cent of the gross sum recovered. Rumors of this contract reached the ears of certain Senators and Congressmen and threatened to jeopardize the bill. Friends of the measure communicated with the agents and asked for the facts. These agents positively and repeatedly denied the facts. These denials were taken in good faith by both Senators and Representatives, who reiterated and emphasized them on the floors before their respective bodies, and the bill was passed with the distinct understanding that none of the money should go for any purpose except the legitimate beneficiaries of the publishing house. Of course when the facts became known there was a sensation, but the conservative people of the country refused to blame the church for the actions of its agents, and waited with suspended judgment until she should act upon the matter. No one could doubt but dishonest methods had been used; it had been absolutely demonstrated that the book agents were guilty of falsehood, but people all over the country said: "The church will repudiate the whole transaction and redeem her name from dishonor." Did she? Less than two months after the money was secured the General Conference of the church met in Quadrenial session. At this time the facts had not been made public, and the whole country supposed that everything was straight and the money honestly obtained, and was congratulating the church on having at last come into her own. Now, in this church a book committee of more than a dozen members has control of all matters pertaining to the publishing house except the election of the agents, which is done by the General Conference. In a secret session of this book committee, during this session of conference, all the facts were presented and discussed, which afterward caused the sensation when made public; yet this book committee, knowing these facts, not only permitted these agents to be re-elected, by keeping the conference in ignorance of the facts, but raised the salary of each $500 per annum. Were not these men as guilty as the book agents? And they did represent the church. But the exposure finally came. Then conservative people said: "Wait until the next session of the General Conference and the church will set her seal of disapproval upon the infamy." What this conference did is recent histery and need not be recited; but one of those book agents is still in office, the other a presiding elder, Stahlman has not disgorged, and the money has not been returned to Congress; in fact, it has not all been used for the purpose for which it was appropriated-the superanuate fundwhich is the only legitimate use that can be made of it. Part of it went for increased salaries and part to establish branch houses in Texas and China. Now, in the face of all these facts, can this church, as an institution, escape the charge of double dealing and dishonesty? I want to reiterate that I do not select this particular church as though it were worse than others, but rather, because it is better than most; and yet these facts are notorious. But it is also notorious among the preachers of another, and even larger church, that one of her greatest leadersin fact, many consider him the greatest orator in her pulpit-has been guilty time and again of scandalous conduct with women. Yet no one dares to bring him to justice. He is too powerful with the moneyed interests of the church. Evidence from all sources might be adduced to show that the church generally is favoring capitalism and the rich. And that in doing so is losing its hold on the great mass of the people. With this power gone it is very improbable that it can and will settle the great social and industrial questions that are stirring society to its foundations. If it could it is doubtful if it would. Its sympathy and support go negatively to plutocracy. When the revolution breaks upon us there will be no restraint or check morally. Education and the Church might have furnished this, but the power of mammon has prevented it. In all its fury it will burst upon a people whose suffering and misery will be intense; who in their confusion and trouble will not know which way to turn or what to do. CHAPTER XVII. THE FARMER. History of Land Ownership; the People Becoming Ten- Ruthless Master, Plutocracy. The question of escaping the calamity comes up for a brief consideration. One might leave the country and find safety in Europe or England. But as 70,000,000 people could not pull up stake and escape from each other, it is useless to discuss emmigration. A handful of the rich will do this, but even they may be going from the frying pan into the fire. The same economic laws are at work in Europe as in America, and stupendous social and labor troubles may overtake European society before it does us. So much for that. But another means of escape proposed I wish to investigate more closely: that is, the suggestion that the people move out into the country on farms, etc., and there, living in quiet and peace, be free from the impending troubles. Recently a friend, confiding in me, said he feared he would lose his position, as it was said a trust proposed to absorb the firm he was working for. He finished by saying: "Well, if the worst comes, one can always take his family and move out on a farm." There never can be a trust of farms and the people can always have that as an avenue of escape." I said: "You are mistaken if you think farm life is a way of escape. Even though a few families with a little money move to the country and prosper, what would happen if the great mass of the people did likewise? What would be the result if people by the hundred thousands and millions flocked to the farms? Intense competition; a great decline in prices; and the most intense suffering and distress imaginable." No, farm life is not the solution of, or escape from the impending troubles. Further, I am going to prove that the farm, instead of being a national safety valve, is going to be a fruitful source of trouble and discontent; and that the farmer will be a most important factor in the impending crisis. At present there are 34,000,000 people living on farms. This is by far the largest of any one industrial class, and comprises nearly one-half the population. Very little attention has been paid to the farmer class heretofore, because it has always been the great conservative and steady class of America. But it is certainly very evident |