PS 1054 QfiEs DC IP' 1905 Copy 1 me LUTOCRAT \ ( 1 P onnn OR. Tl Add HE CONTINGENT S TRIAL CRIRI SONETl OCIAL. IS-(AN 9ING TO OU THIh ECONOMIC AND INDUS- ALLEGORY.) » MAKE K By PROF. GEORGE L. AYER.E [ETTEYAFAL EREYA EGR.OEG] Single Copies 50c: $35 Per 100 reas tKs Avihor for Fuiiher PsLrticuUrs. 1614 GraLnd Avcnus EANSAS CITY. MISSOURI THE PLUTOCRAT OR THE CONTINGENT SOCIAL, ECONOMIC AND IN- DUSTRIAL CRISIS— (AN ALLEGORY.) A LYRIC COMPOSITION. A PLAY OF HEROIC AND TRAGIC MOULD By Prof. George L. Ayere. [Etteyafal Ereya Egroeg] Author of — The Shepherd King; King David; Advanced Cir- irzation and Civil Government; Personal Liberty and Responsi- bility; Thoughts of a Thinker; Eight Hours a Day; Pronuncia- mento; New Year's Resolutions; Labor and Capital and the Boy- cott; and five hundred books and essays, pamphlets, articles, and poems in several styles of verse, and a large number of acting The right of dramatic representation can be secured by ad- dressing the author, 1614 Grand avenue, Kansas City, Mo. No line in this vrork that is not marked quoted is borrowed ac- cording to the fundamental college rule. References to men relative to this are made as to the idea, not the word or language. t EXORDIUM. • THE conditions that pertain in the affairs of people today in this country and the world at large, for that matter, are such as engenders confusion and discord more than anything else. The unrest that pervades society is a menace to peace and good order, in the social, political, industrial and economic spheres as well as in the religions also, but the latter we leave to the pious and socalled sedate of mankind. Let us, however, look closely at some of the conditions that agitate all avenues of society and the social spheres gen- erally, no less in the labor world than in the commercial world as in others. We are too prone, when we speak of society, to indicate by the term that class of people who call themselves aristocratic, and to forget the more significant and comprehensive mean- ing of the term. Society implies a whole, and not a part in any sense, though we may, and often do, speak of society in allu- sion to a part, or even parts of a part, as in the case of secret societies and many others, yet they of necessity are a compon- ent part of society properly defined. We should always go into broader fields, and consider the habits, employments, environments, progress and declines of the people as a whole, and it is in this sense that we prefer to be understood to speak when talking about society; hence we denominate it industrial intelligence, as applied to and by the collective whole or a democratic organism and industrial com- monwealth, because industry is not confined to any one branch or part of society, but exercised in all to some extent, as the term may apply to the situation or circumstances. This is a subject of many flavors and numerous tints, concerning which we shall speak of it is heroically as we can consistently. We might safely call society admirable if to the qualities of understanding it added mental and moral cultivation. But the ruling spirit of such a society, like the spirit that rules the whole world, must be pure, noble and poetic com- mensurate with its intelligence, or it is unworthy and meap- ingless, even beneath contempt. Whatever view of society we hold, to be consistent and in telligent we must contend for industry as well as intelligence, because the indolent are the sinful and sluggish, if we have any ingredients in society that are so, because if a man is to be governed by the proper moral law, it runs thus: "If a man will not work, neither shall he eat." not necessarily, however, work of the muscle, but work, honest, industrious and intelligent work; it is work in both meanings to write this article, as it is to write music, or the play, or the poem, or to work a plan, or to construct or plead a case, or grant good and wholesome advice. Hence, work that is life inspiring and intelligent and vigorous is what we contend for as the necessary component parts of a healthy society. We hold that its duty is the duty of all people in all times, the duty of cul- tivating the mind, of bringing into the soul the power to love that which is great and ennobling in the industries, literature and art, and the desire of associations with companions that are pure and elevating as well as intelligent and industrious. There is no other duty worthy the name in life for anybody. No matter what one's vocation, avocation or calling may be, whether he is an idler in the reception halls of fashion or a struggler in the avenues of business life, or a worker at the bench, on the wall, in the garden, or the ditch, the demand that civilization makes on him is that he shall strive to improve his mode of thought and habit of existence, and that he shall learn to respect those virtues and beauties that adorn and purifiy the earth, and endeavor to do something to make the world better by reason of his having lived in it, and to scorn the brutalities and degradations that grow out of indolence, ignorance and sensuality. That people which attain to such distinction of thought is a true society or community, the people's pride, their hope, and true nobility. The power of wealth, the decoration of jewels, the pretensions of caste, the splendor of banquet halls, all the arrogances and ornaments of luxurious existence, are but mere baubles, and flimsy dis- guises of a character that is detestable when contrasted with the nobler and more elevating characteristics that are to be found in a comprehensive and intelligently industrious society such as we advocate, and which must necessarily grow out of the establishment of a proper social organism, or the latter out of it. Richness of the mind, and justice and charity of the heart are the true badges of the society that is made up of men and women, the highest titles that can be bestowed upon a people, kindred or race. Without these endowments no people can honestly assert ftny claim to being representative of the accomplishments of domestic dignity and of the proper status of an intelligent and Industrious neighborhood. These things must abound in the society of a community before man can hope to enjoy any of the natural endowments that his origin intended and his des- tiny justifies, and it would be a noble and glorious work for all mankind to energetically apply themselves to the end that its accomplishments be realized, if even so they engage in it without the hope of fee or reward. A truly industrious and intelligent social organism is the nearest approach to the perfection of accomplishment we can with our understanding conceive of. A pert suggestion will those say who desire to Indulge the truth of that maxim "evil communications corrupt good man- ners," and who feel that they are indulging offices of good when they are attempting to convince some one else that they themselves are the personification of intelligence and understand- ing. They will spend more time in the act of demonstrating to a neophite — as by them set down and accounted — the difference in the various ways to make a letter with pen or pencil than It would take to write a comprehensive five column article on the things that appertain to the well-being of humanity. In fact, this has ever been the office of the critic and when carried to a degree of indulgence It develops into that of the iconoclast. Now, there is a virtue in being engaged in the business of de- stroying idols because they have been the bane of man and the cause of idolatry, but to indulge this pastime in attempt- ing to subordinate ideas to a knowledge of letters is to ex- haust the steam that belongs to the engine that moves the things of this world on the one that stickles for terms and to squander time and energy on useless matters. The editor or man of literary accomplishments never is a man of letters as is the mechanical proofreader, nor can he be expected to be; because his time is given to inquiry into the philosophy, na- ture and science of things as applied to the social, economic and political conduct of men, rather than to a study that pre- pares him to go to the head of his class in a spelling contest at a country school. Very few, if any, of the great poets or philosophers were, or in point of fact, are expert with the pen or far advanced in the use of the particular letter, but all evince an advanced conception of things and a wide knowledge of words and the application of ideas. This was true of Shakespeare, of Horace Greeley and of Dean Stanley, the latter being so poor a pen- man that the printers charged him half a crown per page ex- tra for setting up his matter, and of Horace Greeley it was said that he could not read his own writing when it was an hour old and was compelled to employ a special compositor to set up his lines to secure satisfactory ends. Shakespeare was the same in a large measure and it has been said of him that when he wrote amendments to the play of "Hamlet" dur- ing the rehearsals at the Globe theater in London, those en- gaged with him in the work (Johnson and others) could not read his lines, and he was required to do so for them, and, in fact, of Plato, Archmedes, Pericles and even Caesar and Napoleon it was said that penmanship was not among their cardinal accomplishments. But the greatest man the world ever knew, not excepting Moses, Elijah, Elias, David and Solo- mon, was not by authority of any tradition that we have or anyRilng else (except that when a certain woman was brought to him under charge of having been caught in the act of adul- tery he stooped down and wrote with his finger in the sand and on arising said: "Woman, where are thine accusers ?"- never wrote at all, nor is there any record that he ever went to school, and he chose his apostles from the fishermen while he was Emanuel, nor went he to the educated for any until Paul was called on his way to Damascus. It becomes the man who possesses Tittle, if any, marked in- telligence to contend for the idea that a knowledge of letters indicates intelligence. You can teach a pig to pick out any card in the pack or any letter in the alphabet. It requires very little brains to be a parrot, and upon this fact rests the truth that it is easier to secure a score of sticks who can mouth lines to fill up the cast than one actor who can suc- cessfully become the central figure in the picture and act, not strut and bellow on the scene as some perwig-pated fellow to please the ears of the groundlings. The actor, as the orator, is born, not made, and the philosopher has the quality latent in his soul and organism, and it cannot be acquired at col- lege or on the tented field by the art of practice whatsoever. When it comes to that particular knowledge for the lack of which forty and two thousand fell at the banks of Jordan, be- cause they could not pronounce a particular word with proper aspiration, very few of us can come up to the mark, but none of this indicates that wisdom characterized by the Giblimites when they came up to Joshua with mildewed bread and moldy bottles and tattered garments. We are more than stpid when we attempt to reform the world or educate man on the straight lace or straight jacket plan, and the study of economy does not in any sense depend on a particular aptness in the use of every or any letter in the alphabet, but rather on an understanding of what is ex- pressed in and by the terms they are used to express and of their application to the reasons, causes and effects that appertain to the weal or woe of humanity. The true exponent of the well being of mankind will not squander any unnecessary time in searching for the middle letter of the middle word in the middle verse of the middle chapter of the scriptures, but he will rather seek to appreciate ^.nd expound the spirit of the law and gospel for man's advance- ment and protection that good may come of his efforts and the standard of happiness and moral achievement be enhanced there- by. Sad is it indeed for us to fritter away our valuable time in ways that exemplify the characteristics of swallowing a camel while straining at a gnat, for when it comes to what we may say of a truth that we verily know we are very little, if anything, above the level indicated by the words of a great infidel: "I know as little as the smallest insect that ever fanned with happy wings the sunshine of a moment." Most men would be fit and proper companions for the beast that bora our saviour on his back into Jerusalem were it not for the fact that their ears have come short in length, while in most of the other ways they often excel him, and he is most of all men a jackanapes who feels it to be any part of his duty to eradicate the ignorance of frail mankind. Heaven deliver us from the stickler, the bickerer, the kick- er, the faultfinder, the critic and the praguists and enable us to delve into the depths of nature and extract therefrom a fuller understanding of the noble aspirations. But let us look still further. Ill understanding never can be eradicated fully from the mass in the true sense of the term, but those that have the time — and under Socialism all men, all beings, will have time, notwithstanding all men cannot hope to be professors — the ones who are selected to administer the affairs of the co-operative commonwealth will attend to the duties assigned to them in a truly but worthy manner, because there will remain no possible incentive to do otherwise; and the conditions that this drama delineates will not pertain, nor in full justice should they — as they most certainly do — under any system of intelligent industrial or economic society. IN this city of sin and commercial interest is an accom- plished (?) bugler, who does a species of playing that very much annoys the estimable editor of a well known and high- ly appreciated reform paper, and, at times, when the bugler's notes become so discordant that they grate upon the ear much as the old-fashioned horse-fiddle utilized at a serenade of a country wedding in the "wee hours" of the first night of mar- ried bliss, the editor avails himself of a contrivance by acci- dent, that exists in a waterpipe in the hall, caused by the action of a rubber valve in conjunction with an effect from air to cause to be made a noise so much more out of touch with har- mony in music than the perverted notes of the bugler as to cause the youth to become ashamed of himself and leave off the pastime, thereby securing to the editor spells of apparent solitude and relief. Now, the condition that exists between this editor and bugler is, in many respects, very similar to that which asserts itself between the people who control the wealth of th's na- tion and the ones who have no wealth to control, or. to put it more commonplace, the haves and haven'ts, or the ones who lift and those who lean. And the methods resorted to by each to curtail the oppor- tunities or rights of the other, be it said in all candor, in too many instances, savor too much of those characteristics that actuate the disposition and practice of the bugler and editor aforesaid; indeed, much of this may be seen in the contro- versies often pending between operators of mines — who are im- pelled by mandates emanating from the fellow who touches the button while he (the oeprator) does the rest, and the men who do the work in the mines for starvation wages. The operator acts as if he held it to be bis right and privilege to compel, at least in the sentimental sense, obedience on the part of the workingmen, in the face of a condition of affairs that has many things in it to suggest servitude, if submitted to, worse than that which pervaded the South in the affairs of the black slaves, and while the workingman Inclines to avail himself of advantages very similar in nature to the contri- vance of the waterpipe referred to, yet he is, as is also the editor, in a situation that not only justifies, but demands the action on his part that he is taking, and all of the honesty and justice is involved in his attitude, with the disposition manifest on the part of the operator to do all things necessary according to his conception of interests and their protection, to not only deny the workers redress, but to even momentarily retreat before their equitable demands in any sense or degree. Herein, it seems to me, we have a state of affairs that has all the elements of "man's inhumanity to man," and even more, because the talent and possession are on the part of the opera- tor, and, like the bugler, he insists on indulging his encroach- ments on those who are impelled to the protection of them- selves, not alone by dint of right, but of urgent necessity, hav- ing no alternative but to strike or to starve. Now, it needs another picture to complete the conclusions we seek to establish in this missive, and one that seems to fully illustrate the drama of social interests that is now on the boards, and progressing scene by scene, act by act under direction of a stage manager, who sits in obscurity, so far as the second sense is concerned, and directs the acts of those who handle the scene shifts and the curtains and climaxes. A party of mien once engaged in digging out a channel for the purpose of deeper navigation, were using dynamite to dislodge the earth at the bottom of the stream, to make it more easy to remove, and the plan of operation was to let down the explosive in quantities with a rope attached, and by use of a fuse cause the charge to do its work, and so on was th» enterprise prosecuted until, on letting down one of the charges, they failed to secure its explosion in proper time, and, wish- iag to understand the cause, they began to pull the rope In and found, to their amazement, that it was lodged and diffi- cult of recovery, which led to more vigorous and persistent effort on their part, and after much difficulty they succeeded in hauling it in. whereupon they discovered that the charge of dynamite was in the embrace of a monster devil-fish and his slimy limbs began to clang about the sides of the boat, and one of the men, fearing lest he might upset the craft by reason of his massive weight, caught hold of an ax and made an at- tempt to chop off the limbs of the monster, but his first blow went wide of the mark and he cut the rope instead, when the monster went down again with the explosive quantity still In his embrace. Whether it ever exploded or not we have no evidence, but the situation resembles to our mind very much that impending between labor and capital, so far as the latter Is controlled by selfishness and greed, and the wonder is wheth- er the monster will be able to retire to his spawn unharmed, as did the live octopus, or not, and whether or not, if so he •does, the explosive will act in his retirement and we be caused to see the fragments of his carcass on the surface. While honest men starve and are sneered at because they are workmen, and dishonest men are envied because they are possessed of the gold that has always shown this explosive nature in all ages, when used to the point of abuse, as it is now being in this country, there is need of the contrast being drawn that so vividly asserts itself in this picture latterly given, and the things that are indicated by the former and will mani- fest themselves so long as men starve, and human beings com- mit suicide, and go mad, and suffer from disease and fevers manifold, and the voice of the honest workers will continue to ascend to the great Adonizedek until the Lord of equity comes in his glory to redeem suffering humanity by some means that exigency necessitates, be it fire or flood, or sword or a loving sympathy, but to say that these things can continue would be a sacrilege on inimitable justice. INTRODUCTION. This work was written with intent to lead, And not to follow after any creed, To set forth that by which all are agreed, To propagate to those who love the freed, Of all that a true brotherhood may breed; And to defend the truth of goodness, Not the form too oft called goodness; To teach men to do good, not to profess To be that which is acted, and confess, But to be true to the great golden rule, Nor paliate the simpleton nor fool, But teach the dogmas of true equity, To inculcate a fond equality, To advocte a solidarity, To foster and uphold morality. To do all this in true fraternity, To do it in the sense of proper light, To do so in defense and for the right. To do so as opposed to means of might; For leave is given to those only To indulge their valued liberty, Who do so in the light and laws of truth. All this is sought and seen in Socialism, As honor sees itself devoid of schism. This work is not to be in any sense considered as an ab- stract or literal treatise of the subject we have chosen. It is au allegory, and the hints given with the cast of characters relative to the spirits indicated should be all that is needed to guide the reader. The conflict that ever is and has ever been uppermost in the public mind of all time and all nations is the central idea or pivotal point of the plot, and the subject economic chosen is one nearest the people's hearts. Nowhere better than in our American politics has been exemplified the sentiments that permeate this narrative, and the discordant chimes of it may be appreciated by a perusal of the articles that precede this introduction. Read them carefully and critically. The names of the characters are a sufficient index to the purpose that brings them into being, and the central idea of public sentiment illustrated exacts of you that you shall read and consider and understand these beings as applied to things measures, opinions, ideas, principles, truths, disturbances and kindred things that enter into the affa'rs of peoples as a whole. These characters are not persons, they are beings, supernatural if you will, made to talk to the people of the world as the char- acters in the dramas of Shakespeare, Bulwer, Hugo and a thou- sand others do to the consciences of men; more, these char- acters are illustrative of the economic and industrial as also political aspirations of the good and the bad in all countries. When the Goddess expels Gimmiel it is but truth expeling false- hood, light dispelling darkness, as also when Gimmiel inveigle? Plutus it but exemplifies the nature of subterfuge that enters into the status of the speculative market, nor can the half herein be well told. The suffering, and snobbishness, the pa- tience and innocence, as well as the servility of the situation are illustrated in the woman, the child and the officer, while the ignorance, speaks through the rabble, balanced through the application of equitable sentiment by Uncle Samuel. The fortitude, the honor, the justice and manhood of the affair speaks through Job, while the greed for gain, for gold is seen in the character of Plutus. The seeming enthrallment of Job is that too often real- ized, and also unmerited, by the man who has and does, and will stand for the good order and progress of the mass, and who ■uffers the bane ofthe intrigues that are concocted to perse- cute as has been exemplified in the affairs industrial of Colo- rado, Cour de Lene, Idaho, the coal strikes in Pennsylvania, at Homestead and in the Pulman strike and the Chicago af- fair wherein the federal troops interfered, and in an hundred other instances of a similar or kindred nature. The effort always has been to persecute the so-called low- ly, and the swell always comes from below. Nay, it will con- tinue so to do so long as there is need of an upward swell to move. The duplicity of Paul is a thing so common in the world of the boodler that it needs no argument to make it plain to the blind. On the whole, the reader must, if he or she would appreciate the true idea of this narrative, study it with an interest in the public mind, and with a view to see if possible the fundamental merit of these fundamentalisms. My charac ters are incased in flesh and blood, and must be as a jewel must have a setting, but the spirit that speaks is the thing not the person, not the material, but the moral being is the mo- tive. SOLUS POPULUS SUPREMA LEX EST, is the heart of this composition, and it must be so viewed and studied as also understood to be appreciated in the proper sense of the term. A few words here for Socialism, in the defense of which this work has been, at least in part, written, and to which the trend of the times is pushing the trade unionist, as fast as he can be urged along by the exegencies of the times, and the con- tingent circumstances that suround him everywhere. Too often the unthinking and otherwise well informed speak of Socialism as brigandage, Utopian, chimerical, fanciful,, dis- order, lawlessness, discord, chaos, coercion, anarchy, outlawry, revolution, or that it means save money to buy a gun, or any other thing than evolution. Remember, that Socialism means— and that is enough to remember — peace, plenty, progress, pleas- ure, pastime, power politically as also economic equality. It means fraternization, fraternity and fraternalism; it means right and as against the law of might. It means conscience, collectiveism and anti-corruption. It means fratenrization, fraternity and fraternalism; it means liberty, freedom and enfranchisement; it means equality in all that embraces opportunity and all that enhances emolument or trust. It means union, unity and unification, and the up' lifting of humanity; it means solidarity and salutoriness in the sacredness of justice and right. It means brotherhood, progressive brotherhood, not only in the name and imder the idea of the fatherhood of God, but it means a humane brotherhood, a material brotherhood, a broth- erhood of manhood, and of womanhood, a new brotherhood that invokes in the name of all justice and equity, the material realization of the kingdom of heaven on earth; it means in fine, that reign of peace, unity and plenty, of peace on eai}th, good will to men! for all, not for a part, to the good of all, for the pleasure of all, the leisure of all and the profit of all, and that, too, in accord with the laws of honor, good order and prog- ressive democracy. It speaks in the name of coUectiveism, the co-operative commonwealth, as opposed to all greed, all gormandizing, all covetousness, all peculation, bribery, vice and kindred objection- ables, and proposes to elimnate all speculation. It means pos- session, appropriation, utility, comfort, time, achievement and death to all selfishness! It means opposition to all sordidness, all miserly ideas and all crime, all poverty, and stands for education, enlighten- ment, light, homage and fidelity to the principles of industrial equality, industrial justice, and industrial supremacy, adminis- tered in the light of economic equability and economic activity. Socialism intervenes in the interests of the other fellow, of your neighbor, in defense of the idea of love, service, benevo- lence and a humane brotherly regard for all and in all! Stands for the idea of emulating who best can work and best agree, to the end that all mankind shall profit in all by all the service of all mankind; for the erection of the spiritual and the material temple of man, and of social society on an equalateral plan, the base or foundation of which shall be laid deeper than the whims of foolish and designing men, the pillars of which shall rest on the eternal walls of justice and righteousness, and the dome of which shall rise until its top reaches the realms of the celes- tial habitations of truth, justice, equity and chastity! It means the perfection of man made ordained institutions among men, and for all mankind. Socialism is the conscious- ness of the public wrong, in no sense a paliative, but a remedy, capable of fully healing the body politic, and bringing into being and into activity a true economic status, an industrial or- ganism that will be clean, and as vigorous as it is clean, for all, and that will render good to all in all. ^ THE TRUE SOCIALIST. He keeps to honesty and to the truth. Is moved in his true manhood for the youth; He wields an independent tongue and pen. And has the pride of all true thinking men, His work in honor ever is well done. He has a strong sense of the evils strong, A love of right, and scorn for every wrong; He hates the tyrant as he hates the knave, And loaths the coward as he loves the slave; His is a work becomes the truly brave. He has a kind, true heart, a spirit high. These are all written in his manly eye; He can not fear, and he will not bow, He bears his purpose on his manly brow, He understands the cause, also the how. Praise to his purpose and his words home-driven, In all he does beneath the sky or heaven; Like flower seeds by the far wind are sown. And in his van the birds of fame have flown. His aim is always to give man his own. Praise to him, and the nation that has stood. Her brave, her beautiful, her sons do good; Beside his pedestal we lift our eyes. And honor him as when a loved one sighs. His name shall be revered when- his light dies. And o'er the stillness of his funeral day. With mute and humble homage we shall pay; While near his cold earth couch in love we stand, In reverential gratefulness around, To dedicate his consecrated ground. A consecrated ground that truly is, And he shall live in our blessed memories, As in the last and hallowed home of one Who though when he is with the buried gone, Has truly served in all, his fellow men. Such graves as th!s are a true pilgrim's shrine. The delphan vales of noble Palestine- Shrines to no dogma, code or creed confined Reared to the Meccas of the human mind. He lived a man and worked to bless mankind. The hills may fall, and plains to mountains rise. But his work shall the nations supervise, And destiny shall write him of the wise. THE SOCIALISTIC SPIRIT. Comrades, the sweet and ever loving lore Of Socialism means in truth no more Than to possess an honest, open mind, And act the art no less of being kind. To do good always, justice kept in mind. It is the ever comprehensive sight. Of him who aims to set the state's things right; That sees and feels another's proper need. That is inspired without a shallow creed, Insisting always that all shall be freed. It is the soul to know and love man's kin. The voice to fight against man's shameful sin; That sees the right of flock and also herd, Upholds the worth of man and beast and bird, That has no creed but good deeds blessed word. It is the heart with pure love so fraught, That even at its least unspoken thought; Says justice to all lives' all living things. And bears love's healing message on its wings, Especially for all suffering human beings. It is the spirit that will ever cope, Nt)r fail to turn a radiant face of hope Against all earth's colossal evil woes, And conquer also all truth's pigmy foes. From bad resolving life and earth's best vows. It will yet master wrong and earth's sad fate. And stamp new charms upon the brows of hate; In thoughts of warmth and pure social white, It will reveal love's seal and shed its light! And banish the bald dogma might is right! It is the strong, courageous, fervent faith. That changes this cold world of sin and death; That changes foes to be a true, firm friend. It's the beginning and the sought for end Of all that to the light of truth doth tend. The law of truth and love and rising hope, Is written on its hills, its vales and slope; It has no compromise to make with sin. Insists that mankind shall all enter in. To life's awards anew and life begin. Not as the servile wageslave of his class, Not as the hireling that the wealth God has. Not as the servant from the common mass, Not as the subject that at times must fast. But as the equal of all men at last. The spirit of chastity, love and truth, In Socialism speaks thus to the youth, And deprecates all customs are uncouth. All economic slothfulness and drought. All selfishness, gaingetting and their fruit. PLUTUSISMS; OR THE SORDID GOD OF GOLD. This greedy god sits on his throne of fast gold, While wielding a power heretofore of untold; In the days of the rulers have gone on before, Or in the prime forces of latter day lore. Neither the days that we reckon more near. Indeed, in the suns of our own that are here. His garments are gold caste, his crown very yellow, His appetite vast, and his conscience quite hollow; His heart is of iron, and ihis nerves are of steel. His impulses diamonds, he's no sense to feel; For the cries of the orphan, or wails of the widow, The groans of the hunger that gives peace its shaddow; The seat he sits in and the habit he wears Are as hard as the copper his sordid soul bears; His countenance is as the brass of the forge. His eyes like the glass that all colors disgorge; His smell is acute as the sensitive plant. His hearing as keen as the elk's, and you can't Bv.ide his foul touch, or his tastes fail to meet. And in greed he is dipped from his head to his feet; His footstool is clay, and his canopy heaven. His method the method that leavens the leaven; And his cold, clammy hand is in everything, From the gold nugget to that which we bring. As thG widow her mite to the gods offering; And he's ever governed by sordid desires. Talent and bruteism, both these he hires; SoMetimes he acts, too, or rather his hands Like a bull in a china shop sometimes he stands. in the ways as the maniacs of parables, And seeks to direct all the poor, their travels, Into shoals, into sandbars and even on rocks. That as a ghoul he may fatten his chops On the wreckage he usually finds in their wake. And often a great deal of pains he will take To induce the rich to indulge in investments. And then when he gets them involved well, his torments Are' much as the eagle or hawk will ill use. The muskrat or weasel their needs to appease; Or as the hungry tiger would do to the wolf. And the bear to the rabbit, the fox to the elf; The owl to the bird, 'and the squirrel his kind, Tho leper, the linx, or the lion the hind; Ana in his eagerness he will pluck out The entrails of victims as a pickerel a trout; The octopus is a mild creature to him, He does it deliberately, nothing in spleen; And, in setting his snare, as a spider his web. He uses no force of the sword or the club; He silently waits for the creatures to swim In the channels he makes by his genius so grim, And when in his reach, then he gobbles them in, As an octopus does the sea's life his victim; Nor feels he remorse, no indeed, not a whit, No matter who dies, or who may have a fit. Neither satisfy him, can you a little bit; For as the whirlpool attracts in the sea, So he allures to himself you and me; And the print of his slimy, cadaverous palm Is seen in the network of railroads, the farm, The factory, storehouse, banks and in commerce. Everywhere find him, he'll sometimes coerce, By sentimental moods, of infatuation, Invading the residence of every station. In sugar, in flour, in butter, meat, oil. In Ihe coal bin he nestles, and his slimy coil Is seen in the wine that we take for digestion, In the medics compounded for the renovation Of the system, the blood and the appetite's sake, He is in the fire, and found at the stake; Hio arms intrude into every prison, Into the palace, the dive its polution; No place is so mean ,or so dark void of light That he finds it not out with his theme, "might is right." Or his motto that: "Whatever is it is right." Go to the race track, the gambling den. To the newspaper office, the capitalist's pen. The pulpit, the pew or the park and the glen. To the professors, these teachers of men, into politics and the confines of old men. Among thieves or the nests of an old setting hen; To the fields of our harvests, or to the bullpen; To the bowels of the earth, the darkest coal mine. The silver or gold, brass or zinc, where the coin Is molded; go anywhere under the sun. Go into the seas to make investigation. Where can you escape the mark of his touch Or the brand of his trade on your life, nay, not much; And unto his power you are as subjected As the cow in a poke or the horse that is fettered. As the ox in his yoke, or the pig in his sty, Or anything ruled by the modes he'd employe. Under the systems that rule our day. There is no escape from the powers of gold. No matter how classed or whatever your fold, Nor will there be until this king is dethroned, And caused to desist from these practices owned By himself even, to be as nothing consistent, With the laws nature has made; his contentment Is that the law grants its right and its uses Are guaranteed thus, what ever its abuses. And so he contents himself as Ramons did, Beholding the maze of the butcheries hid 'Noath the guise of his charities, and to get rid Of him ais his ways, socialism must come And competition to its graces succumb. Indeed, it is not in the genius of man To model a plan to subdue this greed clan. Save and except by its equities fair. Adjusting themselves to man's needs everywhere. Like Sampson in spirit, the pillars removing To man's betterment, and to greed's well unoding; The Socialist Sampson then surely will do The work that is needed for his overthrow; Though time may elapse, its as certain as fate, His ending is death, be it sooner or late, And when he's demised, on his bones we'll create A temple of justice, its laws emulate. To the glory of all men that model the state. Nor is there a man's can not under the sky If we do fail it's because we have failed to try. Shall labor thus suffer always, reason why! Time gilds with gold the iron links of bain, There is no endless joy, no endless pain, A dark today leads to a bright tomorrow, Remember this all ye who walk in sorrow. "For we are made as notes of music are. For one another, though dissimilar. Such difference, without discord as can mako Those sweetest sounds in which all spirits shake As trembling leaves in a continuous air." We do not advertise this as a great work, We advertise it as a good and true work. We speak of the systems, and of how they work, We speak of the ones who have all and do no work. We speak of those that do all and yet work, We speak of those have nothing and still work, With a view to censure those -who do no work. We have inlisted in this present work With no incentive that impels theTurk, But rather that defends the man of all work Against oppression and the lazy shirk, Who frets that he may live and never work, No matter how the poor may be oppressed. CAST OF CHARACTERS. Goddess — Spirit of Equity and Truth. Uncle Samuel— Spirit of Public Voracity— SALUS, POPU- LUS, SUPREMA LEX EST. Morgan Plutus — The Gold God, Spirit of Avarisciousness. Job — A Class Conscious Spirit of Justice. An Officer — Service and Submissiveness. Paul — Spirit of Servile Duplicity. Son of Job — Innocence and Industry. Mrs, Job — Spirit of Patience and Fidelity. Lady — Spirit of Aristocracy. GImmiel — (High comedy) — Evil Genius, the bane of peace aud order, of justice and all honor. Factory hands, citizens, drunks, rabble dressed in the cos- tumes of all nations and acting as to their habits and manner- isms, policemen and imps. Scene — A Factory Town. Time — The Winter Season. P«riod — The Times of Man's Affairs. Entered according to act of Congress in the office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington, D. C, in the year of our Lord. 1905. By Prof. Geo. L. Ayere. AU rights reserved. (Etteyafal Ereya Egroeg.) COSTUMES. Goddess — Blue star bespangled dress; Columbian crown; high diss spear; wihite sandals. Undo Samuel — Long blue coat, Prince Albert cut; white vest; red tights; patent leather shoes; high class high stovepipe hat; long gray mustache. Plutjs — Red cutaway coat, long tail; white vest; yel'ow tights; old style half stovepipe 'hat; high laced shoes, or bootees. Job- Cotton jeans pants; blue flannel shirt; old slouch hat; oVi shoddy coat; cowhide boots; cotton threads on his clothes. Paul — Ordinary modern dress.- Job's Son — Poor dress of a boy. Officer — Policeman's dress; white helmet; tan shoes; white ank- lets; red belt; club and a seven-pointed star. Mrs. Job — Calico dress; old shawl; old shoes; worn fascinator. Lady — Up-to-date aristocratic dress of a rich woman. Gimmiel — Black body dress red trimmings; purple cloak; red headdress; red pointed shoes; red belt; fine sword and scab- baT-d. Hands and Strikers — Costumes of all nations; men, women, boys and girls, intermixed. Stage Directions — F. C, front center; C, stage center; TJ. S. C, up stage center; L. F. C, left front center; R. F. C. right front center; L. F., left front; R. F., right front; L. U. E., left upper entrance; R. U. E., right upper entrance; U. S. C. D., up stage at center door; L. C, left of center; R. C, rigit ol center; L., left; R., right. ACT I. (Overture.) Scene I. — A factory exterior or a factory outyards. Enter Gimmiel (L) sauntering — looks about, scans the mill, eta — Meantime hands enter the mill — Men, women and children — Dressed in costumes of all nations. Gim. — Now, this is that same season of the year, When many of those who have to work for bread, Are put quite often to their uttermost To get themselves enough of this earth's goods To keep the hunger and the winter's cold Outside their humble menial cabin door. Now, discontent runs high in these poor places, And muttered oaths illume the air betimes. As they reflect on the supposed ill usages. They get too oft from their selfish employers. This is a time when business is slack, ~. And men are apt to figure up their dividends As well as they are apt to cut the wages Of those that they elect oft to employe. Now, an act like this, all workingmen consider As not at all in harmony with justice, And, mark you, at the same time they are apt To ask for an advance of their mean wages; They see the bosses revel in their wealth. While they are put to much extremity. And, then's the period contemplative of / The thought that they who hire have it all, While those who earn it get a meagre share; They're apt to think the cause is with employment, Tut, tut, now in this thought they are mistaken. It's not in this, nor is it in themselves; It's in the poisoned systems of our times That tolerate their sordid practices. While this is true, it serves my purpose well, And I will take advantage of the times To cause disturbance in this factory, As I shall everywhere I can the same. One Job acts as a foreman in this mill, He's of a kind that feels his fellows' right. And, apt is he to speak defending them; I'll tempt him to the utterance of their claim And out of his true nature make my aira At that selfish owner of this mill; I'll bring my arguments to bear between The honor of one and the avarice of the other. Thus is the metal wrought and thus I rise To the achievement of my evil purpose. Ah! ha, ha; that's the way, device is mine. The execution theirs, and ruin the end. On this my every artifice attend, I'll falter not until I reach the end. Exit Gimmiel (R. F.)— Enter Plutus (R)— Job (L- Plu. — Job, why is my business thus disturbed, Or why should it be threatened with a strike? Have I not given you advantages. In running all my mill in this dull season? I make no money now — again I ask Why do you threaten me with labor strikes? Besides this, too, the times indeed demand That I shall make a cut in present wages! Job — Can you think of such a hardshell thing In the face of knowledge past and present About the situation in this plant? Is this what we call acting on the square? Plu. — I know you workingmeji can not agree With this, at least the would-be leaders can't, But^ if the masses of them were allowed To exercise due judgment for themselves. And such as you would cease to meddle with The causes that too oft concern them thus, Things might in much be very different. Job — I have not meddled with this matter, sir, Except as manhood would seem to dictate it, And, then at that, not in a praguish way, But in defense of right in all, and reason ; At least I feel I have not sought to do so. Why not come right to the point at once, And name the issue with no blemishes? Do you think, sir, that I am dishonest? If you do, why, say so, and at once. Do not thus beat the devil round the bush! Plu. — Without the aid of capital to labor It becomes a drug upon the market And a menace to itself as well as to The peace of every social interest! Job — Labor could live were capital extinct. Because it's labor that enables capital To make its proper touch to commerce yield, And as for your over-inflated market, It would not, could not be, if workingmen Were paid a proper wage, nay, even more. We would not be compelled to agitate A strike, nor you, as now you do, a lockout! Plu. — I am not agitating lockout, sir, I contemplate a paying principle, And that because it's very necessary, I can't do business at a sacrifice. A private rumor ran from out your union ' Before a cut in pay was contemplated — That you intended making a demand For an advance on present wages paid, And, I was led perforce on that account To take an inventory of my business, Doing which I found I could not pay The wage in fact that I am meeting now, And, hence, resolved, as I have said, to cut them; Nor at that because I wish to either But because by right, I am compelled to. Job — You say because of rumors spoken of You propose to cut our present wages? We were faring poor enough before And, this being done, indeed, 'tis very like We can not live as men should live at all. Even admitting that a half a loaf Is better than no loaf, as you aver. Is this the plumit of your moral judgment? Plu. — I worked for less than I am paying you When I was working for a proper wage. And, even if the others are not paid So much as seems it j^ou think proper for them What matters it, so long as I am willing And satisfied to pay your salary? Enter Gimmiel (L) stealthly. Job — You seem to think we have no understanding. Or that we are frail creatures being unfit To think, or manifest a humane feeling; Our only way is, well — to force you to it. Plu. — What! talk you then to me of ignorant force'. Let not your better judgment be subdued By giving way to heated passion, Job; I am the master here, and I insist That you shall exercise obedience Instead of making threats of stupid force. See that this does not occur again! Job — Let circumstances dictate as to that; And, as for the suggestion you have made. It becomes the name and trait of avarice, But I am not a merchandise or mountebank. To be cajoled or put to barter either Against the interests of my kind of people. I deprecate your economic sense; I am not a boodler nor a Pinkerton! Plu. — Your deportment suffers sacrelige, Do not you deceive yourself, and don't I pray you, thus attempt above all else To hoodwink me, I have often noted you, And I know you very well indeed, sir. You put on a bold front, and fain would seem To stand in line for common interests That you sometimes abuse in other ways By often exercising crippled judgment Concerning these low laborers' affairs. Job — Of this affair, let's have no argument. Your humane moral sense, it seems, should teach you If you have any worth appreciation. That such talk illy becomes a slave Much less a free American citizen. And you insult yourself as well as me. I blush to think that I have listened to you, I see in this the thing you'd lead me to! Is this your notion of the good man and true? Gim. — Well said, well said; this selfish-like employer Has not your interests at heart at all, He can afford to pay you more, he can, As you are well aware, compute his millions. Helped to him by you and these associates; Through manual labor in this factory, And by the exercise of industry. As well as patience and frugality; And much endurance of severe conditions. And will he prate of business sacrifices, And such simplicities and otherwises Humjlating to your better judgment? Thus o'ersteps the bounds of common reason. He's too much of a shylock ere to do it. Job — Demon or man, I think that you are right, And we will put him to the test anon. Exit Job into the mill. Plu. — Well, Gimmiel, you are here again, I see, And, as your want, you whisper poison in The ears of those that you do know full well Cannot afford to heed your wily counsel, But devil-like, as it's your occupation. You seek no end but that evolved of mischief. Gim. — A man like you, and having your possessions. Must be a knave to heed this fellow's prattle, Let him strike, 'till he strikes his soul out, He'll have his scourges proper for his pains. It can not last a month, and, while it's on The market will be drained of your produce. And then the price goes up, when you withal. Will reap a harvest ten times greater by it Than you can hope to if the factory runs Without impediment at all in striking. And its also the average consequence Of all delinquencies occur in products, A natural law that's always goverened by The well established rule that a supply Is necessary to meet a demand, aye. And a demand must needs have a supply, Hence, you can not be in much a loser, try The interruption of your business; fie These turbulent, disobedient workingmen — And why not let them strike at once say I! Plu. — You argue well and to the point, my business Will not, in fact, maintain their present wages; I'm losing money at it every day; And, I am much inclined to listen to you; But how about the other and like firms. That may increase their usual fair output, And thus meet all the shrinkage I create? Gim. — You will do well to heed a counsellor Who understands the nature of these men As I do; I know them well, and, mark you, They're peevish fools to say the very least, Meddlesome, o'erbearing, domineering, ' Seeking measurs that must interfere With the average peaceful management Of your business, as I am well aware; , And, as for these competing firms named. Do you forget the office of the trust? Why not put your thinking cap on straight? Plu. — O, yes; I had quite near forgotten that. Yes, I believe you, and my late experience Wivhin the hour with my foreman. Job, Has convinced me fully of these truths. . But, I must go in on business matters; I'll see you presently and we'll confer. Exit Plutus into the mill, rm. — Now, thinks this sordid avaricious gent That it will hinder him to have these men Get greater pay for their good services; He sees naught good but in a dollar's lee, And he would drain earth dry to have it, see! And I would have him do it, too, for I, Much dote on these distrubances and crimes , That follow in the wake of striking laborers; The hungry tenants and the cold apartments, That we shall see from this will picture chaos, And mine will be the feast to see it all, The rashness of one will kindle fire in the other, And the fools that ever prate about their right. And natural endowments too, may starve, And then be turned out into the cold streets. Exit Gimmiel (R. F.) — Enter Job, followed by crowd from mill — Crowd is noisy and demonstrative. Job — I told him all you said and he would not Give heed at all to our demands, he said The business could not pay our present wage, Much less meet an advance of our scale; Then I told him it's likely we will strike For higher pay, and that the factory Should cease to run as well, until he gave The just increase that we are asking for. He ordered me to lock the mill secure Against the entrance of ye, everj' one, I refused, and he discharged me, sirs, Then ordered his hlrling clerk to close it; So you see that this is now a lockout, Not a strike, as we had contemplated. A general shout indulged in by the hands. Now, meet me at the hall in half an hour, And we will to his office so he may know That we mean what we say and, if not there. Then let us to his house to notify him! Exit all but Job (L) shouting. Remember, at the hall in half an hour. We often pass along the streets and see Distressed looking beings plodding through The dust, the mud and mire, as we observe We note that they are in dejected mein. And though their clothes are poor, their faces bear No marks of dissipation on them. Now, there are some who may deserve to live In abject poverty and have but crusts, But in this man we find the great extreme As viewed from the standpoint of the Goulds today; The extreme wealth that's in this country- Necessitates the poverty that exists Among the common masses of the people, Nor can we well conceive of any time Respecting our industrial fabric's weal. While the preponderance of monopoly That now exists, holds sway with us in which, We can indeed, expect to see aught else Than extreme wealth and poverty in common; Nor can these things well be without in fact. Their great reflected shadows of the future. A tramp should not exist in our day, Unless he represents in every way His negligence as a man, nay more- There should be no such thing as a millionaire. Without becpming so by all fair means, In the persistent dint of his good toil. Exit Job after crowd (L). Scene II. — Home of Plutus. Enter Plutus and Gimmiel — C D— arrn in arm^ in a merry inebriation chattering and shaking their heads. Plu. — Yes, oh, yes; my ever excellent Gimmiel, You are just as good at gaming, too, As you are at several other thirig^s" = •'" - That I indeed, have been cognizant Of, ' ' And you seem to iave an understanding " ' Of these men, and their true natlire, too' A fact that gratifies me sumptuously. And excites my admiration grandly; ■ Since you seem to know the application Of your fine arts so as to anger them ' Or to counsel them to passiveness;' You're a superior jester, I confess, And, have also entertained me highly, ' Your generosity abounds profusely. ■ ' Pjutus staggers and supports himself on Glmmiel's arm.. Gim.— I am glad that I have' pleased you, Phittis, ' And I esteem it a great c'oiiipliment • To hear your estimation of my wit,' As well as of my understanding, sir; And you can rest assured, too, my friend, That these soft metaled knaves do very well To heed such counsel as I give to them, I know them well, as you have aptly said. And they are even more than apt Indeed, To come to you ere long in humble mood, ' And ask for reinstatement in the places That they so foolishly have thus vacated. Plu. — I have no doubt you prophecy me fair, Since you have often truly estimated Their acts before this time in other things. Gim. — O, it's their way; it often has been tried, And, be it said in all sincerity That they have this way lost more strikes by far From weakness manifest among themselves. Than have they in all other ways combined; And, our only way is to divide them Because they'll win the day if let alone, . And we can our sad defeat condone. Now, mark you this, no man can stand alone. It's in the science of collectiveism We find the strength of manhood and mankind. Plu. — Indeed; you do not mean to tell me so, Then disconcert them proper by all means; And, don't be small at that about your fee. For I have plenty of the wherewithal, And would be judged as in some generous; Say, have another glass of wine with me. Gimmiel fills glasses — They bump them — drink. Gim. — That do I sir, I do, for have I not Divided them a thousand timeg in fact, By interjecting differences among them When they were on the eve of victory? O, I in truth know how to doctor them — I merely use in it a devination, With no part of mental hesitation; It's but to know of all things every way,' How to set their sluggish brain to throbbing Or their subtle, peevish hearts to beating And make them perpetrate most anything From a ouarrel to a homicide. Plu. — Well, I am in the fight now anyway. And I mean upon my grounds to stand Even if the chances are against me; Yet, I have still relied on you in all, sir. Gim.^ — And can you doubt of my fidelity? Be not thus alarmed, your excellency, These things are not in a bad way at all. You can depend in all on me fof that. In point of fact, I have the matter pat. Now, nothing is difficult under the sky If we fail it's because we have failed to try, And shall we thus suffer this bane, reason why? Plu. — I doubt it nothing, my good master Gimmiel, And thank you very much for this assistance In these, my many hard trying contingents. I have been much annoyed by them, indeed, And think also it stands me well in hand To heed your counsel and obey it, too, Whatever be your knowledge in the giving. But, I forgot my glasses, please excuse me Will you not, until I go and get them, As I have here some writing I must do. And when I read or write I need them, too. Read the papers, or indulge a smoke Or anything you please till I return. Exit Plutus— U S—C—D— (Gentle strain.) Gim. — A thousand slaves that he may live at ease, And revel in earth's substance as he'll please. I sometimes wonder if he ever doubts me — He would be judged as in some generous. And seems in nothing parsimonious^ Yet he declined to give a fair advance When his employes gave him proper chance. And instituted lockouts to enhance His g>-owing profits in this knitting mill. And will he prafe of being manly still! Ah, well it matters not since it's my will To have him play the hypocrite and drill. Read the papers or indulge a smoke — Indulging some wine — deliberation — ■ His wine is highly flavored, it must be At least not less than seven years at edging, And it is fit indeed, for a passover. Nay, it is flavored for the priestly sage. O, I do love a broil, for Gimmiel-like it is To see these foolish men devour up Their substance, wortli and value, one the other. One thinks to win, the other believes his right, And they do both contend, each with the other. That they are ably suited to the end Of the other one's defeat; well, let them, The more they quarrel thus, the more I see My ends achieved, for they will likely kill. Destroy, tear down, burn up 'till utter chaos Shall be the scene indeed to look upon. I have it well contrived, I'll" cause it fully, I'll have that leader of the rabble, Job, Turned out into the streets, then will I tell The peevish fool that I would kill the bosa. He'll do it; then will the confines of my hell Be more supplied with suffering subject victimB. It is conceived now, let it have its flight, And let this struggle reach to hell and night. Exit Gimimel (R)— Enter Plutus (C. D.)— Takes $20 gold piece from his pocket, displays and dialates upon it thus: Plu. — I think I'm not so miserly nor mean. And yet I say there positively lies Within this yellow metal's golden sheen A charm that in all cases satisfies The deepest longing of my inmost soul. It fills with ecstacy my very sense, O'erflowing joy that I alone control, The wealth in part in fact, it represents; It holds me even powerless and I dote On its sublimely subtle innate charms; I worship and with eager fondness dote, But then, I say, where is in it the harm? Who would not bow at such magnetic ishrine. Abiding by the stale piety to repine, When he can do so, and may then bestow On charity the proper thing to show, That his mellow heart is in the place Nearest the wellfare of the human race; '' Indeed, that he is a true benefactor Dooerving of a most exalted character. I tipple, it is true, but that don't matter. I am of the elete and nincompoops may chatter. Pl'utus sits; takes up paper — Enter artistocratic lady; sits opposite Plutus; takes up paper. They both snatch papers and seem restless. (Soft tremelo.- Lady — Well, what is the condition of affairs With reference to the labor strike today? Plu.-^How and wherein does that concern you? Lady — Have I no interest then in these affairs? Plu. — No, indeed, you have not, my dear madam! See to it that you mind your own affairs; I have enough to bother, to perplex me Without answering all your silly quizzes. Don't you see that I am much perplexed With the attitude of all the papers? Not one of them has had the commonsense To see my side aright in these contingents. It is enough to rile the angel Michael. Lady — Well, I must seem of little consequence Or you are in a most extreme bad humor. Plu. — Will" you be more circumspect I say! Lady^O, very well, Oh, very well, sir! Very well. Snatches paper and reads. (Tremelo stops.) Plu. — Hello, what's this; I am indeed amazed — The strikers at the mill of Morgan Plutus Conduct themselves, it seems, in such a manner As 'to cause the honest laborers to blush; It is feared now that foolish, overt acts Will characterize this heated contest yet, And, he has no doubt obeyed in all affairs The necessary interests of his business. In denying their demands for higher wages. Damn me! that is a manly editorial! Lady starts in wonder and amazement. ' This fellow's frankness merits recognition. As he's unlike the other saucy jades That have commented on this labor strike. And gives my side of it a proper shading. Passes up and ddwii in angry passion. These shiftless wretches shall not rule. Nor dictate terms in my "business. Sits at table; takes check book to write: This check will pay the writer for his pains. Enter Job and strikers. (Soft tremelo.) Job — We came to ascertain the reason why .You're so persistent in determining To keep our wages at a standard low As that at which th6y have been so long placed? I speak for all these, not myself alone. Lady exhibits much disgust. Plu. — Your wages, sir, and these that follow you. Are higher now than those of other hands Employed by others at like occupation; I am a better judge than you can be Of what in fact, my business will afford, And I'm not disposed to tolerate yOur claims. Job — Then the mill will stop, and we will stop it — Aye, every wheel and spindle in the mill. Lady rises much disgusted— Exit at C^— D. And, we will see no others enter to it; Nor do I say this in a threatening spirit. But in defense of honor, truth and justice; Forbearance, slr^ has cea'Sed to be a virtue And it is time to speak in, our defense! ! Plu. — Beware, sir, how you menace me in this; I am most bold to assert my proper right To regulate my business as T chose to. I tell you now that if the mill does stop I will not yield me unto yOur demands; Yes, I have countermanded the lockout. But this I swear I will not reconsider, Therefore be very careful what you do. Enter Goddess L. to L. F. C. G'ds. — Now, Plutus^ do you think that yon are fair In your denial of the honest claims Of these, the people that sustain our nation? We owe our great existence to their kind. And well you know the pillars and the props Of our prosperity and our national fame Are due to these more than all other classes. Liberty loves the poor, and I abhor The selfish knave that will not honor them! Goddess crosses to R. F. C. — Enter Gimmiel, L. t^ L. F. C. Plu. — You speak at random, Goddess as you are, To think no rights concerned but theirs, Am I a monster because I employ them? I am a man as they, and they as me; I can not give the all I have unto them. Gim. — Right, sir, right! This peevish subtle dame. Who calls herself the God of Liberty, But represents the fiction of their claim, She understands not, neither can defend A single thing in equity that gives More rights to these than thou in this affair. Your rights are equal, and ye neither one Can well afford to trifle with the other; But you should rather seek in all to view The thing as it in fine seems best for you, Nor let your ugly passions rise this hour Impelling often visages that's sour; Vexing sometimes even genial gods To indulge in many high wrought odds, Much as we may deprecate the fact, And great as we may aim in fair to act As men, and seem in all to be serene. Plu.- -You speak in riddles really, Master Gimmiel. Or like some ancient nicromancer. Much as a soothsayer, or a juggler. Holding lightly very serious matter And confounding our comprehension. Gim. — Ah, but it will no doubt be all quite plain, You'll un(Jerstand it, Plutus^ soon enough Sufficiently to entertain you, sirs, As mutually as these antagonists, And be engaged in doing it quite pat Deciphering the place where you are at. That's not a riddle but a sterling truth. And magna est varatis et prevalebit, As likewise nemo solus sapit. Plu. — You grow worse instead of better, Increasing our intellectual fetter, Perverting spirit, sir, as well as letter. Gim. — I am sorry I offend your honor heartily, But, mark you now, this fable I propound: Success is a great deity concealed Beneath the awful heights of hugest mountains, And which can only be in fact, wrought forth By the earnest touch of persistent toil And the constant hand of perserverance. Plu. — You edify me wonderfully, Gimmiel. Job — You disgust me awfully, you devil. Plu. — You seem to be sagacious, overwise, Indeed, you often agitate surprise. Gim. — Knowledge and wisdom far from being one Have oft times no connection, knowledge dwells In heads replete with the thoughts of other men, Wisdom in minds resplendent of their own; Knowledge is proud that he has learned so much, Wisdom is humble that he knows no more. G'ds. — You astonish me with arogance, And look from seeming heights on ignorance; You are sagacious, but as well intruding On the time and better interests Of those who clearly see obtuseness In the evil depths of your acuteness. Mischief that you are, you have and will Continue to mislead in all all kind So far as it is possible to do so.' You know too well their labor's cause is just, And yet you will contend, persist that he Should revel in his earthly wealth while they Do pine and often well nigh starve and die. Plu. — The wealth I have is mine at least, I think, Is not it so, my good and excellent (jimmiel? I got it honestly, and by due patience^ It is industry that has made me. G'ds. — Yes, industry in art, not fairness. : .. Thou and thy kind will curse this nation, yet. Job — We are not half rewarded for our toil, And God knows, as do these honest people, That Plutus can compute his many millions,. Helped to him by our industry, While we well nigh starve from day to day; And he his rents will have or turn us out! Plu. — That I will, and I will visit you tomorrow. I contemplate, in fact the very thing. Rises. (Gentle strain and tremelo.) FOT you're a vagrant, that is sure enough. An idler that's unwilling, to approve, To avail yourself of opportunities. To better your condition or to do The thing in fine that commonsense dictates, Hence, you desire in this no better fate Than thus to be turned out into the streets. As you will if you do not pay up! Gfm. — And, so indeed, you may, the place is yours, The wretched knaves, it. seems they will not work, Then let them all be turned into the streets, This my worst anticipation beats. (Aside.) Plu. — I think I may control my property And not by that abuse authority. Gim. — Most certainly, and also properly. * Plutus retires up stage — R — Gimmiel advances to Job, L- The mill can stop, yes, stop; nov/ lead him on. He will get more of this than he in fact Can well expect to manage to advantage. The scabs don't understand the mechanism Necessary for the competent operation Of the factory; he needs must let them go. And may I not make note in all due candor, Let me suggest by way of a reminder I heard him to observe the other day That he was in a very badened way, And put to his wits ends to make it pay, About a contract he has, let me say^ That must be filled at six months from today, Else he's a loser by a nice delay. You can afford to banish all dismay, And stand upon the firm faith of your way, To make him come to time and raise your pay. Job — That he will, and we will see he does, Because no other way is left to us, Much as we may deprecate the fact Or seem to seek amendment for the act. Gim. — This is the only way you've left, it's facts. He must be brought to time by acts! Job — He's had his own way in this long enough, And if the mill explodes, why it will be His very fault, since he is hiring Incompetent scabs and renegades. As you have well denominated them, To take the place of honest union men. Come, comrades, let us on, comrades, come on; The mill shall cease to run this very night! Gim. — Decidedly a proper resolution. (At L F.) In keeping with my inate constitution. (Quick curtain.) END ACT I. ACT. II. Overture. Scene I — A public square. Enter Gimmiel — L. Gims, — Hah I ha! This suits my aims, also my plans. The more they say they can and will; Ha! ha! The more, in fact, I see my way marked out To fully work out their eventual ruin.. For I have a say in all the laws. And to suit my aims fill them with flaws; I have a knife that's keen and bright To carve my enemies, wrong or right; And I have a pull with the daily press, Though elastic at times. I must confess; And I have a pledge light as a bauble, Which bursting never gives me trouble; And I have a hogshead of oily lies About appointments voters prize; And I get the profit of public loss. Hence, I don't care if they call me boss. But let me see; how runs that sweet refrain? Time guilds with gold the iron links of bain, There is no endless joy, no endless pain; A dark today leads to a bright tomorrow, Remember this all ye who walk in sorrow. And to assuage your grief my counsel borrow; Nor think I am a nicromancer, either. Enter Plutus— R to R— F. . Plu. — They say I use my gold to get or make The laws that give me my possessions; Such logic would have you and me believe That we've no rights at all, and having any They represent the power of my money. Gim. — Sophistry, sophistry; they're fools, they're fools; Now all men's rights are ever in the law, And they have every rigM to maintain them. They're like Archmedes who sought in vain To find a place to plant his fulcurera And yet who labored with the mighty thought '^ That he could shake the earth, their folly this; They will disgust this enterprising age. Plu. — You are right,, good Gimmiel, yes indeed, quite right, And you, too, have answered all their fury. And so you can, but I am in a hurry; Say, Gimmiel, we shall win, do never worry. Gim. — Be sure of that, our noble Plutus mine, We will have things, sir, in some sort to suit us; For many sweat to earn their bread, But fhere are those who shirk, While others fret that they may get Their bread and never work. Plu. — But men of genius never work. Say, Gimmiel, you're not up to your profession, I'm in the employers' association; By this I govern here my calculation, Now, we are up to date no hesitation; Our motto is the law, its emulation, Independents, and its true estimation, ^• Freedom, too, in the highest acceptation, ^^ What think you of this class of institution? Shall we submit to prolatarianisms '^' Jn matters that pertain to our business? Nay, it is wrong, aye, it's even foolishness To think that the workers shall govern their work, This savors too much of that Socialism, In politics it always leads into schism. And, mafk you, this suggestion is in season; Now tresseB never prospers for the reason That if it prosper, none dare call it treason. Gim. — Those of your kind are greatest among men, The law rules the rich, and rich men rule the law. Its your money and true genius holds in awe The criminal, vicious and mischievious class, And these are always reckoned with, the mass. You're like a Gould, a Vanderbilt, a Scott, A Morgan or a S.age or Schwab, or Whatnot; And the rest that represent our greatest genius. A humbug says he doesn't give a damn What people say, if they but talk about him, . While mighty genius says in utterance jammed The people and the public be — — ha! ha!, Mark not this logic, sir, 'tis genius. Plu. — You reason with a sharp, provided wit. Your logic grows apace; it even finds Convincing adaptation in my brain. And I feel honored by your counsel, sir. I'll leave you now, and think, it serves me well That I in you have formed associate Since you do see and give our kind their due. Gim.— I seek to do you justice, nothing more. And honor genius as to proper merit, This can't be called a wrong, I'm very sure. Plu. — It speaks of fairness, not of flattexy, It justifies my cause and charity. Gim, — I speak in confidence of Hobah Plutus^ Of friendship, love and secrecy in truth. Exit Plutus — L — with satisfactory airs. Ha! ha! his vanity is tickled. Tra! ha! ha! It suits him well to fashion him a genius. The more he'll be my game ere I depart. He's one of those who see no ends applause In aught but money's satisfying laws; He'd sell his honor, pleasure, time and fame To feel the soothing touch of money's flame; Now let him have his gold, I'll have his soul. Nor am I prone to leave him at the goal; But I will weave a web about hiniiself And entangle if I can him and his wealth, And cast him In the maelstrom of discord And leave him to achieve his own reward, And see him sink, while grasping golden chord. Exit Gimmiel — L — Enter Job and strikers — Two intoxicated. (Soft tremelo, "Last Rose of Summer.") U. S. — Aye, comrades, at this rate, there is no telling What misery tomorrow's sun may dawn on. So while we may, let's while the hours away And drown our sorrows in a merry wine cup, Come, let us go to Monahan's saloon. Job — Don't do it, boys, but le.t us still be men. Life is too short, to throw it to the dogs. If there's a calamity we can't avert Let us try at least to keep our heads In the right place and on the level, boys, So we may do our best for all, in all things. Under all circunjstances. that appear. 'Tis often said of angels, my dear comrades, That they can do no more than this implies. And I warrant we are far from that, boys. Several — Hurrah for our Job! The only one In all the valley equal to old Plutus, The true hearted Socialist labor leader! Third S. — But I say, pard, what's the use? We've got The name of it anyhow, and why not Let's have the game of it as well, pals? Fourth S. — Right! He is in the right there, gentlemen; Anything to smother the destitution. Poverty and distress of wretched homes, And our starving childrens' cries for bread. Profuse murmurs by the crowd. (Soft plaintive tremelo.) Job— Wait, comrades; let us be brave and honest; I know 'tis hard at best when we toil on, Day after day, in hopeless endeavor To make our wretched lives and homes seem happy, Earning but a pittance to look forward for. With a firm hope that as we climb the sometime In the future, we may say: "Well done, "I wasted not the vigor of my manhood, "And now, as I pass down this life's decline "I'll gather the sweets and enjoy them as I go Toward the couch of that eternal slumber. Fourth S. — Ah, gwan ; it's all well enough to talk fine, Talk is cheap, cheap, pard, but it won't work here; Can a fellow and his family get along On the little that we fellows get? It's but a dog's life at the very best. From early morn, before we can e'en stop To see the sunrise and our little babies Out o" their beds, 'till late into the night A comin' home all give out, to our hovels Which, if the voices of the little ones Are not hushed in quite quickening slumber. They sound to a man's more than tired nerves More like the jargon of foul fiends than music Sweet and paltable as it ought to be. Deprived of opportunity, no ease, no time Only to think, on our work, to think; Just time to eat so we can go to work; Time to sleep, and sleep to dream of work, And walk to work at that, and all for what? Aye, comrades, to support another in affluence, While in turn we starve, both body and soul! No time to refresh our poor, worn bodies. And thereby to refresh our minds, so that We would not be kept in abject ignorance. Ignorance means lethargy, and slavery, And I will admit, pards, that a little learning Is indeed, a very dangerous thing. Job — Aye, aye; but fellow, stop a moment, Such the condition practical of things. But shall we let it thus remain? Arise! What would befall the coming generation? Our sons and daughters of America — For shame, comrades; keep a sturdy heart, Aud a cool head, so we may be the means Of an heraldy unto a prouder future, So that it can look fondly back to us. To a fatherhood, with ever heartfelt thanks And grateful in remembrance, as they strew The garlands of peace about our resting places. Let us be men proud and brave uniting; No man can stand alone, it's in collection We find the strength of manhood and mankind. Fourth S. — Done! Damn me! I'll follow you forever! Several — Hurrah! hurrah! for our sturdy champion. Enter Plutus and Uncle Sam — L. Piu. — You see, do you not? Money in their hands Is like chaff cast in the summer whirlwind; Or thrown into the fire; elevate these? You may as well throw the dirt of the earth Into the air, to fall upon your own heads. Strikers — Down with him; he's a damned nabob! Confused murmurs in the crowd. Plu. — See! like maddened beasts, they're ready to tear In shreds their master or true benefactor. U. S. — Peace! have peace, and cease this brawl, citizens. (Tremelo ceases, noise subsides.) Plu. — Fired with spirits like whetting fire and with oil Is liquor to these common citizens. Nearly all of them are drunk, yes, all of them. Job — You say, sir, all ; nay, look about you here, With your keen eye that often boasts of foresight. And say when you have done, the very truth. Two poor wretches, driven to exasperation By such as you, because, perhaps, they lacked The moral stamina to resist, have thus Degraded their poor persons; not all, two! Out of the many that are gathered here — Can not, sir, be accounted all, not much! Others that have of them remained in their — I can not call them homes — to try to comfort Their wretched, starving ones, not even knowing What hour or what minute some mean brute Will tear them from these hovels, and then turn them Into the streets still starving; they, perhaps, Not even blessed with that poor mockery Of a home, made more horrid by the wan, Pinched faces of mothers and wailing babies, As a dim beacon to encouragement; Or if they have a measure of home comfort, Are so keen alive to this sad wretchedness That oblivion is more blissful than reality! Aye, you can count your hoards, all helped to you By these sufferers, though it be in millions! Yet your counting of human souls falls short. This thought would I well impress upon you; We believe in Christ, the good man and the true, Considered from the economic view. From the standpoint of the industrial, too. Since he would lead us out of speculations. Into the fields of our realizations. In the material things of our life, And end in social union all the strife. And I would have the interests of my fellows Associated with his good deeds always; Because he's the beginning and the ending Of all in all to man and his redeeming; Hence, we all accept him thus in all things believing! Enter Gimmiel — R — frowning. Several — Right, dear comrades; there's not a cooler head Or brawnier arm in the valley Tonight, thanks to our noble champion. Plu. — Well, two, then; let it be, but I doubt not Stray you into some of these low saloons More could be found therein, in more abundance. For it is the weakness of the workingman That he spends his time in such resorts. Job— Then if 'tis, another should be added to it. A few days since, though, he was not seen strolling The roads of the valley, nor wallowing in The ditch, for he was not a hungry poor man With no home but a saloon that's low — But in his cab, reclined on cushioned seat; He did not have to stumble to his home In the early morn, because a hireling Conveyed him thither on upholstered seat, His broadcloth mingling soft finished cushion* I That no hair of his aristocratic head / Should be roughly handled by the busy tongues Of the common populace, as you would say. Plu. — Of whom, and to whom are you thus speaking? Job — Of whom in fact, it is the very truth, sir! Plu. — You insult me, common plebian. Job — You! Ah, ha! the shoe fits, boys! Ah, ha! ha! A general laugh is indulged. IPIu. — A foolish manifestation of ignorance. (Gim. — They are far too vulgar for attention. A set of simple prolatarians! I pray you, sir, do heed them not, because It is humiliating to your honor And gives them undeserved attention to, As well as it must demonstrate to you That I have told you many truths about them, And their grumbling, peevish disposition. In this age workingmen may think tcjo much; Like Cassius, they think too much of the state. And you will find, when finding is too late, That they have got the power in their hands. And they will rule the state to their own plans; From the economic field they will transfer The conflict to our politics, then beware The consequences follow, for, be sure. They're twelve to one, and victory is theirs. He who would rule them must meet these affairs, These are indeed, the capitalistic cares. U. S. — There is much truth in the observation, And be it remembered, facts are stubborn things. Plu. — What! you side with a rabble against me? U. S. — This rabble, as you call it, are the people; The foundation of our nations's greatness. The base of the industrial pyramid. Soil of the social temple that sustains The fabric, and makes it possible for you To prosper, sir, as well as every business And each profession, too, this is a fact Philosophy can not well contradict. A prosperous workman means a prosperous state, To realize this fact is well, though late, And in the future we will emulate The example of the states have become great, By living to rules that tend to elevate The workingman to his proper estate. Our plan of action to this must conform. Of good deeds to the good in every form. Job — And now, boys, let's all have a drink! Goes to pump and pumps water. Gim.— Uncle Sam. may I claim an audience? U. S. — Silence, sir; obstreperous scoundrel, you! Nor dare seek to intrude yourself upon me. Gim. — Oh, very well, since you seem easily vexed; Yet as a citizen have I no right To interpose my counsel in this fight? True, I am an attorney, what of that? It is my duty to uphold the law. To see the state suffers not from a flaw That can be remedied to the state's good, Well were it were we layers understood. U. S. — I think I understand you well enough; Indulge your quidits and such other stuff In the court, not here in the arena. For I will not endure it, you hyena! Gim. — I'll be at court and enter there my plea, And avail myself of rights in ex parte. This is a method that you will agree Admits of no delay, and urges smart. When we desire to give the case a start. Here our writs and other proper motions Are independent of peculiar notions; And wealth has won herein its better portions, As well as oft maintained its better stations. U .S. — I'll be there when you bring up these motions, And things will not conform to your notions. Remember there's a difference in our stations, And your mandamus may o'erreach itself, And all your tenures may fall on the shelf, Be wise therefore, do not deceive yourself. Gim.— You can't deny me writ of surshararah! U. S. — I can deny you anything I please to! Gim. — I'll bring it up in court on ex parte. And when I have done so, we will see If the federal courts and commonsense agree. Gimmiel retires to L — F frowning — Job comes C with glass of water. Job — Of water boys, there is the fresh supply r As pure and sweet as the tears of roses, And as sparkling as the summer sunbeams. And it's free, too, no swearing this time boys. Crowd makes a rush for Gimmiel, who invokes his power and throws them all into a fit of consternation and amaze- ment, wrangling except Job. the Goddess and Uncle Sam. Uncle Sam, now take a drink with me. U. S. — Don't care if I do, America. Job — Drink, boss, free; no monopoly this time. Several — Don't have to, boss, not just yet, anyhow. Job — Drink with us will you, Mr. Officer? Off. — Here is unto the great success of that Which I will even now and here propound: I hope that the devil's father Will kill the devil and the devil's mother, And that all the devil's family together Will never rest 'till they kill one another. Gimmiel is chagrinned — All drink — Murmurs of the crowd — Confused moment — Crowd disperses severally — Uncle Saia and Goddess and Job together. Gim. — Woe is me, the judge seems set against me. Job seems to be a favorite with the judge And the Goddess seems she will not budge; . Her purity repels me like the sun The darkness does to light e're I've begun; How shall I get her to leave off her task? Is oft a question I may ask and ask, Until th6 seasons blend into sweet May, For ever on my trail she seems to stay; Do as I will, be even sad or gay She is my nemises, my shadow finds Her in its wake, its van and she reminds Me of my faults and aims ere I have spoken, To see me, hear me, scent me is her token. To rail upon me as a righteous master, And her chastisement comes on fast and faster — I am perplexed, I'll find a way hereafter To conquer her, else I am no designer; And as for Uncle Sam and Job, they're malapart, To ?tab one is to stab the other's heart, I'll pierce them both with intellectual dart. Exit Gimmiel — L. Scene II — The tenement house, wife and child seated. (Tremelo— "Home, Sweet Home.") Wife — A situation trying, this indeed. In the affairs of honest workingmen. The factory hands have been out on a strike These several weeks, yet seems nothing have gained; The papers speak against them this morning. Though it's the general belief that they are right, • And God knows they have suffered very much. My son, we must encourage your papa; You know he's struggled hard enough to earn An honest dollar to keep us from starving, And now it seems almost impossible For us to earn a dollar any more. If it be our lot to starve to death If heaven sefem as pleased to have it so, I am contented and prepared to die, For heaven knows that I havp never wronged A person with intent in all my life. Ah, my husband, his lot is a hard one. I trust he will obtain some work today. , Enter Job — L — Child meets him. Child — Papa, have you earned no bread today? Job — No, my son, for I can't get any work; They've put the striJvers all upon the blacklist, And I'm rebuffed in every place I go. Ch.— But, my papa, what is it is your, fault? Why should anybody blacklist you?^ Jcb — My dear son, these are sage-like- questions For a little boy like you to ask, But it is because I'm not a culprit, And will not become subservient to The ends of avarice in this controversy, Because I choose to pi'actice what I preach. Ch. — Mamma, dear, what is a bold culprit ? Papa talks to me with such big words, I can not seem to understand him, ma. Wife — My son, a culprit is a very bad man. One that too oft betrays his union fellows. And more often does wrong things against them— Such as talking about their close affairs. Divulging their secrets and doing, also acts, That sometimes cause their condemnation. Ch. — I'll never be like such a culprit, then, I'll be a true and honest union man When I grow up and act like papa does; Nay, I intend to be a Socialist. Wife — That's right, my noble father-like good son,. Fill your father's tracks and you'll do well. But, my dear husband, I hope and trust They do not mean to let us starve in fact. It seems I can't get washing any more. As I'm compelled, since this affair began. To take it, and accept a meager pay For such humiliating, drudging work; And then to think I can't get even that, It is indeed abhorrent to me, dear. God pity us if this thing lasts much longer; I can't conceive how things should be this way, Or why men have so little of humanity In their moral business composition. Job — Our lot is hard, but we must ever look To providence to sustain us, even so, I'll make another effort yet today, And if I find no work I must resort To desperate means to find a sustenance. Yet, no, this will not do. I must be honest And I must have due patience exercised. An hundred years ago it was to be A king to be a common workingman; Today to be a lazy, shiftless drone, ^ In the hive of modern industry, , Is to be a king in social parlance, And this the case in free America. Enter Plutus and officer — L. Crowd gathers in and around the house. Plu. — Job, I came for my rent, can you pay it? Is this the circumscription of your, purpose? Job — You know I haven't been at work of late, And how can I pay what I haven't got? I will when I can earn it, but can't just now. Is this then, the circle of your wishes? Plu.— This is no argument; I gave you work. But you, in your high notions that you could Control my large affairs, have come to this; You must pay up or leave the place at once! Job — Have you a heart, and can you then turn out Into the winter's cold these helples ones? Is this the level of your moral instinct? Give me a day, I'll try to meet it, will you? Plu. — I am not in the charity business: You've made your own hard lot in this affair, And I must have my house at once for others That are willing and anxious for employment At the wages you and yours refused; Showing anew that willful disposition That has characterized so very often The acts of domineering workingmen Who are unwilling to become a part Of successful enterprise, seeking to fix Things to suit themselves in praguish ways. And bring their misery on them always thus. This place, in my opinion, is too good For such officious wretches as you are. And have long been, in my business matters! Officer, do your duty; turn them out. Crowd rushes into the house. Job — Touch not a thing; I'll go away, but say You'll give me time to pack up these, The scanty things that I have got to move? "rtie fruit of five or six long, trying years At hard employment in your factory. You might at least have spared me this, I think; You filled the mill with scabs in our places; ' I could have borne that, but I confess I thought you far more of a man than this. O, I could cut your devilish, selfish throat! Crowd menaces Plutus — The officer interposes in his behalf. Say, boys, what are you a thinking of? Be calm; remember to avoid disturbalces — ■ Are these the senses that impel your conduct? I will submit; I'll leave; go and leave me To myself, I'll pack my things and go. T)i9 mui^ip ceaise^ as Job finishes. PIu. — Very well; I'll leave you now, but bear in mind I am persistent in demanding this, As was I in denying your demands For higher wages in my factory. I must and shall control my own affairs. Exit Plutus and officer — L^Crowd follows — Confused mur- murs abound. Wife — This is the laborer's usual hardened lot; He works and toils to make another rich And yet the shabby roof above his head , , , He can not call his own; indeed in this The fala6y of present system's shown. Job — Aye, beggared, reduced to the very dregs, The stint of poverty is laid upon me By one who should in truth account me much. Of for more worth in that I have helped him , To accumulate his massive fortune; And yet on God's free earth we find no place To shelter, our weary heads to rest; No food, no proper clothes to keep our bodies Warmth, devoid of all that proper life demands; , .i- O, wife, 'tis enough to touch a heart of stone And fire, anew its slumbering embers. Ch. — My dear, dear papa, why do you cry? Wife — My husband, you have suffered very much Defending labor's cause in many ways ; Our lot is hard, and as it seems to be The future has in store more hardships for us, But I feel certain providence will aid us. Remember our Saviour's teachings, dear. Take ye heed of no thought for tomorrow. Consider the lilies, dear, they toil not, Neither do they, spin, yet Solomon Was not in all arrayed like one «f these; See, our Heavenly Father doth provide. Consider the admonition of the sparrows. Job — Ah, wife, were it not for your firm faith J^ife indeed would be without a hope. Wife — Husband, our Father has so blessed us, "Hope springs eternal in the human breast, Man never is but always to be blessed; Our future bliss he gives us not to know; But gives that hope to be our blessing now;" Thus Pope, the poet, has here spoken well, Have confidence, and all will yet be well. Job — Wife, for your sake, and your firm faith, I will. See this little cradle here, night after night It has rocked our little ones to sleep; Its poor worn sides are very dear to me. We can not part with that, can we, my love? Wife^Indeed we can not, my darling husband — Laboring men, and also laboring women. Have one common glory and one shame. Everything that's done to them inhuman Injures all of them in much the same. And yet amid the deepest of distress 'Tis sweet to think there is an end to sorrow. And tears wrung from the' heart in bitter pain That there will shine out yet a better morrow. And we shall be forever free again. Tis sweet to think through every want and danger That they will pass away when life is o'er, And death will welcome to his peace the stranger When poverty's dispair can reach no more. Job — Yet, what mean these nights Of restless sorrow, Wives and children often in despair. Dreading, shrinking from the coming morrow, That brings to them, perhaps, much want and care; 'Tis the worlv of greedy tyrant masters. Grinding, crushing out the very life Of the workingman who through' position Are beneath them in the common strife. 'Tis not fortune, honor nor position • Makes men noble in truth's nobler sight. But be sure you are the right thing doing. Right will always overcome the might. Wife — Heaven bless and sustain our son When he has no earthly father left him To protect him in this life of labor, And enable him always to exemplify The maxims of these noble sentiments. When manhood's cares are properly upon him. Wife and child engage with a book. Job reflects with bowed head at the table. (Loud tremelo) — Enter Gimmiel — L — stealthly. Job — O, cursed state, when men beg leave to toil. And, this the angle of his moral guage! Gim. — I'd kill him were I you; I would, I would; ha! ha! Job — I'll do it, and at that this very night. He shall not live to say that he has triumphed. Enter Paul— L— Stands at L— F— C. More than this, I'll burn the woolen mill, I'll set the others on and they will do it. Gimmiel and Paul converse at L — F^C — Enter Goddess R— to R — F— C. They will, by heavens, yes they will, they will; Thrlr wretchedness will justify the act! Job starts to go — L — Meets Paul. Hello, Paul! what is the matter now? P2\'\ — Well, things are not In good shape, Job. Job — How is that, Paul; have the boys then caved? Paul — A large number of them have, I fear. And there is a lot more very shaky. Jo'^ — What ones of them have caved, think you, Paul? Paul — The spinners and corders, too, I think. Job — How do you know they have; give me a cause. Paul — I have heard them say so recently. Job — I believe you lie, but name one! Gim. — Now, be careful, sir, be very careful, Paul, Don't you let him get you rattled, now. Job — Well, can you not name me one of them? Paul — I do not care to name them to you, Job. Job — Then describe them to me, anyone of them. You say that you have heard them saying it. If so, then yoti must as well have seen them, And, therefore, you must know their personal; Come, speak out like a man; this silence hurts! Paul — I don't care to do that just now, either; But you had better go back very soon Before all the jobs are sought and taken, As your foremanship is open for you yet. (Quick tremelo — moderate increase). Job — The lie is apparent in your coward eye, Miserable scoundrel that you are, To come and counsel me in such a way When I am even at my wits full ends For patience to sustain me in the strife! I'll lodge a charge against you at the club; Get out of here! you damned jackanapes! Job shoves Paul through the door — Gimmiel makes menaces at Job — Goddess interposes and repels Gimmiel. Another menial miscreant in the camp, By heavens, we will fully weed them out. And all their damned associates in sin! Gimmiel strides from L — F — C to C. Gim. — Saxe, saxe, simplicity — ow, wow!!. END ACT II. ACT III. Orerture. Scene 1 — A public square. Enter Gimmiel— L. GIm. — Ah, ha! ha! I thought so, yes I did, I did; Now, Job at least I think will try to kill The man that he is sure has turned him out^ He'll make the others burn the knitting mill, Then will my cup of joy be full, yes, full! They philosophize and moralize, and shout The praises of their cause In eloquent strain, But mine is yet to put them off the track Discouraged, much disheartened, disconsolate; For I do cause them oft to quarrel much. And twit each other of their scanty crust; Now when the fight is greatest, I am pleased And I would fain my torments never cease, And if they kill each other, good and well. To me there's music in their passing knell. Thus far as my desire can obtain, The Alpha and Omega of my aim. Now, if I fail in my conceived intent To have Job bur,p the mill, or have him set The others on, and have them do the deed. What then, what then; let's see, let's see; ha! ha! I'll poison Morgan Plutus to the purpose And have him find another that is paid To do the deed, or let me superintend it; In either case my ends will be achieved Now, here he comes; I'll touch him on it now. Enter Plutus — L — meditating. (Gentle strain.) Plu. — I must contrive some way to punish Job; I can't afford to be defeated here; ; Of means I've plenty, but the feasability.. ' In other words, how shall I extricate Myself if I indulge this growing desire? Gim. — I have a way I might in fact suggest. If reason doesn't seem to deprecate it On your honor's part particularly. And applies to our affairs especially; Since a marked appreciation of due honor Is. and has been as we'er well aware, The motive that impels your every act. And, needs must be so in the case in point. The full consent of which I would obtain; I speak, sir, not without consideration And will indulge sufficient hesitation. Plu.. — You're plagued slow, it seems to me, in reaching The point that you, as it appears, are making. Gim. — Ah, but mark you, you must understand and see As I perceive you pause for contemplation — That I am only in the way of service, And entertain a feeling great as you Against this much intolerant agitator Who has provoked all these differences, Manifesting a determination To run things in the valley his own way, A beggar that would be a royal prince — Who, like a poet brimming with self-praise And hovering o'er his jingling silly phrase. Loves nothing half so well as his own lays; Hence, herein doth he much resemblence raise Unto the tramp throughout who's natal days Comes evidence in many proper ways, To prove his fondness for his idle laze. Hence, would I have the mill in fine burn down And then I'll lay the blame on Foreman Job, And we will to the very bottom probe. Plu. — 1 do not like the plan immensely, Nor time is this for your fine levity; I am afraid of consequences, sir, And I indeed, would fain embrace the matter. But 'tis a delicate theme, my excellent Gimmiel, And bears the color of a game of chance Too deep to be passed over lightly; Now. I would comprehend the matter pat; And understood the place where I am at; Unless you can remove the mystery — How am I to explain the serious matter If the quick public mind reverts to me? Gim. — O, you can truly leave all that to me, sir, In everything and with the utmost safety, Thus is the ne plus ultra of the matter — Your silence in the business will confirm The accusation and give it much note, Or, say if you please, I have no doubt of it; And here let me sugest, vou must be wary — 'If v/isdom's ways you'd well and wisely teach. The f ve things I name here observed with care, Of whom you speak, to whom also you speak, And how and when especially, and where. Plu. — But, if I seem to charge him with it, Gimmiel, How be it if my motives are discovered? I think he thinks I am the capitalist. (Aside). Gim. — You are building fine" air castles still, And cross'ng wooden bridges in advance Of your arrival at them proper, sir. I contemplate that I can understand The nature somewhat of the public pulse, And think, you also ought to comprehend That you are greatly honored in this place While they are mostly under a wet blanket. This fact is true of Job especially. As he has more than once declared himself • That he would kill you, and would also cause His followers to bum the knitting mill; I overheard him make that declaration. And think you not that I can fully grasp The proper meaning of the English tongue? Plu. — But who is it will make the accusation? Things will be very hot when this leaks out, And matters all will be in very doubt. Gim. — Saxe, saxe, nicety, simplicty- You still indulge procrastination While I enlist prognostication; Now mark you the recapitulation, Uttered with no part of ostentation, Nor is it in the least prevarication; It is very necessary I should shield The name of him who does in fact the deed. You will, of course, I think, appreciate That I must do for him this much at least. Submit it in all, sir, with proper pride And confidence, to animo et fide. Plu. — Will, will the thing be duly circulated? Gim, — O, yes indeed, and even heralded — We must seek for all the magnatism As well as every part of mechanism That is in the art and machinations Of the present strained situations; And I'm also very much in earnest As in this, we're partisapas criminas. This should be our in hoc signa vinces — I'll find the proper man to tell the tale And you shall be above design in it; Your wealth will prove a mighty bulwark, sir. You should remember the goose and its common. This is the motto that impels great mammon. I steal the livery of the court of heaven, (Aside) To render service to satanic majesty in. Plu.^ — I find you apt and suited to my purpose, Mischief though you are, you serve me well, Or rather you're a thief, and I much fear You'd steal when you are not prevented clear. Gim.— But the great poet Shakespeare stole some deer; In this I'm complimented and of cheer. He thinks I th^nk he is the capitalist. (Aside — L — F.) Plu. — For lying you have a most excellent gift. Gim. — Well, so had Master Machivelli, thrift. Plu. -Funds left with you, I fear, would be misused. Man's trust imposed in you would be abused, Or I'm not in my sphere, and much accused. Plutus hands Gimmiel a roll of bills. Gim. — Why, like Lord Frances Bacon, I'm amused. Well, you shall have a fee, you've done me proud, Elucidating history more than long, To rank me with all that illustrious crowd Of great men of all ages, well allowed. Plu. — You are an apt inventor, and me oust. Gim. — O, that is naught, so was the Master Faust. Plu. — Your metaphor elicits my surprise. Gim. — Now, there is nothing great nor even wise That an idler's brain or hand supplies. Nor secrets are there but shall be made known, Or hrldden things but shall be all revealed, Nay, all's revealed in the present unknown, As follows of necessity you'll own. ' Thi moral code says nothing is concealed, And these conditions appertain today, Heace, be not slothful nor turn things awry, Plu. — That's even true, I must confess, but, say: Is that your method, do you work that way? Gim. — Well, yes; with men of brains, but not the mass. My calling is to teach the better class; And, I render homage to society. And that, I think, with due propriety; Hence, to that end I model every plan, Philosophize it otherwise who can. Plu.— Well, in this as in all the other themes foj. have your reasons as your offerings. Gim. — I'd b a darned poor lawyer if I didn't. Plu. — O, you can write an excellent brief, I'm sure. Gim. — That I can, sir, and one that will endure. Plu. — Methologists have said that I am blind. Oim. — As well may people say that you are kind. Plu. — For either of these I am too refined. , My motto ever is, "Fast find, fast bind, A !)roverb never stale in thirfty mind." Gim.--To live to one means fill the other part , As true in fact as science is to art. Plu. — I must confess I'm on the hip instanter. Gim. — But you'll admit I am no nicromancer. Plu. — O, yes, you're rather more of an entrancer. Thus easy the old boy himself is fooled. (Aside.) Exit Plutus — Lf — chuckling to himself. Gim. — Jehosephat, by Jupiter, I'm the winner. To get a victim how it ever wraps me In the great ecstacies of greatest joy! This the legerdemain of speculation The helm of the ship manipulation. But. hold; I climb too fast, I climb too fast; I must keep back the Goddess, yes I must; She'll spoil my fun, now by the god of Mars, I dote upon it. yes I do: I do; ha! ha! ha! (Quick fremelo). — Enter Goddess — L — and crowd. Gimmiel intercepts her threateningly. G'dt. — Devil that you are, you have contrived To work another human creature's ruin, But shall not so, stand from out my way Or perforce, I'll smite you to the earth. Gim. — Indeed. I will not do so, saucy maiden. You have indulged your silly interference In my affairs enough, you often say You are an advocate of liberty, And you indulge that noble title, too, As a handle to your other polished name. Which you've extracted from the mighty gods, But you much interfere with my dues Jn seeking to flustrate my earnest plans^ And by heavens, I will not endure it more. G'ds. — Liberty, sir, in truth does not imply, The freedom to indulge a devilish lie, Nor is it due to nature's liberal force That you have license either to coerce By your mean artifice these workingmen To acts that tend to compromise their honor; And leave it given to those only To indulge in their valued liberty Who seek to do so in the cause of right. And not by any modes or means of might! Gim. — But in my sphere, am I not then allowed To duly exercise that grade of license You indulge in, in your oWn domain? I make conditions, and I will not follow The regulations you prescribe to me. For I am much unlike a Bonaparte, Who could not seem to be in every place At one and the same time; I am, in fine. Always in the very place I'm needed. And I diffuse with pleasure, too, to-wit: The serene rays of fiat lex et lex fet. G'ds. — Yes, to the detriment of the people, For you in short are that most evil part, That permeates the average human being, And makes the offices of truth and good. More difficult as well as far more needful, And, if you have a virtue, sir, at all, It is that there's a quickening element In The mischief that is inate in you, devil! Gim. — And as I do so oft extract the good From you by my fine indulgences, So you from me often elicit, too, The bad that actuates your purity; Hence, I indulge you many offices That are a blessing, madam, not a curse; And yon, indeed, are much beholden to me; Because, my evil as you please to call it, Though in me it is the utmost latent — Is as native to me as yomr piety Is found original in your godness. Hence, I am not at all a man belial. But an excellent fellow no denial. G'ds. — Your insolence surpasses impudence, And you seek now, as once you did of yore. When upon the mountain top with our Christ — To ensnare me with your charming oily tongue. But the serpent's bitter fang is in it, sir; However, you may seek to govern it. And, unto me your methods are made plain As they are unto God, his excellent self. Because He actuates my every course. And I am far above therefore in all The reach of your most dire diplomacy. And can afford withal to laugh at you. Gim. — Ah, ha! but I will make you laugh ere long With a tinge of mother agony in it And I will make you seek to fasten on To anything to aid you in your course. By manufacturing my own statute laws. And I will pinch you hard, be very sure, When I get my eager clutches on you. G'ds. — As for your pinches, Gimmiel, I defy them. And I give you proper warning now to cease The vile indulgence of your machinations, Or I will level you to mother earth, And I will trampel on your evil carcass As I would upon a slimy reptile. Affront me not, or thou art surely damned, For daring to accost a loyal spirit; Stand aside nor dare obstruct my way! Exit Goddess — R — Gimmiel threatening her. Gim. — Oh, oh, faulty fool I am that let her pass; I'll after her and she shall answer me For such approbious interferences; I'll call my hosts together to combat her. :Sxit Gimmiel R., striding fiercely — Enter officer L. A. — child of Job's — R — selling papers. (Soft strain — "Over the Hills to the Poor House. "- Ch. — Papers, sir, papers, Evening Post! Bulletin or Report, the paper, sir. Off. — Here, you little dirty devilish urchin, you. What the devil are you doing with papers? Ain't you afraid you'll get run over here? Ch. — I have to sell them, Mr. Officer. ' i Off. — What! why is that you devilish little rogue? Ch. — To buy some bread for our family. Off. — To buy bread; how's that; have you no fathei ?? Ch. — I have a poor, good, dear papa, sir. Off. — What is his name, you dirty little rascal! Ch. — His name is job, sir, Mr. Plutus' foreman. Off. — Job, Job; oh. what the devil Job is he? Ch. — He that now is under arrest, sir. ; Off. — What was he arrested for, the fool? Ch. — For being on strike at the mill, sir. Off. — Oh, bad luck to me entirely, but that same Is the foreman at the mill of Morgan Plutus, What in blazes did he go on strike for? Ch.— Against a cut in wages, sir, they say. Off. — He has no business to go out on strike ; Here, get you home, go home, and give to me These papers; now begone, you little tad. Takes papers, puts money in child's hand and the child be- gins to cry. What the devil are you a crying for? Arab, bad cess to you, you little urchin. What is that thing you have in your hand there? Ch. — O, that's five dollars; thank you, thank you, sir. Off. — There now, begone and not another word. (Tremelo— softly). Exit child— R. Capital, capital, may the devil take it; , That selfish, greedy scoundrel Morgan Plutus, Prosecutes this Job because he's honest And nearly everybody knows it, yes indeed; Even the city detectives understand it, yes, And some of them poor devils couldn't catch A setting hen, or ugly snapping turtle. A sergeant passes, looks round in the background — Blows whistle — Officer prances and struts as if vigilact to duty. Arrah, sure, this is a troublesome age; No man ever knows when he is safe, For if my sayings were overheard I'd lose me star and club as sure, sirs, As ever river water ran up hill; Enter Gimmiel — L. And that is for you no joke, neither. For it has done so, even many's a time. Faith, and do yez think that I am a lyin'? Struts — Exit — L — 3 — ^E— prancing — Gim.miel observing, (Weird gentle strain of music). Gim. — The mill will soon begin to burn. If I have not mistook my man, Nor has he ever failed herein before. By all the gods, I'd turn the world to ashes To have my way in this affair; ha! ha! Nor is this all, for, having had my way Yet am I never pleased nor satisfied; I'd have the race devoured, the earth engulfed, Have Erebus filled up with human skulls. And have humanity's cries in great distress Fall like Niagara on the tortured ear; I'd cleave the human heart, confound the sight, Amaze the innocent and appall the free; And every faculty confounded into a chaos Fathomless as the boundless universe; And then I'd gather in the souls to torture, As a cyclone gathers up the summer's chaff, And then consume them with infernal fire To nothingness beyond the slightest note, And take their ashes; when reduced to oil. To grease the axles of my chariot wheels. Enter Goddess — R — Uncle Sam — L — and proceed to close in on Gimmiel. (Tremelo). G'ds.— You linger here, v/ith purpose to fulfill, But I'll put a stop to these mean practices. I've found a way, it's in a right and I Shall turn attention to a better thing Than by a grafting seek to heal the tree. Gim. — A right; we all have rights, now none of U3 Will question that; it seems to be your taste To dwell upon these shallow falacies; Your ideas are impractical, you cause These workingmen to entertain strained notions About the duties others owe to them. But you neglect the greater truth of practice, And dabble in fine theories about worth, Filling the people's ears with sophistry! G'ds. — Sophistry, you villiain mischief maker; Oh, you imp of the infernals Erebus, But for your devilish ways and efforts to Contaminate the human family The world would prosper in more full degree; But here your evil satisfaction's gained In this destruction of the people's peace; Yet there are other ways, and better ways To right the many wrongs that now exist, In manly deeds and right the problems solved. Gim. — That is a ringing, shallow falacy! If I am mighty, I am always right, And if I'm always right, why I am mighty. U. S. — If there is an evil in the land. Though strong it be with many a legal band. Though rank it be with age, and foul with crime. Or money fashion, use and even time, This should be the question of the hour. How shall we the wrong thing overpower? The answer clear to every man shall be, If he but thinks as those that love the free. And in the exercise of his franchise. He finds the true effective remedy. "Vote it out in other words of right, This will always put the thing to flight, Despite the claim, whatever is is right, As the dogmatation, might makes right. In the stronger faith that right is might, And he who wishes to subvert these laws Most strongly sins against eternal cause, For nature knows no right divine in man, This was not, is not Truth's eternal plan. Sage, seer or saint, dispute the fact who can! Gim. — How can your voting, Uncle, settle it, When I manipulate the statute laws, Though men that sit in your own legal stalls And need no recourse to a popular vote After they have been well seated there, And, as for these fine notions about worth, Rights that exist in the imagination, Falacies that lead the hlind astray. Absurdities that pervert the fundamental Business like connections between men, Destroying every natural emolument That rises from an honorable employment; And that a man must labor for a living Is no just argument that he has causes Or interest more than others to complain of. U. S. — The advocate and lover of the cause Alike must do their part in equity, Nor will the problem e're be truly solved 'Till they arise in all their might and see That the monster of the trust monopoly Is driven from the land eventually! Gim. — I think you'll find it not so easy Nor so nice a thing, my senior. To dethrone the several institutions That the monopolist and many trusts Hav^ engrafted into the state laws; At least I think you are by far too late, And much too far annoy your genial pate. In seeking to find modern worth in men Who have no vital care, nor interest in The things that seem so much to agitate you. Job — Ah, ha! and therein, sir, lies your great mistake; The trusts don't bother us, but they partake Of the nature of true Socialism, Enough to aid us rather than retard us, In their internal organism, sir; They are all Socialistic, I aver. Gim. — O, you must claim it all, don't spare a line; Your system is perfection, that is fine, To Socialistic logic you incline, You are ambitious, it is plain, in fine. Job — We stand for progress, for collectiveism, For equality and true democracy. For moral worth and for fraternity; The nation should the trusts own one and all; Indeed, it will in time, that is your call. Gim. — That is like your twaddle about worth; Let your ambition soar, claim all the earth, You may as well, since you have made a start. Men do not follow after these false gods. You'll find you are mistaken by much odds; More commonsense observe it my advise, U. S. — It's worth, not gold, that makes in truth, the man; Honor, not renown, that indicates him; Humanity, not arrogance, prescribes them; Charity, and not avarice, that makes men; As disposition that's appreciative, A heart throbs for and feels the world's distress, A pleasant face and not a visage sour, Humane conception of a trying hour,^ The hand of aid and tear of sympathy Bespeaks the man in truth, Satanic Majesty, These are the things that agitate me, sir. And they are of an untold vital interest. Gim. — Nit, nit, nit; it was not this, nor this That I solicit from your highness; "Sit still, my soul, sit still; sit still, sit, still, Pity it is, 'tis pity 'tis true, 'tis true" Yet I contend tliat virtue does not need The characteristic you're extolling, This is too much like that absurdity Of turning one cheek if you smite the other, By heavens, this will never do for me; If I've an enemy, I'm his enemy, see? An eye for an eye, and tooth for tooth, say I, And life for life, hence let your patience vie, And, if a man is weak enough to sin Why, let him pay the penalty of it. For its my pleasure then to take him in; And every tree that is not good in fruit Shall be hewn down, and cast into the fire. Of endless consuming, seething passion. This is my philosophy, most favored. (Soft gentle tremelo.) During these lines a crowd pass up and down — R to L and L to R, promiscuously^Some in haughty air, some beg- ging, some selling papers, others chatting, etc., etc. — Pea- nut stands, scissors grinders, etc. etc. G'ds. — Of that, sir, there can be but little question; But observe you now and then aspire — See yonder purse-proud, heartless dame. Trimmed up in costly laces. Who treats the honest poor with scorn. The rich with airs and graces. Is she a lady? Save the mark. Reflect, and you'll discover That in all qualities of soul Her maid will rank above her. U. S. — No, he or she who in this life Bears good v/ill to a neighbor, Whether possessed of a fortune large Or decreed by fate to labor; Who watches at the couch of pain. Who soothes another's troubles With sweet unselfish sympathy. Such only such are noble. G'ds. — Shov,- n:e a man that has a heart To feel the world's d.stress, Who's nature is all charity, Who's life is one that blesses; And I'll show you a noble man Whatever be his station, Before whom even kings must bow In silent admiration. U. S. — Disease claims power o'er the king As o'er his lowly brother, 'Till death will lay his icy hands On one as on the other, And 'tis not wealth, nor rank, nor pomp That claims our admiration, But true nobility of soul Whatever be man's station. G'ds.— Pile rich clothes on a statue fair Until it blaze with splendor, You can not any warmth or heat Nor motion thus engender; No, all the money in the world Though reckoned over double. Could not in any honest mind A stony heart enoble. Exit Goddess and Uncle Sam R — Crovv^d continues to move — Enter Paul — Consults Gimmiel — Gimmiel leads him up admonishing him — Exit Paul up stage L — Goddess appears up stage — Follows Paul as he goes out toward the fac- tory—The crowd still moving. (Quick tremelo). Gim. — Worth, honor, dame, statue, gold; a fig! Gold, ah, yes, that is the proper thing. The man the gets the gold is the true king, And he that gets the most the greater — Now, taking a ham is war on society; Taking twenty-five dollars is stealing; Taking an hundred dollars is dishonesty; Taking five hundred is embezzlement; Taking of a thousand is corruption; Taking five thousand is defalcation; Taking ten thousand is irregularity; Taking twenty-five thousand insolvency; Taking fifty thousand is litigation; Taking a hundred thousand, misappropriation; Taking five hundred thousand, shortage; But taking a million is a feat of genius! (Quick loud tremelo.) Fire breaks out — Heavy crash — Con- sternation — Crowds pass in excitement — Illumination-< Confusion abounds. By Jeptha, this is a fine achievement; It burns like pine tar at a party's rally, And sparkles like a massive volcano, And lays the ground work of more great distress. Now, taking a billion, were it possible, Would be the acme of accomplishment. Enter Plutus L — in excitement. PIu. — Now, Gimmiel, see that the knaves have burned my mill And all my milling property destroyed. Gim. — Can it be that I have missed my aim? (Aside). They have, they have; but you are victor still; They did not gain the point in wages, see! PIu. — Now, what in haljah is all that to me? Let men beware of your esteemed advice. Becatise you are a devil more than thrice; A cloud of smoke by night, and then by day A pillar of fire to lead them astray. That I have been a fool in this affair I must confess to my utmost despair, And for this damage I must seek repair; To extricate me from this trying care That I am now involved in everywhere To my disgrace and shame, I must declare; I'm ruined and undone; I'll tear my hair. Plutus paces up and down impatiently (Soft gentle strain on violin — "A Hot Time in the Old Town.") Gim. — Now what is to be done? He's desperate. Ah. ha! He's trying to deceive me, me! (Aside). I l^now, I Itnow, and I am sorry, too, But what is done can not now be amended ; Besides, sir, it was with your full consent That I achieved in this the grateful stint.. Plu. — Yes, and I was mad at that to give it. What feats will avarice lead us too, betimes? The system is the cause of this that aims To make the dollar serve the basis of The fabric of our modern industries. We are at fault in this, and we contend Against the natural tide, the proper trend Of that leads us from labor into peace Some day the people will get this increase And understand the moral worth of labor Gim. — Ah, ha! of such excellent knavery beware, Again, if wisdom's ways you'd wisely teach, Five things observe in these affairs with care: Of whom you speak, as well to whom you speak, And how, and when, nor less important where. Plu. — But shall I here be silent; need I care? Of artifice and knavery I'm aware; Yoi: have precipitated this affair; To get me in the toils, I must declare; It is a method most unwise, unfair! Gim. — Not at all; you had a point to make, And victory as honor was at stake; Your character, your business and fame As well as your especially favored name Was the fee we played for in this game; Hence, the method could not be e'en tame, And we are both concerned in it the same. As it did both our passions much inflame; And shall we now in passive sense remain When we can our ardent wish obtain By doing things that will apply quite pat? Now, put them all in jail at once, do that! Plu. — I will; I'll have them in before the night Does fall again to blanket o'er the day; I'll ask for an injunction, by the way. Exit Plutiis — L — Gimmiel following to L — F. Gim. — Yes, yes, for the injunction; that's the way; That is the method of this modern day. Ah, ha! more broil, and yet more fun, more fun, ^ And thus the more to suit my evil purpose. Who'd give the place a tempter occupies For that of rank or glittering pomp; not I. I revel in these broils, and feast mine eyes On the foul acts that they often engender. Can I once get the ear of any man, Thnt is enough; I'll place his very self In reckoning with his wish for coin, and then When he is on the rack I'll hold him fast! This sort of men absorb the nation's wealth And how they do it, enters not nor's felt, So long as they're rewarded in the getting. How e'en the rights of others it's effecting. Now, after this let him have every care. Or honest as am, I'll set his snare. Consternation — (Quick tremelo) — Enter officer with Job un- der arrest — Gimmiel is busy observing the turmoil. Job — Take me on, on with me, if you think This is the proper way to treat a man. Enter Plutus L — Converses with Gimmiel — In a merry mood at extreme L — F. I have not done the deed, though I am ready To meet the force of your malciousness. Enter Goddess^R — Advances to Gimmiel with spear drawn — Gimmiel draws to defend himself — Goddess disarms him — He prances, etc. If you find me guilty, spare me not. You hireling of a selfish captalist Job jerks away from the officer — Gimmiel and officer make for him — Goddess stays Gimmiel with her speiir — Held against his breast — He withdraws sword — Is fuming and fretting in rage — R — F. You damned wretch, you are just like them, too. The rest of those that lend a ready hand To prosecute the honest laborer Becaus a judge's edict says do so! Gimmiel is now — L — F — jocular. Gim. — Damn me, but this fellow is a stunner, (Aside) And gives us lots of trouble, too, by thunder! END ACT III. ACT IV. Overture. Scene I — A Federal Court Room. Enter Gimmiel — L. Gim. — Now, I despair betimes of my success, They've let Job out on bail; I fear, I fear; But, if I fail not in my deep intent I'll have him in again. I've this thing left. That if I lose in this, renew my plots With double zeal to have Plutus condemned. If Job prove innocent, as well he may, . . My plans are all destroyed if I miss Plutus; Now, one or both of them I'll captivate. Saunters — Inspects the room and records, etc. Now if I could only be the judge, all's well, But, sad as it must seem for me and mine, I am compelled to an obedience In federal places such as this is here; And, even though I act as counsellor For my friend Morgan Plutus in this case, It behooves me then to have a proper care Lest I indulge in a contempt of court. And lose my honor, and my legal fame. As well as my great high illustrious name. Yet this accutsed race I would submerge In- ruin and shame and abject misery, As deep as Job was ever cast by me. To show his patience and fidelity; Or as the chief of traitors Judas was When he betrayed himself for filthy lucre. Yet it's the good I would condemn, not he, Because he served me, and he serves me still, As well as all his cunning coadjutors. In crimes against the pious and the true. The pure in heart, the meek, the mericful. The peace makei", the penitent and the patient; Those meddling moralists of this gross earth, That strew my path with thorns and ugly briars. And make my lot a hard one many times. But they are coming to the trial anon, 1 niust be dignified and seem serene at least. (A gentle march). Enter Plutus, spectators — Gimmiel and Plutus at C — Congratulations — They perambulate chatter- ing — Converse R — F — Enter officer, Job and crowd of strik- ers — Enter Uncle Sam — Takes bench and scans records, etc.— Adjusts his glasses and looks significantly. U. S. — The court will come to order. (March ceases) — Officer stands forth. Off. — Hear ye, hear ye, hear ye citizens! The United States federal court for the District of the nations commonwealth is now in session, Hence let there be due order in the court. U. S. — Is the prisoner at the bar? Off. — He is, your honor, and secure he is; Here, here now, stand aside there, stand back you, And don't you be obstructing thus, the flure, You spalpeen, I'll club your ugly mazzard. U. S.— Job, are you guilty, or are you not guilty, Of the crme that you are herein charged with? Job — I am not guilty in the least degree. U. S.- — That is a sweeping and a striking plea. Job — No more, I think, than we can show, your honor. U. S. — Morgan Plutus, have you anything to say ? Or have you counsel ready by the way? Gim. — Your honor, this is all, that he is charged, As it apears there in the indictment, With having caused the burning of the mill By his provoking those that he has led, To acts of an incendiary character; We do not claim we saw him do the deed, But the whole circumstance so forcibly Points to the conclusion that he did, That we feel justified in alleging it; And we can show the court conclusively That he is guilty in the premises. U. S. — How long have you practiced law? Gim. — I've always been a leading member, sir, Of the most honorable legal bar. And, of this, the greatest of fraternities, I am a shining light, you may be sure. U. S. — But, how long have you been at practice here? And are you lawyer, sir, or counsellor? Gim. — O, for that matter, I'm the very prince Of lawyers, and a counsellor, too, Capable, sir, of bringing to your view The most acute as well as most obtuse Of points involved in law and equity. Or the application of the common laws; If you'll excuse the apparent egotism Manifested in the personal declaration, For I am modesty itself in tact, And govern all my ways by rules of act. As well as evidence deduced by fact. U. S. — How are you on moral philosophy? And reason, too, does it not play a part In the true application of your art? I trust that you are not a pettifogger, And will not annoy the court with quidits And with-quibits, tenures and demurrers, Gim. — Be not alarmed as to that, your honor; I seek for causes always, not excuses In the conduct of my proper cases. And I am fully well aware of this — That the cause we're here and now on is One that involves economy, it is true, As well as several reasons that are new, And I shall seek to fully convince you. Not of that Job alone that he's to blame, But that his cause as well is very lame; Being as he has a fine disturber In the milling business of this man; A gentleman of wealth and education, Void of any mark of ostentation, Passive always in his application To the fair managemnt of everything That lawfully involves his fine advances. Or his more acute vexatious chances. And his sometime sad and trying reverses. Be assured, your honor, excellent, judge, We will not in this case from this point budge, We shall in everything with ease defer To the better judgment of your honor. U. S. — Job, have you got nothing more to say? Job — As I have said before, I was incensed When he turned me from the tenement house, And being tempted by this satan Gimmiel, I did indeed proclaim that I would kill him. But I thought better of it afterward And was contented with by hardened lot That I might live in common honesty. I'm like the pagen poet who once said — I am a man, and therefore I consider Myself possessed of nothing that is not In common with me as my fellow man, Diplomacy gainsay this if it can! U. S. — Have you no proper knowledge of the deed? Could you not. I ask, in other words, Give us a clew that might lead us into The arrest of him who did the awful act? I must admit suspicion points to you. Job — i can not tell, there's many another one Concerned in these late trying strikes and lockouts; We have had such recent trying times with, And any of an hundred might have done it. Plu. — Tie burned tLe mill; he did it, and I know it. Off. — Silence, Plutus, or I'll surely plague you. (Soft strain). Enter Goddess L to L — F— C— Gimmlel an^ Plutus starts in amazement— Uncle Sam smiles. G'ds. — That statement is as false as perjury — He did not burn the knitting mill of Plutus; Your moral race is run, and I am here To give protection to his innocence, And to also combat this evil genius You have engaged as sage and counsellor. Hence, let the trial now proceed at once, If it is your honor's lawful pleasure. Gim. — Now let us see, most excellent winsome dame, What at all you can do that will aid him ; Mayhap you're guilty as he is himself And come in here upon a mutual mission Of protection to your conduct both. G'ds. — Your slimy slandering belials tongue Would even vilify a Christ himself, Hence, I can always well afford to treat Your evil impudence with measured silence, Such as it merits and is due to you. If your honor pleas, now we are ready. U. S. — Here is an issue most decidedly. There is but one thing left to do in this — That's prove the accusation or retract it. Can you not, Job, I ask you once again, Give us a clew leads on to find the name Of the vile culprit that distroyed the mill? Gim. — Can he rather ask him, save himself By giving us this evidence for the state? Job — I have no knowledge froper of the deed, Nor do I think that our members did it, And much less have they offered aid to it. My opinions is, and cause for it abounds, That some Pinkerton thug has done the act, ( The signs of things oft stamp this mi a fact, For have not railroad bridges oft been burned. And then the innocent been harder spurned Because they held allegiance to the union When the query gained a public phase? Nay, seem not now amused^ these things occur; They have occurred and will occur again, Yet sure as fate there is 'n them no gain; Time guilds with gold the iron links of bain, There is no endless joy, no endless pain, A dark today leads to a bright tomorrow, Remember this all you are now in sorrow. Gim. — Who are these Pinkerton thugs you call 'em? As you seem quite well to understand them. Job — A class of people like unto yourself, Like you bent on making every mischief And, like you, too, a set of vicious plagues. Meddling for a fee in all most all things, And ever anxious to condemn the truth And serve the ends of evil or good ways, For the mighty dollar there is in it. Gim.— Think you to saddle the responsibility On some one else less evil in this way? We insist that it was you who did it; And every act that you indulge today Stamps you as a braggart and a traitor Unto yourself as well as other men; You contaminate all true intelligence! U. S. — This personal quarrel must fully cease, And the trial proceed at once in peace. Under the penalty of my great displeasure, If it is indulged in any further. Job — We've done no wrong in this except so far As wrong herein may be considered ot In a disposition to resist the wrong, And who in truth can claim that it is right. In fairness, and decency, and honor, To cut a workers' wage below the point Of a necessary and humane subsistence, Or to that of a meagre competence, The worker's due is all that he produces. Gim. — I contemplate the impropriety Of any moral argument like that, Now let us have the case in legal point. U. S. — This is in point; proceed. Job — If tfiis be wrong, then it is wrong to live. And we are criminals all by our birth. Abe Lincoln once said this, and said it fine: You can fool all of us part of the time. And part of us perhaps, all of the time, But you can't fool all of us all, of the time. For that would be too easy, you'll incline Nay, it's absurd to think it can be done. In point of fact, it is out of your line. How say you. Uncle Sam, is this not so? Gim. — This is anarchy, it's prostituting our courts Tj levels underneath the meagre plain Of man's ignorance and utmost contempt, I must insist again on my objections. U. S. — The courts are not too good to hear the truth, Yoar argument has no basis; Job, proceed. Job — Another question I would ask of you — Is it right that any man possessing The fruit of our toil, should thus assume That we've no interest in it which admits A right beyond the point of service done. Or that the fact he pays for our hire Dismisses us from any other claims To any part in fair consideration. Or makes us less dependent as a nation? Are man's rights designated by his station? Or is the worker less in the estimation Of the people because he produces? Of all men in the nation the exploiter Is the most despised of nature's order, And he is an exploiter of our labor, Supported in it by our evil neighbor, As by the careless and the idle classes. Gim. — I object to this most emphatically, To all these moral arguments, they are All utterly foreign to the case at bar, And irrelevant to the proper issue. U. S. — We want the information; proceed. Job — The world moves, the stages of our progress Are clearly marked in the world's sad history — In ihe utmost primitive of times gone by The strong oft killed the weaker, and then ate them, That was the cursed age of cannibalism. Later the conquerors made their captives slaves, And then compelled them to a servitude, And that was the cursed age of slavery. After a time were these poor slaves permitted To retain some portion of their earnings, And that was called the meagre age of serfdom. Then came the present humane evolution, Which is the time of our labor wagedom — The producers toil is treated as a chattel. To be purchased in the labor market; He gets a substance, sometimes even money, The idler revels in his rents and interests And everything he touches turns to profits. An age in which collective industry Shall supercede competitive employment, And co-operation supercede them both, Must and shall be coming forth unto us; When justice shall obtain, not charity, When all men shall be treated as an equal. When labor shall have all that it produces, Its due in justice and in equity; It is much easier to be kind than just. Gim — This as an apology for anarchy — Is it a crime today to be called rich? Is it a crime today to become rich? Is it in aught impiety to be rich? Is it tyranny, too, that men are rich? Is brain labor classed as a misnomer? Is money passion, is it a disease? This is akin to that old foolish cry, Down with everything In law that's up? Bah! Whatever is is right, and it is best, And to be just here, stop this low behest. Job — That is akin again, to might makes right. And we must all submit to powers that be. When I see the son of a rich capitalist Having his hounds covered with rich plush To protect them from the chill of morning On the same street hatless and shoeless children. Poverty stricken, shivering with the cold, Naked and. pinched, too oft with abject hunger, I say that it is worse than criminal, While there are so very, very many men Possessing means and opportunities To help the poor, nor dwell on charity, But to be just should be our aim in all — And yet, to see the wealthy pass these by On the other side, and let them starve, And freeze, and pine, and often even die, Is against all justice and all equity. The earth produces In a marked abundance Enough and yet to spare for all of us, Therefore no cause that any suffer thus. It's the lie of morality based on gold, on money, That counteracts these salutary principles. And makes the poor thus suffer 'gainst greed's scruples. We stand for justice for the human race, And we shall well demand that it has place. Despite the force of capitalistic ire. Gim. — This is all irrelevant, silly folly. Manifesting a much warped conception Of the true philosophy of economy, And unworthy serious objection, We therefore pass it without further comment. Because, it voices pique and not good sense. U. S. — It is brim full of sterling commonsense, And it satisfies us as a recompense, For the researches that we have indulged, To get at the phenomena of nature With references to these social doctrines. But, Job, the floor is yours as yet; proceed. Job — Is it not wrong for him to lock us out From our employment, and these present interests, That embrace our weal, our families' support, Our children's care as well as education? We've had employment in these mills for years, Our homes and our families, too, are here, And we've much cause to feel humiliated In being deprived of opportunities To care for ourselves and our dear ones. By the caprice of a selfish capitalist. Gim. — He'll own the plant anon if not restricted. U. G. — Off cer, preserve the order due us. Job — These questions are demanding a solution. And I am confident that Uncle Sam Will be quite equal to the trying task, And justice will eventually be perched Upon the banners of the populace, And humanity shall have a proper share In the premises when he has spoken; Let Socialists all hail this as a token. Gim. — I ask a legal privilege of the court — What is humanity ; is it the people The workingmen, the classes or the masses? You say humanity shall have a share. And for my benefit I'd like to know What's indicated by the moral thought; This hnmane question long since has expired. And makes intelligent folk often a tired. U. S. — This is an irony conceived in spleen. And indicates obstructive disposition, Suited only to a mischief like you, And illy here becomes your present office. Proceed with the examination. Job — I have worried you with longer speaking Than I intended, therefore, please excuse me. And, above all other things, be charitable In your measure of my humane motives For I have no aim but that of justice, And feel assured my cause is in good hands. But, be assured in it all, my dear friends. The Socialist seeks to reach all lawful ends By the proper use of his franchise, This way, the only way, not otherwise; Because he is against all that is war. And for the bond of union everywhere. For peace and progress, order, also union. For brotherhood devoid of all confusion; For concord and fraternity as well As peace on earth, good will to men in all! It intervenes to aid the other fellow, Its neighbor is the fellow in distress, It has no time to barter with a class, It stands for all alike in all at last. And to their purpose it holds ever fast. Nor will it compromise the truth or fast. That evil may indulge its lustful feast. Or greed in gormandizing fashion feed. Gim. — You have not told us yet who did it. Job; You must have had some knowledge of these things. Being as you have a leader in them. If you did it not, or did not cause The thing in point of fact, to be performed. G'ds. — I say again he did not burn the mill; It was a man employed to perpetrate it- Sold himself to do the dreadful deed. That it might be imposed upon this man! This is a truth established by a fact, As firm as truth in life is liberty. (Tremelo). Crimmiel accosts Goddess. Gim. — You ever rash, intruding vixon, you, That ever art a meddling with the things That ne'er concern you, you prevaricate, And by the mass I will convince you so. G'ds. — Out devil, out, avaimt, begone, I say, And quickly, too, I will defend the right And I demand that Job be now released To his due liberty, and justice given. This villain dupe that Morgan Plutus is, And his vile counsellor can not prevent it. U. S. — What direct proof have you got, fair Goddess. That, as is charged, he did not burn the mill? G'ds. — The very best of evidence; I heard This devil, Gimmiel and one of his dupes Devising ways and means to have it done And I heard them say withal that they Did propose causing ,Tob to be arrested. Gim. — This is not so, though Goddess utter it — I have been much deceived, indeed, I thought It fair in all at least that I should have A chance to fully prove our case in court. A likely story that she overheard. A conversation that I had indulged in V/ith the intent of burning any mill. I need no aid, for I can always do My will with reference to all property. And were it not for her and her too oft Fine interference with these trying things, Distorting sense and much contaminating Reasons with well perverted sophistries, We would not have to have these troubles now. G'ds. — He lies; I overheard the conversation, I saw also the money changing hands, I heard the price quite clearly stated, too, He.Trd everything except the hour and minute Wherein the flaming torch was to be lighted; And heard the fellow pledge his minion soul If he failed to execute the burning. More than this; I followed after him, And saw his hand the awful torch apply, Saw the man seen in his company. Then after saw him sneak away again Like the fondling spaniel that he is. To meet with this designing, subtle knave, Or rather say with this contriving devil. Gim, — Shall I have a chance to prove our case? I now give notice of ex parte motion For a new trial, and I ask the court To set the time for legal argument. U. S. — You have a chance, but you give us no proof, You simply say it is not so; observe That is no kind of lawful proof at all! And unless you can here and now produce Reasons better founded than you have, Your notice of a motion is ignored. Gim. — Am I to understand the court to say That my right herein to give due notice Of a motion to obtain a hearing Oa the merits of my preferred reasons Why a new trial is to be asked for, Are denied as not in proper keeping With the rules of well established practice, Or with ex parte regulations proper? U. S. — There is no ledgerdemain admitted In litigation in this federal court. And if you do not want to be debarred From the practice at this federal bar, You better be a little more decorous. Gim. — Then I give notice now of an appeal; We'll see if that will also be ignored, And while I have no lacking to indulge In any manner a contempt of court, I must insist, and that most strenuously. On the rights that I am guaranteed, As a leading member of the supreme bar, To use such measures as to me may seem Just on technical grounds indeed, as well As every point in law and equity, To obtain the very best results I can For my client in the premises. U. S. — This case is not subjected to appeal. Except it be on constitutional grounds, And if you will avail yourself of that Then go before the people with your case And let them deal with it as they see fit. Gim. — Are the rules of practice constitutional? U. S. — Not so, but public sentiment is. Gim. — Is public sentiment greater than this court, Or does it appeartain to that, I grote? U. S. — It is as it involves the rights of men. Gim. — Does public sentiment make this court? U. S. — It doesn't, but it always governs it; As all public sentiment is expressed , By the chosen men that make the laws, That it is our office to interpret. Therefore, it is to it you must appeal If you have license of appeal at all. Gim. — I am appealing to that sentiment When I address myself to you, because You are the head and front of my redress. And to you must I bring my proper cause Commensurate with custom and the laws. U. S. — Ah, yes, but public sentiment governs me; Public opinion is not properly judged By the splash and roar of a tempestuous sea, But by it in the hour of its calm, When the forces play on it at equoipoise. Hence, cavil not of this, nor seek appeal. Gim. — But can I gain a time to argue it? U. S. — Proceed with the examination. Gim. — Always thoroughly consider, hear me, The reason of a cause in all, your honor. For v/here there is no reason, please the court, i'ou are aware that there ca,n be no law. U. S. — Proceed with the examination. Yoii are wasting time; you can't appeal. Gim. — May it please this honorable court — U. S. — Let the examination go on! G'ds. — I challenge him in aught to prove it false; He can't produce a witness that will say The charge I make against this man is false, Plu. — I'll say it's false, if that will seem to do, But offer proof of it, I know I can not. Gim. — Thus briefly is a master's motto told, "A tongue of display is a tongue of silver, But a tongue of silence is a tongue of gold." G'ds. — You'd say almost anything, usurer; Such things become the sordid gormandizer. Gim. — I'll say, miss, that you're a saucy jade — (Quick tremelo). Gimmiel draws — Conflict — Goddess drives him to R — F — under stress of her spear, where he in- dulges in plaints. Am I, am I, or am I not, then am I, And if I be not am I, then who am I? Gd's, — This is the man who did it; this man here. Advances and lays her hand on Paul. Gim. — Sacramento! Bloody nouns! (Tremelo ceases). Gimmiel recovers. U. S. — Now, it seems very clear, indeed, to us That you are guilty of great negligence Under the charge the Goddess makes against you. That someone burned the mill appears to be Beyond a peradventure plainly seen; The claim of our Goddess is a bold one, And, as it appears, it has some grounds. Unless you can evince the contrary, Which for your sake I fain would have you do, As your accessory to the deed alleged In countenancing your attorney charged And in seeking by a statement to defend him. Have you no further proof to give to us? Gim. — May it please your noble excellency — We regret with marked humiliation That the principles of our higher courts Should be leveled to the meagre plain That's indicated by these practices. This man, this agitator, Job, at bar, Stands before this court a moral culprit, So far, at least, as public sentiment Would seem to indicate the possibility Of any grade at all of crimnal guilt; But we are thwarted in our lawful efforts To find the indulging causes of The crime that he is herein charged with — Because there seems to be a disposition To seem indulgent of his liberties To ventilate the laborer's grievances. Much valuable time has been consumed To hear him make a plea that's ever foreign To the issue that has called us hither, And we are well convinced observe, that he Is guilty of the crime in some degree. If not the actual perpetrator of it; He is at least accessory to the act Before or after the pertinent fact; And in no manner has he made denial That he incited them by heated talk * If not by arguments instructive of it, To those who often truly follow him. Who had a grievance against Morgan Plutus? Is a leading question in the premises. That these men, and especially this Job, Have shown a feeling 'gainst the property. Appears in every visible circumstance That surrounds the case in all its details, Po'- he himself has told the capitalist That he would stop the mill, aye even more. Every wheel and every spindle in it. And said it with a striking indication. That he intended mischief, I have heard — The court will kindly pardon me for it — The conversation on that very point. With this I've done, and now. it seems to me There can be but one verdict possible, And that the court can give but one decree, And that in favor of the plaintiff here. And as against this guilty defendant. U. S. — We will detain you all in custody Until we've made a further inquiry Into the reasons proper of this cause, And also looked into the law of it. There is no ground whereon or why we should not Know the incentive of this action fully, Whatever our judgment in the finding, The basis of this cause must be divulged, And I must understand its deep contingents. Gim. — Now, he'll be mine, I'll have him now anon. Taking a human life, ah, ha! how is that? By the schemers' law its a necessity. But taking of a human soul, how's that? By divinity's laws, ah ha! that's devilish; But in my vocabulary it's necessary. There's a coming corner in the labor market, Says the wily Wall street broker with a smile, And you can bet your light's a gizzard, boys, That corner will fetch to me a big pile, And a big pile of gold for me, you know, Is just the thing that suits my tastes today, And the broker smiled in glee, like miser shylock When he wanted his full pound of flesh for pay. U. S. — O, the corner in the greed God's corner market, Where the only thought of avarice is gain, And the corner in the selfish human heart Of misery, sickness, grief and even pain, The suffering of the poor who have to buy Tteir bread with sweat /ind blood, and briny tears And labor on too oft in poverty. Until death ends at last their coming fears. These corners stand a blighting shame today, A curse to honest men who have to toil With troubled souls and weary heads and Tiearts, In factory, shop and mine, and mill and soil, O, what a blessing would some gracious hand Remove them far from us now and for aye, 'Twould make the homes of honest workingmen A paradise such as should be today. G'ds. — No corner we should stoop to tolerate. Because in fine, they are not legally fair, Nor aught we short of honest, useful toil, The fruits of our labor in aught share. Because the modern jobber, speculator Is a menace to our honor and our ease. Destroying fertile fields that otherwise Might yield all comfort and all proper peace. (Quick tremelo). Gimmiel saunters to L F. Gim. — By the powers of hell, I am undone; Thou damned messenger of every good, I would if I could do so, decapitate thee, And send thee to my chamber Erebus! What hope have we to find the truth at last, (Aside) Which lies beneath the errors of the past! Rushes at Goddess with drawn sword — They combat — She drives him back to L. P. groveling and grumbling in anger. U. S. — Cease this social broil and bickering, too. And be silent and in all respectful you, Under the penalty of my wakened wrath! It is this spirit that too oft impugns us, And brings these damned curses oft upon us; Indeed condemns us, and in much subdues us. As well as in too many ways maligns us And makes the social paradise that's due us, A hell in much instead of blessing lo us; Hence, I've determined that it all shall cease, And that you, Gimmiel, shall also desist To meddle with the social problems That agitate the common populace; h It is their moral right to be respected, And I shall see that they are all protected! Uncle Sam at C, Goddess at R F C, Gimimel at L F C, Joli at R of C, officer up stage at C, Plutus at L of C. Gim. — Curse these impertinent interferences. G'ds. — Thus virtue has its honorable sway, The devil always works through other men; Thus right does rise and thus is overthrown The aims cf selfishness and usury. And thus right's left to scan the field alone, Of its true triumph by the laws of nature. Thus will it be in this our mighty cause, When necessary forces have been mustered To make the choice of men enact our laws, That are above the grade of filthy lucre. And thus the cause shall reach that happy end Sought in it by the advocates of justice. Thus shall the monster trust monopoly Have spent his force, and thus shall also those Who hoard their wealth that they may worshp It, Find a solace in the virtuous right Of every man in equity's true laws. Thus custom shall have made our lives more sweet Than that of glittering, golden, cloven pomp. And nature's green fields shall shed their hue To man, without these trust impediments. Our customs now are like an ugly toad That wears a precious jewel in his head, But when man's free, exempt from every wrong The beauty of our cause shall shed a light To penetrate the utmost depths of misery. Man's rights restored, then will we have done, Then will it's praise find tongues in trees, Great books in running brooks, sermons in stones. And good indeed, in nearly everything. Can man fling a million of worlds into space. To swing on their orbits, with system and grace? Can man summon daylight, and bid the night fall, Then why dare he question the will does it all? Gimmiel advances on Goddess and Goddess repels him with her spear to L F. GIm. — Thou pleadest to infinitude in vain, Man's loss in all has ever been my gain, To get thee with the rest shall be my aim; Thou meddling moralist and thou silly dame! G'ds. — Avaunt forever, hell's intelligencer, The author of all discord and disorder. END ACT IV. ACT. V. Overture. Scene I — A street. Ented Gimmiel R— Plutus L. (Soft strain.) ) Plu. — Say, you possess such tra:ts as did Eleazer. Gim. — Ah, yes? Well, he was great as Julius Caesar. Plu. — O, well, I'm much confounded and ill shown. Gim. — I've defeated you as men were by Napoleon. Plu. — Perhaps, but you assault me so extanter. Gim. — Why not, so would also great Alexander. Plu. — And you exhibit tact Christ did not have. Gim. — Oh, you are losing all your proper suave. Plu. — You are a jester, e'en a necromancer. Gim. — Not much, I'm rather more of an entrancer. Plu. — Your system is your law, and not your will, arch. Gim. — All that was so also of Mr. Petrarch, As well as it was so with Author Plutarch. And found responses in Professor Tetrarch. Plu. — You seem to think you can patch up the flagon. Gim. — Of course I can, as did the English Byron, As did also the Grecian poet Pagan. Plu. — Well, your effrontery makes me even stagger. Gim. — But I am not so gentle half as Wagoner. Plu. — But you are more a scold than even Damon. Gim. — For me he was too much of a companion. Plu. — Revolt do you against all conscious truth. Gim. — Well, I would fain be even truth itself, Because I then would emulate a god. Plu. — Well, you are ostentatious, even cheeky. Gim. — You flatter me, because thus was a Goethe. Plu. — I'm bound I'm getting tried of your ways. Gim. — So did Claudius of Prince Hamlet phrase When he spake for nothing but to show him How a king might go, a progress in And through the entrails of an abject beggar. Plu. — I believe you'd follow me around the planet. Gim. — Why not, since I am much inclined as Mamlet, Who found it much convenient often times To indulge in antics and deceive mechanics, As well as the king's courtiers old and young. They sometimes say that he was even crazy, And so they say of me that I am hazy. But, if crazy is that crazy often does, Man is insane, indeed, he always was, For he sees things with his oft closed eyes, Devoid of wings this mental hero flies To a sublime celestial atmosphere, His head sometimes has gone, his body's here, We find him painting scenes in the unseen Upon a straw he's apt to try to lean. He is a slave, yet he is free as air, Behold this privileged pauper millionaire. Plu.^ — O, well, there is no use of my contending With you, because my intellect is bending, And I'm submerged in methods over fine. As well as many reasons that will shine, Embraced in metaphor that has a rhyme, And, so to argue further I decline. But tell me, Gimmiel, will you have some wine? Or would you to my mansion now incline. Since you have tasted it, and know it's fine? Gim. — O, wellj I don't mind if I do sometime, So many thanks your honor, au revoir, I'll call again some time and hear some more. As I'm aware you've plenty, sir, in store. And seem in nothing willing to ignore The praises due a gentleman, I'm sure. Plu. — I must confess I'm on the hip instanter. Gim.--But you'll admit I am no necromancer. Plu. — O, yes, you're rather more of an entrancer. Exit Plutus R— Gimimel to R C. Gim. — Now, it remains for me to ascertain The thing I've gained by all my practices. I have no doubt that they will let Job free. But then I've done my very best to catch him. Though in it I have done the cause of labor Much and manifold good service surely; Someone somewhere has thus said I believe, It matters not though, if the devil brought it, If it be of good, it's God has sent it, ha! ha! Now,, there is a soul of good in evil things — I'll try again, at all events I'll try. And I will have him if it's possible. Exit Gimmiel R in jolly mood. Scene II — Subteranean passage. (Weird strain). Enter Gimmiel L with Paul and bestows him up stage C — Two imps advance and torture him with spears and scornful taunts. Gim. — Now, I have failed in my conceived intent To claim the honest Job, and in a measure Have also failed to claim old Morgan Plutus; But here's a victim that has never failed me, A wretched fool that serves another's end, A peevish dupe that has no manly character But hires as another's subtle servant, To perpetrate a deed foul and inhuman. He burned the mill, and then confessed the same, His weakness was betrayed in either case, And this is his reward; well, he deserves it. But then I have no great cause to complain. For those who do avoid me in this life By practicing their arts through other men Until the final in the breathing comes. And their demise delivers them to me, Only practice what I teach them to, And if they're like their master, who can blame 'em? Be not deceived, but heed the soft refrain. Time gilds with gold the iron links of bain. There is no endless joy, no endless pain; A dark today leads to a bright tomorrow, Remember this all ye who walk in sorrow. Small consolation for him has to borrow From the mercies of a thing like me; Death be my portion if I set him free. Gimmiel goes up and torments Paul with his sword — Paul writhes and groans agonizingly. Torment him there, ye imps, torment him well, Cease not to torture him nor break the spell! Enter Goddess L to L F C — Gimmiel comes down to R F C with indications of a weakened wrath, but threateningly.