Conspiracy ^ ^otittcfil irri>5cCiu Ix Three acts. N't".-ir. IHTU. riy AV. O. ANDRA^K. COPYRIGHT BY THE A UTHOR. WA.SIIIN(iTilN, 1). ( '. isss. -{♦= -I- CONSPIRACY: A Political l^rn^^dg In Three Acts. Year, 1872. By "W. O. J^NJDTiJ^:E f COPYMIQHT BY THE A VTHOR. Washington, D. C. 1888. 30 DRAMATIS PERSONS. Horace Greeley, Editor of the Tribune. Grace, His Niece. La WRIGHT, . Assistant Editor. Peter Sturdy, Philanthropist. F. C. Clutcher, "I > Monopolists. H. J. Catcher, J Tom Trapper, Heir to a large Estate. T. W. Cunningham, .... Politician. Attorney. l''^P92-008583 CONSPIRACY. ACT I. Scene 1. — Office of the Tribune. Greeley, Sturdy, Catcher, Clutcher, Trapper, Cunningham, and an attor- ney conversing, seated around a large table; Lawright at his desk. Trapper (taking the attornev aside). I am very glad, Mr. Smart, you have so promptly followed my request to be present here at the opening of the will of my late uncle. Indeed, I appreciate you as an eminent counsellor. Attorney. All my professional ability will be at your command. Clutcher (joining them). Ah, my friend, how do you feel as a prospective millionaire? Let me congratulate you on your good fortune as the only heir. Trapper. Thank yqu, sir; I am not so sure of that yet. My dear uncle ma}'^ have put some of his philanthropic ideas into practice to my sorrow. I have brought a friend with me here wlio will look after my interCvSt in this mat- ter. Allow me to introduce to you my friend and attor- ney, Mr. G. B. Smart. Clutcher. Precaution is always commendable; but you will be sure to come in for the lion's share under all cir- cum stances. Greeley (tapping on the table). Gentlemen, I have invited you to hear tlie reading of the will of our late friend Adam S. Goodwill, wlio lias chosen me executor. With your permission, I shall now proceed to open and read the document. (Reading) : " Whereas, I, the under- signed, Adam S. Goodwill, a citizen of New York, have, through diligence, hard work, and by the confidence of my fellow-citizens, been successful in business, and thereby accumulated a large fortune, consisting of real estate and bonds to the value of six million dollars, and being desi- rous of settling my worldl}^ affairs, declare this to be my last will and testament. It is my will and desire to dis- pose of said estate in the following manner: Four million dollars shall be used to found and to maintain a univer- sity in the State of New York, where students can gradu- ate free of charge. I devise to my nephew, Tom Trapper^ the interest of the remaining two millions during his life, and upon the death of my said nephew and his wife and children, the said sum to revert to my estate to be used for the benefit of said university. Trapper (interrupting). It is an outrage. Greeley (continuing to read). " I request my beloved friend, Horace Greeley, who is also my executor, to read this, my last will and testament, in the presence of my business friends and associates, so that they may be prompted to follow my course, which I feel is the true spirit of philanthropy. I am fully aware that it is not by my own merits alone, but by the help and confidence of my fellow-men, that I have been enabled to accumulate so large a fortune, for which reason, I believe, that this prop- erty honestly belongs, and should revert to the public for the public good. " Witness my hand and seal the 1st day of March, 1871. "Adam S. Goodwill." Trapper. I am the rightful heir, and therefore I pro- test against this last will of my late uncle, Adam S. Good- will. Catcher. Right you are, young man ; protest. Such an idea of phihmthropy is too grand. All the money earned honestly b}^ one man must be returned to the pub- lic in general — what a justice to his heirs. God bless such great philanthropists! Clutcher. Great fools! Greeley. Gentlemen, our late friend, as a noble-hearted man and enlightened philosopher, who understood so well the spirit of the times, deemed it proper and wise to show in fact by his last will, that an individual aided and pro- tected in his education and accumulation by society, ought for that reason to return a part of his worldly goods for the benefit of society. Trapper. But I, being the only relative, should natu- rally have the right to claim the benefit of his becjuest. Clutcher. Certainly; it is every father's ambition to accumulate a fortune for his children, thereby securing them a higher standing in society. Greeley. [*I will say, however, that when a ftither starves the intellect of his children, in order to leave them a few hundred dollars more wealth at his death, he is justly regarded as the most mistaken of misers. No one able to earn bread has any moral right to eat without earning it ; the obligation to l)e industrious and useful is not invalidated by the possession of wealth, nor by the generosity of wealthy relatives.] Catcher. Now, gentlemen, mark the results of such philo.sophy. Tiiis doctrine means putting down all indi- viduals to one level; it means death to all efforts in the human race. What higher ambition can an intelligent worker have than to save from his earnings, grow rich *A11 sentences marked [ ] are sayinf^y of Horace Greeley taken from his works. 6 and be a good citizen? The accumulation in one's hand througli large enterprises advances the industry of our country. Therefore, a so-called millionaire is always a benefactor to society ; he gives work to the poor, and sub- sistence to the people in general. Glutcher. I don't care a snap for other, people; I will make money for my benefit. I want millions, and will keep it for my family. I am on this track now, and would like to see the man who gets me off. Greeley (aside). [The mania for heaping up riches, though it has a ver}' material, tangible basis, outlives all rational motives and defies all sensible limitations.] Sturdy. Gentlemen, I also regard it my duty, like our late friend, Adam S. Goodwill, to bequeath to the public a part of my property. I will not hesitate to do it at once; the possession of wealth imposes duties upon the possessor. In the presence of you, my friends, I donate to the public the sum of one million dollars, to be used for the erection of a brown stone building in the center of our city. Fur- ther, one million dollars to constitute a fund for an insti- tution of education for our working people, free of charge; also a public library and reading rooms. (Turning to the attorney ): Mr. Smart, as you ha})pen to be present here on this occasion, I wish you would draw up the nec- essary document to incorporate this institution. (Address- ing the others again): My friends, I began mv business life as a poor toiler, thus I know how hard it is to save the first thousand dollars; but by good luck I got ahead of my laboring comrades, and may be considered now a very rich man — indej)endent in society. I never shall forget my less fort mate fellow-workingmen, and I am proud to be enabled to devote some of my wealth to the benefit of the working-people to lessen their struggle of life by founding an institution of education, which will, I hope, in the future, prove to be a good home for the toilers. Clutcher. Another crank ! Catcher. Well, well; that is a great idea, to build an academy for paupers. Greeley. [ I believe that there need be and should be no paupers who are not infantile, idiotic, or disabled, and that civilized society pays more for the support of able- bodied pauperism than the necessary cost of its extirpa- tion. Hand and head must work together to accomplish great results ; the laborer must be intelligent and edu- cated.] Sturdy. I want to have it distinctly understood that I make this donation to m}' fellow-workingmen for the pur- pose of aiding them to better their condition as much as possible, while I sincerely hope some future state of soci- ety will make millionaires and hopeless paupers an im- possibility. Catcher (emphatically). That would be communism, and you philanthropists are playing with sentiments which are dangerous to the safety of our community. If the masses ever get an understanding of your philan- thropy, societ}^ will turn into anarchy. Greeley. [The efficiency of human efforts is enor- mously, ruinousl}' diminished by social aiiareliy of to-day. Labor should be protected, not merely in this country, hut in all countries. The exce.ssive and fatal competition of capital with capital, sinew with sinew, privation with privation, to excel in cheapness of production, should be checked and bounded.] Clutcher. Pshaw! ever\^ man for himself, and the devil take the hindmost; that is my philosophy. Catcher (pathetic). I started in life depending upon my own merit only. That I have been successful beyond my deserts, perhaps is due to my temperance, industry, .and strict attention to mv own business. Since I was a 8 youth, I have been in the habit of employing in my various enterprises large numbers of persons ; I think, at times, as high as fifty thousand, distributing from two to three million dollars per month amongst the workers. This shows I am quite an expert in industrial affairs, and may know something about the social question. I da not believe much in theories, but I am practicing national economy, and the law of supply and demand is ni}' special study. All your philanthropical ideas are only phrases which will not enrich the world. Greeley. [ Political economy is the science which treats of the production and existence of wealth in a community; defines what is real wealth, and points out the means by which it may be increased and diffused. This science is yet in the first century of its recognized existence. It opens its eyes upon a world full of absurd regulations, vexatious restrictions, and pernicious monopolies, in- tended to enrich particular communities at the expense of mankind, and particular individuals at the expense of their respective communities. These restrictions it very properly treats and condemns. Having their origin in narrow and selfish views, men aimed formerly to advance the interest of a part, to the damage of the whole; of the few at the expense of the many. Thus, hostile lo the highest and broadest good, they stood condemned alike by enlightened policy and b}- a generous philanthropy.] Cunningham. Hem, hem ! this sounds more like a de- claration of principles of the new ])arty, the newest fad of the Tribune. Catcher. Yes, yes: that smacks of pure honesty — to offset our so-called corruption in political life. Sturdy. Every honest man feels disgusted with the corruption which predominates in our political partisan- ship of to-day. There need be and should be a thorough reform. / 9 Cunningham. Ha, ha, ha! a new reform-party. Clutcher. I don't care about parties; I can buy them anyhow. My pohcy is the ahnighty dollar. Greeley. [Our forefathers built up this great republic to secure to all men alike, liberty and the pursuit of hap- piness, yet nine-tenths depend for a livelihood on the chance that one or more will at all times be ready to hire them or buy of them. One achievement of our age, the banishment of human chattelhood from our soil, seems now to have been worth all the requisite efforts, the agony and blood}^ sweat through w^hich it was accomplished. But another reform, not so palpably demanded by justice and humanity, yet equally conducive to the well-being of our race, presses hard on its heels, and insists, that we shall accord it instant and earnest consideration. It is the elevation of labor from the plane of drudgery and servility, to one of self-respect, self-guidance, and genuine independence.] Catcher. We are living now in the age of steam and iron ; there is no room for vague sentiments. In the struggle of life only the fittest will survive, and he, of course, is entitled to have the be.st of all good things. I regret, and think it is dangerous, that the Tribune, one of our most influential newspapers in the country, preaches to the masses such maudlin philosophy (with a sneer). I can imagine that fame and popularity will be showered by the people on the advocates of such broad and insinu- ating doctrines. Greeley. [Fame is va[)or; popularity an accident; riches take wings; the only earthly certainty is oblivion. No man can see what a day will bring forth, and those who cheer to-day will often curse to-morrow ; and yet I cherish the hope, that the journal that I projected and established will live and flourish long after I shall have 10 mouldered into forgotten dust, and that the stone which covers my ashes may bear to future eyes the still intelli- gible inscription, " Founder of the Tribune ".] Sturdy ( aside ). The discussion is getting a little too animated now^ I had better interfere. (Turning to Gree- ley.) My dear friend Greeley, I must remind you that it is time to go to that meeting where you have promised to speak in favor of our new party. Greeley. That's so. Gentlemen, you will excuse me for leaving, as I will have to address a meeting. (Turn- ing to Sturdy.) My friend, will you accompany me? Sturdy. Certainly; I am on the committee of arrange- ments. Greeley (to the others again). I have still the hope that you will give the question we have discussed a more earnest consideration, to satisfy the wish of our late friend, Adam S. Goodwill. Attorney. In the interest of Mr. Trapper," the rightful heir, and whose legal adviser I have the honor to be, I must contest this will, and would ask to have a copy of that document., Greeley. You may confer with my lawyer, who will bring this will before the Surrogate's Court for probate. (Going to Lawright, hands him a manuscript.) Mr. Law- right, please take this pa})er and see that this platform of the Liberal party is published in the next issue of the Tribune, and comment on it favorably. L.\WRK!HT. Yes, sir; I will. [Greelei/ axd Sturdi/ cxen)it.1 11 Scene 2. — The Same. Clutcher, Catcher, Trapper, Cunnin[/Ita)ii, and the Attorney; LanriijJit reading the manmteript. Catcher. What fools these mortals be, when tliey be- come possessed with the idea of reformino; mankind. Clutchek. Even be^'ond the grave phila'nihropy makes a show; as, for example, in the case of oar testator, Adam S. Goodwill. • Trapper. Well, I am determined by no means to give up one iota of my natural and prior right to my uncle's entire estate. Attorney. There never yet was made a will, the valid- ity of which could .not be contested. Trapper. On what legal points do you entertain any hopes? Attorney. If I have none, we will make some, my friend. I will fix that; come along to my office. Trapper. All right; I depend on you in this case. [Attoritei/ and Trapper exeuid.} Scene 3. Catcher, Clidcher, Cnnningliani, Later igld. Catcher (speaking to the remaining gentlemen, point- ing to the part}' going out). That young Trapper means business. Now, my friends, we must take one question into earnest consideration, as our friend Greeley said ; but not a question of donating a few thousand dollars for phi- lanthropic purposes — no, indeed. The question of most importance to us at present is, how can we break the great influence of the Tribune, which is a too powerful instrument for controlling and directing public opinion,* and how to crush out that new political party in its in- 12 fancy, before it gets too strong. We represent the indus- try of our country, and as strict business men we must manipulate it so that this government shall guarantee the protection of our interests. We cannot afford to be ruled by idealistic nonsense of such weak sentimentalists as our highly esteemed editor of the Tribune. Clutcher. Hush ! don't give yourself away.' The office of the Tribune is hardly the proper place for talking over this matter, with the assistant editor as a listener. Catcher. Do not disturb yourself (speaking low, point- ing to Lawright). He will be all right, and by and by a tool in my hand, (Louder.) As to this office, I have a perfect right to act my own pleasure. Look here (hold- ing up some shares, that Lawriglit can see them). These shares, the basis upon which this educating newspaper, the Tribune, was founded many years ago, were foolishly left in the hands of the employees for their sole benefit; they ran up (piito high in value, but nevertheless I gath- ered them idl in. 1 tell you, it is a mighty good thing, this share business; it needs only money and manage- ment to get the control ot any concern. Lawright (meantime paying close attention to the con- versation, aside.) Just what I have suspected. Catcher. You will now understand. I have the con- trol of the Tribune, and will put a stop to this agitating tendency of a newspaper for social reform, universal broth- erhood, and other such communistic nonsense. You know the press of to-day is a great power — it influences and leads the masses; therefore, we might be interested in getting this power into our service. CuNNIXvhy should I? On the con- trary, I think it my duty to urge Mr. Greeley to accept the nomination, which will in all probability be offered him before long. Grace. How uncourteous you are; I wont love you any more. Lawright. Dear Grace, this is politics, and politics are void of all sentiments. 16 Greeley (interrupting). Children, don't quarrel about "that; I am myself in doubt whether I can consider such a proposition. Lawright. You must consider it ; the voice of the peo- ple is calling you. Grace. The people is a great monster without any con- sideration. Greeley. Your love for me makes you speak thus; but, my dear child, the people are everything. Grace. Are not the people mostly led by politicians? Greeley. [A politician is a quack statesman, cunningly ■devoted to the promotion of party politics.] Lawright (with deliberation). The good spirit of the American people is now rising, and will quell all the cor- ruptive leadership of truckling politicians. Partisanship has had its day. The country wants a change; and every citizen knows that Horace Greeley will do the most good for the people in the highest position of our glorious Republic. Greeley. [It is a sophistry which supposes that he who would do good must put himself in a position where the power to do good will most probably attach to him.] Grace. That is just like you ; this is the expression of your noble heart. Oh, my uncle, dear, I am so proud of you ! Lawright. But he who is a true representative of great principles — a teacher to the people, must sacrifice all per- sonal feelings — overcome untimely modesty — to take the leadership when the country appeals to him. Greeley. [Men, even the best, are frail and mutable.] Lawright. The founder of the Tribune, never. Grace. Do not listen to that, uncle. Why should you plunge yourself into so much trouble, when you are now so comfortable? 17 Greeley. Ah, Grace, life is more than meat and com- fort. A boy enters, hriiKjliuj in (•((vds. Greeley (reading). Ah, it is Peter Sturdy and Mr. Cun- ningham. (To the boy.) Show them in. Lawright. The committee to wait on your decision as to the nomination. Grace. Alas! I see it coming. Scene 3. — The Former. Sturdy and Cunningham enter. Greeley. Gentlemen, I am pleased to greet you, (shak- ing hands with Cunningham). Mr. Cunningham, you are cjuite well, I hope? (More heartily greeting Mr. Sturdy.) It does one good to shake hands with a trusted old friend like you. Cunningham (advancing towards Grace), I have some good tidings for you, Miss Grace. Grace. I am rather doubtful as to your news to-day be- ing so agreeable to me. Cunningham (speaking low to Lawright). What is the matter; did you not succeed? Lawright. He's all right. Grace (abruptly leaving her chair to greet Mr. Sturdy.) My good, dear Mr. Sturdy — Sturdy. Do not look so sad, my little girl. (Turning to and familiarly putting his arm around Greele}'.) Horace Greeley, my dear friend, I come here to-day as a delegate of the Liberal Republicans to announce to you a new political movement; which has been inaugurated through- out the country for the purpose of reforming wanton abuses in the management of the government. It is a political revolution to elevate our national life and char- 18 acter. *The now existing partisanship subjugates public opinion by tyranical party-discipline; they are striving to maintain themselves in authority for selfish ends by an unscrupulous use of the power which rightfully belongs to the people. Greeley (nodding in affirmative), [It cannot be long before the g-reat capitalists, railroad, and other corpora- tions, will be found buying up whole States, like sheep in the shambles, and all the more disgracefully because the law cannot punish it as a crime.] Lawkight (low to Cunningham) Say something to that effect. Cunningham. Our administration has acted as if the laws had binding force only for those who are governed, and not for those w^ho govern. Greeley. [The best form of government is that which secures to each citizen equal rights with the freest exer- cise of individual liberty- That administration of gov- ernment is the best which is least expensive to the citizen, and secures tlie greatest amount of prosperity and happi- ness to the people]. Sturdy\ The National Convention of the Liberal Re- publican Party have instructed me to inform you that you have been nominated as their candidate for the pres- idency of the United States. I submit to you the addresses and resolutions unanimously adopted by the convention. (Handing him the resolutions). Cunningham. No one has so tight a hold on the hearts of the people as Horace Greeley, teacher of the highest principles, the defender of human rights, who rejects all abuses of groveling demagogues, and keeps up political integrity as the true statesmanship; therefore, you are, *Quoted from the Cincinnati Platform of the Liberal Republican Convention. I 19 with the consent of the majority, selected as the candidate for tlie presidency of the United States by all good Dem- ocrats throughout the country. Lawright. You are regarded as the people's man. Greeley. *Gentlemen, I am confident that the Ameri- can people have already made your cause their own, fully resolved that their brave hearts and strong arms shall bear it on to triumph. In this faith, and with the distinct understanding that, if elected, I shall be the president, not of a party, but of the whole people. I accept your nom- ination. Lawright (congratulating Grace). And you will be the first lad}' of the land ! Grace. I am not vain enough for such aspirations. Sturdy. We must open the campaign now with all our forces, inducing the people at large to support our plat- form, that your nomination may be an overwhelming success. Cunningham. In the coming election I can assure you of a Democratic majority. Greeley. I propose immediately to take an active part in the campaign. I shall face all adversaries by holding public meetings. I will implore the American people to return to their old dignity in politics. The declaration of independence of our nation is the corner stone of liberty to the human race. The truth, that all men are created equal, is at last acknowledged in the abolition of chattel- slavery; but to secure for mankind true liberty and equal rights in the pursuit of happiness, all liuman chattelhood, caused by monopoly and its corruptions, the power of the almighty dollar must be done away with. As progress has advanced, it is necessary to amend the laws, to pre- vent man from making use of his opp.jrtunities to enslave *(Treeley's letter — his response to the official notification. 20 .his less fortunate brother, by taking advantage of his ignorance and poverty, to make him work as a hand for the profit of a master. Each one shall have the fruits of his own labor onb/, then the much-praised liberty and ha})piness to every citizen, set forth in our constitution, will be fulfilled. This is the political wisdom wliich a true statesman of our glorious republic shall represent. Cunningham (aside). It is a crime to crush such a man. Greeley. As I am now a candidate for the presidenc}', -and about to take active part in the work for the promo- tion of these principles, it will be impossible for me to at- tend to my duties as actual chief editor of the Tribune for some time. Therefore, in your presence, gentlemen, I transfer such duties and responsibilities to my assistant^ Mr. H. Lawright. (Turning to Lawright.) You will from this day be the editor in charge of my journal, hoping that you may be guided by a larger wisdom, a more mi- erring sagacity to discern the right, to embrace and defend it at whatever personal cost. Be no man's man, but the truth's and your country's. (Taking Grace by the hand.) Even this, the dearest to me in the world — my little girl^ I will entrust to your most tender and faithful care during the brief period that I shall be absent in the campaign. Grace (throwing her arms around the neck of her uncle). What a fate ! 21 ACT 111. Scene 1. — Office of the Tribune. Present — Catcher, Trapper, Clutcher, Cunningham, and LaurigJit, all talking and shaking Jiands tvith each other. Catcher. Hello, my dear Mr. Trapper; how about your lawsuit, concerning the will of your late uncle, Adam S. Goodwill? I heard some good news here lately in regard to the matter; 1 hope it is true Trapper. Very glad, indeed; my lawyer assures me I shall undoubtedly gain my rights as the only heir. In a few da^^s I shall recover the whole of my late uncle, Adam S. Goodwill's estate, valued at six million dollars. Catcher. Of course; you engaged the smartest lawyer in the country, who put an end to the philanthropic non- sense in this will. Clutcher. By jove! We have some justice yet in this land. (All amused). i Cunningham (applauding). Very good. Catcher. Well, my friends, we have good cause to con- gratulate ourselves in regard to the past campaign, which turned into a brilliant victory on our side. The well known idealist and would-be social reformer, Horace Greeley, as the presidential candidate of this political com- bination of Democrats and Republicans, is defeated. This gay offspring of a new ])arty had a xevy short existence. Its leaders, the good-hearted, but impractical philanthro- pists, are now left in the cold to philosophize over their grand defeat; but our nominee of the Rejuiblican party, the re-elected president, once more rei)rescnts the head of this great union. 22 Cunningham. Mr. Peter Sturdy, the distinguished phi- lanthropist and leading apostle of this defeated new party, is now taking a rest at his fine country seat, and Horace Greely, by his tremendous struggle for the presidency, is a broken-hearted man. Catcher. It serves them right, these sentimental re- formers, when they are foolish enough to put their fingers into our pie. Cunningham. Ha, ha, ha! All the talk about political reform — the boasting of party purification — is entirely hushed. Our political machine worked finely, did it not? Clutcher. Because I greased it so well ; it has cost me a great deal of money. Catcher. Nevertheless we have gained the point. There is no sentimentality in our policy; it is only a matter of business, and it will pay in full all our investments. Clutcher. That is all right; I am satisfied the way things are going on now. Catcher. From the Pacific coast to the Atlantic shores, from Maine to Texas, commerce will flourish, and we be benefited more than we ever have dreamed of before, if we are smart enough to push in the right direction. As prac- tical business managers we must at once take advantage of all the natural resources, the products of the soil, and wealth in land; we must combine and concentrate busi- ness, so that we can control autocratically all commerce and industry, Hhh c/pifal irill hecoiiie a giganiic power, and we shall reap the full benefit for our administrative talent and energies, ])y which we are entitled to become masters and actual rulers of society. Trapper. But the public will cry out, this is a gigantic monopoly, and will cry louder and louder, till at last they beoin to kick. Catcher. Never mind; the public may try to kick. Clutcher. That's all bosh; the [)ublic be damned. 23 Lawrigiit. Would not puljlic opinion rebel? It is a mighty power. Catcher. I suppose so, my young friend; but you, as an able member of the press can direct this public opin- ion, that its mighty power may serve us. (Taking a let- ter from his pocket). I have the pleasure to hand to you your aiipointment as editor-in-chief of our journal, to which position you have been elected by the new board of directors of the Tribune. You will, of course, be hand- somely compensated for 3^our able work. It also pleases me that I have been charged to transfer to you some of our shares. As the editor and a large stockholder you will not fail to watch with the greatest interest over this organ of public opinion. (Handing Lawright his letter of appointment). Cunningham (reading the Tribune, suddenly exclaims), Look here, gentlemen! there is published in this morn- ing's Tribune a card written by Horace Greeley announc- ing his return to the paper. What does that mean ? Clutcher (to Catcher). Have you not fixed that matter? CuNNiNCiHAM. I tliought he was excluded from the edi- torship of this paper? Catcher. He has excluded himself from that post, which you will understand wlien you have read what fol- lows next. Cunningham. Do you mean the article entitled "Crumhs of Comfort r Catcher. That's it. Clutcher (takes up also a copy of the Tribune). Let us see what that editorial says; I suppose it also is com- posed by our famous writer — Greeley. Catcher (to Lawright). This article shows your very clever pen. I was under the impression that Greeley had written it — just his vigorous style. Lawright. I inserted it to smooth the way, and give 24 him a chance to get out of all the trouble in which this lamented defeat for the Presidency has put him. Catcher (aside). The devil ! how smart. That fellow beats me. Cunningham (angry). To hell with that old crank, Greeley, for publishing such an impertinent article! I am not sorry now to have been unscrupulous in my helping to defeat him. Here he says (reading): " Every red-nosed politician who had cheated at the caucus and fought at the polls looked to the editor of the Tribune to secure his appointment as a ganger, or as army chaplain, or as Min- ister to France. Every campaign orator came upon us after the battle was over for a recommendation as Secre- tary of the Treasury, or the loan of half a dollar." Clutcher (laughing). That's very good ; that's a cap- ital joke ! CuNNiNCiHAM. That is an outrage, an insult to me, and all other politicians as well. Further, he goes on to say (reading again) : "At last we shall keep our ofhce clear of blatherskites and political beggars." (Throwing the paper down.) Now I am satisfied that we luive cleared him out of this office. Trapper. I consider this article most insulting to his own political allies and followers. Catcher. The power of his influence over the Ameri- can people is ended — he is but a broken man. LawriCtHT. But he is quite vigorous enough to make us a lively scene here. I expect him in every minute. Clftcher (anxious). What; he will be here in a mo- ment? Lawright (to Catcher). Judging from the note he sent me, I anticipate he wants an explanation al)()ut that in- serted article, "Crumbs of Comfort." Clutcher (reaching for his liat). I rather prefer to be on the safe side. Good bye, gentlemen. 25 Trapper. I do not like the idea of meeting the old man just, now, when I am not prepared to answer all his aggra- vating questions about the contest of my uncle's will. Cunningham. It might be dangerous for that great statesman if I should meet him at this moment. I am not sure that I could control my anger, and I would not like to kick a man who is already down. Catcher. I hardly think I could enjoy an interview with Horace Greeley at this time; but I will say this much (to Lawright), don't be bulldozed; remember you are the chief of this otfice now. [ Catcher, Clulchcr, Cunningham, Trapper exeunt.'] Scene 2. Laicriglit, iritli a look of disgust at the gentlemen going out. Lawright. What miserable cowards! They fight for Mammon and power, but have not the courage to meet a mail. (Repeating Catcher's advice) : " Remember you are chief of this' office now." Certainly; I have gained at once all my aspirations. But, to face the truth — I am only a tool in the hands of these monopolists, to forge public opinion in their favor. Thus these clever business managers may proceed unmolested in their gambling, greedy grabbing, and accumulation of other people's money. Must I confront old Greeley? Oh, my God! Ha ! would it not be much better for me to tell him the whole story? How infamously he has been betrayed? I will help him with all my force, in defiance of these foes, to unfold, to raise up again his noble banner of principles. No, no, it is too late ! the result would only be a fight in the dark. The facts are, his paper, the Tribune, is cap- tufed, and in a short time the whole press of the country will become the open mouthpiece of monopoly. Horace 26 Greeley has no more footing in society; no more influence on public opinion — a defeated reform President is truly a lost man; there is no hope whatever. (Determined.) I am the editor of the Tribune — a hireling of these monop- olists; but I shall make them pay me well for my services. Gradually I shall loosen their grip, and some day be my own master. I have grit enough to understand any situ- ation. (With a sigh.) Alas! poor Grace; the look of re- proach in her soft sad eyes haunts me everywhere. Ah, me; pshaw! she is only a woman; temperament like April weather — no danger from her. I cannot imagine how she could love me anyhow. If I had only something to accuse her of; some shadow of a cause for breaking our engage- ment; but she is so innocent, so faithful. Good heavens! there she comes. Scene 3. Grace niffrs in great e.rcltemenf. Grace. Harry, tell me what is the matter? Uncle is wild. This morning, while reading his paper, he sudden- ly accused you of overlooking the insertion of a certain article in the Tribune, which is slanderous and blacken- ing his good name. Oh, say; what does it mean? How could you overlook that. IjAwright. Oh, I guess your uncle is only nervous; affected by his loss of the Presidency. Grace. Uncle, nervous? not at all; he is in excellent health, in the most animated spirits; he does not mind his defeat, and will again resume the editorial control of the Tribune. Lawright (caustical). He will? Grace. Why not? He told me he would speak to you about this at once. Surely, he will be here immediately; 27 I was so anxious to see you. Say, did you do anything wrong? LAWRKiHT (aside). How in(|uisitive she is. Grace. Oh, Harry; do answer me! Lawrioht. I don't know; there may he some diffieul- ties arising. Grace. How so? Laavrtght. Because his defeat for the Presidency may somewhat interfere with his assuming the editorship again. PubHc opinion, you know, is a fickle, changeable maid, always following the train of success. Grace (perplexed). Impossible! you did not speak like that before; you were the very one to persuade him to ac- cept the nomination. Oh, I begin to understand ; my pre- monition conies true. Harry, what shall I think of you? Lawright (cool). Circumstances alter cases. Grace. Mr. Lawright, what are you insinuating with such phrases? Am I to ap[)ly this to our relations also? Lawright. I should be very sorry to pain you, Miss Grace; but we have all to "accept the inevitable. Grace. Ah, yes, I see; you have performed some most excellent acting to accomplish this. Scene 4. — The Former. Grech'ii eiitcrs fluirli/. Greeley. How glad I am to be back in my old office. In this, my editorial sanctum, I have spent the happiest days of my life. (Takiiig a seat at his desk.) Now, I will resume my old duties, the editorship of the Tribune. Six months I have lost, struggling in the Presidential canvass ; never again will I be a candidate for any office. My craft is the press, and I am convinced that [the press is the great ally of human liberty, before which the most im- 28 pregnable enemy of the liberties and the happiness of man is made to tremble]. As a penniless boy I came to this city, founded and built up a daily newspaper, in which alone lie all my hopes and ambition. [ My aim was to make it a journal that should express its editor's convic- tions forcibly and fearlessly, should be liberal without in- difference, and open to the reception and recognition of truth. I will make this paper now a thoroughly indepen- dent journal, treating all parties and political movements with judicial fairness and candor, but courting the favor and deprecating the wrath of no one] — but the devil I (Taking up a paper.) What heinous being could insert in this, my journal, such an article, with the caption "Crumbs of Comfort," as coming from myself? It is the most infernal lie; doing me the grossest wrong. It puts me in a false light, as though I could insult the public and my best friends. (Lawright making a motion; Greeley then just noticing Lawright's presence). Greeley. Ah, Mr. Lawright; I sup])0se you received my note about the repudiation of this infamous article, " Crumbs of Comfort." How could such an insinuation creep into our last issue without your knowledge? [This article is a monstrous fable, based on some other experience than that of an}^ editor of this journal]. I want my dis- claimer printed at once, to justify myself against such in- famy. (Lawright, shrugging his shoulder, gives no answer.) Greeley (impatient). What is the matter with you? Can you not understand? I am obliged to defend myself against the insinuation of this miserable wretch, who has dared to blacken my good name before the public. ( Lawright shrinking, almost overcome by the reproof.) Grace (anxiously observing Lawright's expression, 29 aside, uttering with a low cry). Good God! he is the -author of this hideous article; now I despise this man. Greeley (suspicious). I ask you for an answer. Lawright (cool). I must refuse to insert your dis- claimer. Greeley. What? did I hear you right? you say you refuse. I demand, as the editor-in-chief, that my orders be obeyed. You will understand that. Lawright. You luive been the editor; at present, lam the cliicf of this office. (Handing to Greeley his letter of appointment.) This will inform you of the position I now occupy. Greeley (glancing over the letter, reading) : "Mr. H, Lawright, the board of trustees of the Tribune concern in- forms you that you are unanimously elected the editor-in- chief of our daily journal, the Tribune." (Greeley stag- gering; forcibly collecting himself, exclaiming): Who are those trustees; who have signed this letter? (Looking at the signatures) — T. C. Clutcher, H. J. Catcher — (Dropping the letter.) What a terrible blow! These monopolists- these money-mongers; have laid a most fiendish trap to undo the good work of a whole life's energy; they have robbed me of the Tribune — the pride of my life; the fruit of my labor. Now I understand. The Tribune, my jour- nal, was an obstacle in their way. [They have an in- stinctive terror of a free, virtuous, able, and independent press ]. Oh, the high, noble principles of liberty, equality and brotherhood ; the fundamental guarantee for the hap- piness of every human being will be trodden down by these worshippers of the golden calf. The education and elevation of the working masses, which I have so earnest- ly endeavored to advocate in the Tribune, will relapse into silence. The American laborer icill become a white Ham in tJte clutcJi of these soulless corporations — a mere sub- 30 jed to fatten their interest. Alas! and I am the victim of a most cruel conspiracy. I now realize the fact that I am deposed from the control of the Tribune — my paper; my own work; my heart and soul was in it (Dropping help- less into a chair.) Grace (running towards Greeley). Merciful God! my uncle! Greeley (muttering). The country is gone! the Trib- une is gone! and I am gone! Grace (bending over him in great distress). He is dying! (After a while, rising to her feet, pointing to Law- right with utmost contempt.) Murderer! J-'BRARY OF CONGRESS 016 102 188 A " &