance, _until the subscriber himself says that the money_ should go to that precious pair.

* * * * *

Thanks are due and are hereby extended to the editors of the leading periodicals devoted to literature and current events. Special acknowledgements are due the New York _American_ for the use of striking cartoons reproduced on pages 12, 16 and 28--inadvertently not credited. The friendship and courtesy of such publications as _Collier’s Weekly_, _The Saturday Evening Post_, The New York _Times Saturday Review of Books_, _The Literary Digest_, _The Commoner_, and other notable weeklies is gratefully acknowledged, and similar sentiments are hereby expressed towards such leading monthlies as _The Century_, _The Reader_, _The Review of Reviews_, _The North American Review_, _Success_, _Appleton’s Magazine_, and _The World’s Events_, to such splendid dailies as The _Tribune_, _The American_, and _The Globe_, of New York, _The Public Ledger_, of Philadelphia, that lively bantling, The Washington _Herald_,--which is fairly glittering under Scott Bone’s touch,--The New Orleans _Picayune_, The Tampa _Tribune_, The Jacksonville _Times-Union_, and Claude L’Engle’s brilliant _Sun_, of the same place, The Charlotte _Observer_, _The News_ and _Age-Herald_, of Birmingham, _The Forum_, from far-away Fargo, where the blizzards come from and the _Post-Intelligencer_ from farther-away Seattle, where the salmon come from, The Toronto _Globe_, dauntless champion of good morals and tariff reform, _The Tribune_, of Salt Lake, The Columbia _State_, The Nashville _Banner_, The Griffin _News_, and scores of standard weekly papers scattered throughout God’s country down here and in the West.

Editor Walter Hodges, of _The Central Texan_, who is a native Georgian, “with some of the spirit of the old South,” is cordial in his offer to co-operate with the JEFFERSONIAN; The Opelika, Ala., _Post_ hopes that “Mr. Watson may succeed in his greatest battle of modern times for the people’s rights,” and will lend a hand; the _Pretorian Guard_, of Dallas, Texas, thinks that “with a leader of Mr. Watson’s originality at the helm, success is certain;” Editor J. P. Sarraman of The Charlotte _People’s Paper_, is “for Watson first, last and all the time,” and doesn’t want any “imitation;” Editor Fletcher Davis, of the Hondo, Texas, _Anvil-Herald_ assures the new Magazine that he will put in some good licks for the enterprise, and W. M. Ellis, proprietor of the Rusk, Texas, _Press-Journal_, breaks an established rule to accept our clubbing proposition.

To one and all our distinguished regards and twice over to any whom we have accidentally omitted.

* * * * *

Shall I ever forget how generously there came to me the ready, cordial, soulful devotion of WILL N. HARBEN?

And how could I ever fail in appreciation of the disinterested and noble impulse which moved my friends, H. CLEMENT, A. K. TAYLOR, and CHAS. J. BAYNE, to cast in their lot with mine, for salaries less than they had been getting elsewhere.

In the same class, stands my brilliant young friend, GORDON NYE, who left the bogus New York concern to come and live with me, and work with me.

With these young men, Clement, Taylor, Bayne, and Nye working _with_ me instead of _for_ me, I go forward without the slightest fear of failure.

Nor would it be fair to fail to give due credit to my friend, MR. CHAS. P. BYRD, who, when he realized that my object in publishing this Magazine was, not so much to make money as to exert a healthy influence over public opinion and to be of service in the largest educational sense to young men, came to me with a generous concession on the cost of doing the mechanical work of the Magazine, and thus enabled me to publish it in my home State.

Had it not been for this magnanimous spirit in Mr. Byrd, the prices which were quoted to me in Atlanta for the mechanical work would have driven me out of my native State and forced me to give the contract to the Columbian Printing Co., of Nashville, Tenn., whose offer was much better than any that had been made to me, until Mr. Byrd generously came to my relief.

* * * * *

“WE BOYS” ARE GOING TO WIN.

We are going to _down_ that brace of rascals in New York.

Friends!--don’t you think that knavery of that sort OUGHT to be downed?

Don’t _you_ want to see us down those New York fellows?

THEN, HELP US DO IT.

“We boys” are going to give you just about the livest Magazine that ever you saw--and you must aid us in extending its circulation and therefore its usefulness.

I want no office under the sun, but there is one thing that I _do_ want and mean to have:

_Influence with that imperial sovereign before whose irresistible power the haughtiest of heads must bend_--PUBLIC OPINION.

THOS. E. WATSON.

Witty Flings by the Paragraphers.

Always in Trouble.

What’s the matter with Kansas? This time it is the ears of corn are too long to go into the shellers.--_New York Tribune._

A Morocco Slipper Needed.

The time seems to be drawing near for the powers once more to lay Morocco across their collective knee.--_Chicago Evening Post._

Society in Court.

Pittsburg Managing Editor: “Where’s the society reporter?”

City Editor: “Covering the police court.”--_New York American._

Will Draw Cards Next Time.