Hellraisers Journal, Monday August 31, 1908
Debs Campaign on the Road in Great State of Kansas
From the Appeal to Reason of August 29, 1908:
—–
DEBS’ TRIUMPHANT TOUR.
—–
Comrade Debs’ tour through the Third district was a continuous triumph, each meeting exceeding the other in interest and enthusiasm. Thousands of people, never heard with deepest interest the story of labor’s exploitation. Words utterly fail us to put in type the electric effect of these meetings, much less to express the truth of our beloved Des’ wonderful message. His appearance upon the platform was the signal for spontaneous enthusiasm and wildest applause and again and again as this mighty giant defender of labor hurried his impeachment into the heart of the cruel capitalist system or painted, as only a Debs can, in contrast the conditions of the toiler under the Co-operative Commonwealth, the audience was lifted into a new life and many an indifferent, tired, discouraged and all but defeated worker took fresh courage, which filled him with a new inspiration as he took his stand in the militant party for the emancipation of his class.
—–
Parsons Daily Sun of August 19, 1908
The Parsons meeting was held in the beautiful Elk’s theater. The audience was one of intelligence and deep interest. Comrade Fred Matthes was chairman and in his own characteristic manner introduced Comrade Wilson as the next congressman. Wilson was greeted by enthusiastic cheers; and his ten minutes’ speech was filled with dynamics. Then in a few words he introduced Comrade Debs as the man most loved by labor and most hated by labor’s exploiters. Debs was greeted by round after round of cheers, and as he began his speech he was again interrupted by a spontaneous outburst of the audience. We will not attempt to describe the effect of this meeting. It can better be imagined than expressed. One must needs have been there to feel the effect. Mere words of description would utterly fail to describe the wonderful effect of this meeting.
The Pittsburg meeting was a winner. An all-day picnic was arranged. In the afternoon Comrade George D. Brewer, our next representative from Crawford county to Topeka, acted as chairman. Georg’s speech was enthusiastically received. He started off the program on the right foot, which gave the whole situation an assured success, culminating in a wonderful climax with Debs at night. After Brewer Comrade Snyder gave one of his characteristic speeches which gripped the audience with intensity. Then followed Phil Callery, who, although speaking but a brief time, lifted the audience into the white heat of enthusiasm. Next came Comrade Miss Caroline A Lowe with her sweet and convincing message so original and characteristic of herself and filled with a strong appeal, especially to the women. Her address was most loyally received.
Pittsburg Daily Headlight of August 20, 1908
Mother Jones was the next speaker. Our dear old battle-scarred Mother Jones, who, although grown gray in the fight, still retains her youth and spirit. She paced the platform, filled with the vigor of youth and in her own original manner, told the story of the robbery of labor and the way to its emancipation. At times she had the audience weeping, and then again by a certain turn she would lift the crowd to the wildest pitch of enthusiasm as she led them to a perception of class consciousness from which they viewed the inevitable triumph of the working class. The meeting closed by a talk from Comrade Wilson, who cinched the day’s program and left the audience ready for the invincible Debs at night. Wilson was more than enthusiastically received, showing the deep confidence and hold he has upon the miners whose cause he has plead for years. His speech had deep effect. Debs opened and closed his meeting amid cheers. The large audience was held spellbound during his long speech for two hours. The whole community has received a baptism of new life.
The comrades at Parsons and Pittsburg are deeply indebted to Comrade Mrs. Henry Lawrence Call for her most inspiring assistance rendered at these meetings in the execution of her original musical selections. Her march, dedication to Comrade Debs, was introduced at these meetings and was most enthusiastically received. The comrades will not soon forget the great musical treat and very much appreciate this opportunity to hear one of the world’s greatest musicians.
From Pittsburg Debs left with Snyder and Wilson for Winfield, stopping en route at Sedan. Here while the train made a twenty minutes stop for dinner, although they were over two hours late, the people waited. The farmers for miles around drove in from the country. It seemed all Chautauqua county was present. Debs was greeted by a sea of eager faces as he mounted a baggage truck and spoke with deepest effect. As the train pulled out the crowd broke forth again with cheers of good-by and cries of “Hurrah for Socialism.” The good ladies of Sedan local had prepared a most sumptuous luncheon for Debs and the comrades accompanying him. This was most artistically prepared and more than enjoyed.
The Winfield meeting was also a winner. Although the train was three hours late and the all-day picnic about over, yet Snyder and Wilson were hurriedly rushed by cab to the grounds at Island park and Snyder was at once introduced and made a most happy and effective talk, followed by Wilson, who held the audience until nearly 6:30, when they adjourned to meet at night. Comrade Sol Smith acted as chairman and in a few well-chosen words introduced Comrade Debs in the evening. Debs was at his best and the vast audience listened with increasing interest. When the meeting broke up it seemed almost impossible for Debs to get away. The appreciative audience crowded around him and held him by the hand while dear Debs had them by the heart. The meeting broke up very late.
After the meeting about fifty of the comrades from various parts of the county assembled in a local ice cream restaurant. Harry Tichenor acted as toast master and nearly all responded to a toast proposed and a most happy time was enjoyed. So ends the memorable Debs tour throughout the Third district. Debs has left for the east to begin his famous “Red Special” tour. He will be followed with the living thought of all the comrades in Kansas who will see to it that their utmost efforts shall be expended in pressing all along the line for final victory.
