Welch's Weekly from Wichita, Kansas • 4

is and you. carried in his hand a dinner pail. We did not know how much was in it, probably not very much. My companyion turned and looked at me and I at him. He said nothing for a few seconds, but I could see something was coming.

"Isn't that a fright," he said, "isn't it a shame that in this great twentieth century, this day of street-cars and fine cafes, 1 this day of broadcloth and millionaires, that a working man is compelled to walk to his work, carry a so-called dinner in a fifteen cent pail, and wear rags." I managed to utter a feeble "Yes." The speaker was Albert H. Blase, the working class candidate for Mayor of Wichita. Then I asked him some questions. He told me he was born in Philadelphia thirty-nine years ago. His parents were humble people.

When five years of age, in 1879, he came with his parents to this city. His father, an industrious man, established a small shoe-shop. At fifteen the son entered his father's shop, took up awl and last, and learned his present occupation, the shoemaker's trade. He never had much to say. He always appeared to be thinking about something.

Occasionally a customer would step into the little shop. Sometimes the customer would say something about hard times. It was then the young cobbler had still less to say, He seemed to be thinking. After a time, something like eighteen years ago, he established a shop of his own, and is today still driving shoe nails at his shop just across the alley north of the Princess theatre. And as the years, one by one, slipped by, he became a profound student of economics, and a general observer of all issues related to the publie welfare, The more he studied and observed the more he became convinced that there must be something fundementally wrong in our social and industrial structure.

He saw men rioting in wealth and luxury and men rotting in poverty and filth. He saw the workers of the world dispossessed by some unseen and subtile power, of four fifths of the products of their labor. The power of organized capital was impressed upon him by the regularly recurring advances, without apparent cause, in the prices of the various kinds of leather used in his shop. He groveled in the dark for a solution to our social and industrial ills. He turned to the silver tongued orator" of 1896, but to no avail.

He turned in vain to the big stick" of 1904. Meanwhile he read and studied- and saw. "I'll tell you," he said, "the public evfls of today are due to the private ownership of the means of production and distribution. -Through it the great mass of people are placed at the mercy of a few greedy and irresponsible copitalists. It causes poverty and crime: it causes the high cost of living and the low price of labor, and may God speed the day when the people will own and operate, for all instead of a few, these big industries, which today are a part of our very lives." Mr.

Blase a candidate for Mayor at the coming election. He is a working man: big hearted, honest and intelligent. Everybody in town knows or has heard of Al Blase and none know aught against him. He lives in a modest home up on Woodland avenue, where, with his wife and three children, two of them a pair of pretty twins, a girl and a boy, he loves to be by his own fireside. If you witht a better Wichita, do yourself and the city a good turn and help elect him.

Think over your past political mistakes and vote right just once. MY DREAM. "I see a vast army. 'Tis the workers of the world gathering around the judicially walled Jerico of capitalism. It is the morning of the seventh day In the front ranks are the Socialists, bearing the Covenant of the Co-operative Commonwealth- -singing songs of victory; blowing the ram's horn of industrial freedom.

Wake, sleepers, Wouldn't it be awful if you could ride on a street car for two cents instead of five? Sure. It would destroy your "incentive" to work. It would "destroy your home," and besides, it would be "dividing up." The street car company doesn't wan't any dividing up. They want it all. How do you vote? Are you aware? that we must nominate candidates if we get a chance to vote for them at the regular election.

Tell your neighbors about going to the primary because we must have a big vote to nominate Get busy if you want to vote for them on election day, April 4. Don't forget to vote at the primary, so as to be sure of nominating our candidates. See who are the men and be sure, so you will know who's who and then you won't make any mistake. The question of who stole the electric piano is almost as important as to who caused the city to pay two thousand dollars for a police automobile. WISCONSIN SOCIALIST NEWS.

By E. H. Thomas, State Secretary. Has the Russian government forfeited its right to be considered a civilized nation? was the question debated in the Wisconsin senate last Tuesday. The Social-Democrats in the legislature hold that Russia cannot be reckoned among the civilized powers.

They have introduced a memorial in the Wisconsin legislature asking Congress to take away from the Russian government the right of extraditing its subjects from American soil. Senator Gaylord( Socialist) warmly supported this proposition. He pointed out that Russia had attempted several times to extradite political offenders under the plea that they were common criminals. He cited the Rudowitz case, when only a storm of popular indignation saved a Russian rev5lutionist from being delivered up fo the torture chambers of the Czar. As long as we have any extradition treaty with Russia, no Russian political offender is really safe within our borders.

Unfortunately, the capitalist politicians would not take this view. One "reform" Republican insisted that conditions in Russia were steadily statement, by the way. which has been made continually for the last twenty years. Here we have another proof, if any more 1 were needed, that the so-called "reformers" have no genuine sympathy with any real movement towards either political or economic freedom. Only Socialists can be relied upon in every great struggle of humanity, The proposed memorial was therefor killed.

One of the most important measures now before the city of Milwaukee is the question of whether the city shall be allowed to do its own street work directly or continue to employ contractors. The Superintendent of street construction has presented fig ures which are very convincing, showing how much the city -could gain from doing its own work. This idea makes the contractors shiver, and they are raising a desper. ate howl through the capitalist press. In fact, it is easy to trace the profit motive under every one of the savage attacks now being made on the plan for model workingmen's cottages.

The persons who make money out of private hospitals charge the administration with extravagance because it wishes to provide a comfortable place for the nativity of the children of the The contractors are aghast at poor. the idea that the city can cut out their profits. All these find a volce in the capitalist papers, and thus that to the real facts prove get before the people, the Socialists must have their own press. The Milwaukee Social Democrats have accordingly gone seriously to work to start a Socialist daily paper in Milwaukee. The task is gigantic But the Milwaukee Social-Democrats have undertaken a good many gigantic tasks, and carried them through.

An amusing situation has been created by the new non-partisan election law. This law was framed up in great haste and rushed through the legislature with the openly avowed purpose of knocking out the Social-Democrats in the judicial and school board election next month. But it is already proving a boomerang. The judges who backed it up, are all in a puzzle over it. They do not know how to secure signatures for their nomination papers under this law, and are still rushing about to get signers.

Meantime the Social-Democrats have their papers Ell ready to file, having gotten the necessary number of signatures without any trouble. Again the legislatures have tried their hand at killing the Social-Democrats with a bill, and again they have bungled the job! TO WARREN-AND WICHITA. By A. E. Lewis.

From the dark industrial night, There comes a ray of hope, Our Warren did not go to jail, He didn't play the goat, A ray of hope gleams in the east, When his courage did not fail, The "system" stopped: its plans were dropped, He didn't go to jail. And now he's in Girard again, To answer Freedom's call Since Phil Campbell shook within his boots, At the writing on the wall. So dig in, Fred, old boy, and help the cause along, We'll win out yet, some day, by gum. A dozen million strong. All loyal will seek the polls, On April fourth, we'll bet, We'll make the test of the man who's best, The man or the "never sweat." So line up, Comrades, one and all, And vote the ticket straight, We'll "Blase" the way for Wichita, And break the grafters' "slate." The Truth About Milwaukee News from National Headquarters By J.

Mahon Barnes The Bohemian Socialists will hold a National Covention in the City of Chicago, beginning April 28th and continuing until May 1st. One of the most important measures now before the City of Milwaukee is the question of whether the city shall be allowed to do its own street work directly or continue to employ contractors. The Superintendent of street construction has presented figures which are very convincing, showing how much the city could gain from doing its own work. This idea makes the contractors shiver, and they are raising a desperate howl through the capitalist press. STILL THEY COME! In the election held in the City of Muscatine, Iowa, March 6, Socialist candidates for aldermen in the 3rd and 4th wards, 0.

C. Wilson and William Montgomery, were elected by pluralities of 279 and 207 respectively. Comrade Jacobsen, State Secretary of Iowa, says: "Other cities and towns in the state will be heard from in like manner in later elections this spring." Comrade Sill, State Secretary of Florida, reports a forty per cent increase in the sale of dues stamps during the last month and bright prospects for the party in that state. A1 order for two thousand party buttons was received from the City of Tampa. This is the scene of the recent protracted Cigar Makers' strike.

A lively city campaign is on in that town The workers are beginning to realize that the government is a good thing for them to control. WICHITA SOCIALIST. THE LADIES' AUXILIARY OF LO. CAL WICHITA. Held a very interesting meeting on Wednesday, March 15.

Good attend. ance and much interest taken. They decided to help the Young People's League in raising funds by serving ice cream and cake at the Hall, 123 S. Main, Thursday, March 23, 7 to 12 p. In.

Refreshments served at their meeting yesterday. Socialism is growing. HEADQUARTERS Candidates Al H. Blaze, for mayor; Commissioners, C. A.

Hamlin, I. Lesem, J. W. Taylor and A. A.

Roe will be maintained at 141 N. Market street, with S. P. Duncan in charge. News and suggestions can be secured at almost any hour.

Call and get acquainted. THE YOUNG PEOPLE'S LEAGUE, SOCIALIST PARTY Will give a Box Social at the Hall, 123 S. Main, March 23, from 7 to 12 p. m. Come and bring a fine box to sell to some good fellow who wants to help the cause of human rights.

ALBERT H. BLASE-WORKING CLASS CANDIDATE FOR MAY. OR OF WICHITA. By George Fuller. It is indeed a strange irony that rules the destinies of men.

Now and then there comes forth, from the most remote and hidden recesses of the seething mass called humanity, a noble soul, one inspired by some unseen power, to perform magic deed for the uplift of the race. Written indelibly on the thumb worn pages of the past, the names of such men gleam forth, giving us hope of better and greater things that are to come. Throughout all the centuries, from the time of the One born in a manger, there have been many such noble characters, and it is a notable fact that they have come, almost without exception, from the lowest stations in life. Throughout all history the men who have done the really great and good things have been men of humble station. Christ the carpenter, and Lincoln the rail splitter are notable examples; Silas Howe lived in a hovel when his fertile mind conceived the first sewingmachine, while the author of our national anthem, The Star Spangled Banner, was a child of humble parentage.

We were standing in front of the Princess theatre, this other man and I. We had been talking while I wrote -I had been taking some notes. The last words of one of his sentences were spoken in a tone that indicated his mind had reverted to some other thought. He stopped talking. I looked up at him.

He was looking across the street, over towards the Barnes building. I looked in the same direction and saw the object of his gaze. Stalking along like a sentinel in the night, there went a man, gaunt, stooped and ragged. A hobo? No, but he might as well have been, so far as getting any real good from life is concerned. But he was no hobo for he Told in a nutshell every week by POLITICAL ACTION, the spicy little leaflet newspaper.

It has already achieved stupendous success and should be read by every voter in the land. You can't afford to without it. REMARKABLE OFFER. $2.15 worth for $1.00 POLITICAL ACTION wants a million subscribers and to secure them, makes the following remarkable COMBINATION OFFER: 200 Assorted Copies of POLITICAL ACTION 2 yearly subseription cards "to POLITICAL ACTION .50 1 Milwaukee Socialist Calendar. size 14x22, lithographed on Art Cover.

Contains portraits of every elected Socialist official, 65 in number .23 5 dozen Milwaukee Socialist Post Cards (Reproduction of above Calendar) .54 Copy of "Today's Problems," comptled by Henry E. Allen. marvelous collection of statements by the world's greatest living thinkers .10 1 Copy of "The Power and Weakness of Trade Unions," by John M. Collins. The best work on this subject yet produced.

.10 1 Copy "SOCIALISM. What' It IS and How to Get It." by Oscar Ameringer of Oklahoma. Just off the press and by far the best booklet ever published with which to make converts. Worth a dollar or money .10 $2.15 Send us a ONE DOLLAR and we will send you everything listed above by return mail. This COMBINATION OFFER is limited and you will have to net quiek.

Address POLITICAL ACTION. trishane Hall. Milwaukee, Wis. Desk No. 5 Kansas Steam Laundry Biggest- -Busiest -Best Fine Bath House Opposite Post Office Are You Wearing a Pair of LENSES? F.

A. Dairymple, O.D. R. L. Ashcroft, 0.D.

Optometrist and Refraction Specialists Phone Douglas 204 419 E. Douglas Shade and Fruit Trees of all Kinds- A large stock to select from. Come to the Nursery and see for yourself. Make your own seleetions. Avoid agents and be satisfied.

Plant now, which insures an early growth, standing dry hot weather during the summer. it you can't come see us. we will call and get your order. "Trees planted." Free city delivery. Call on or address Wichita Nursery Phone Dong.

1100 21st and Law. O. K. Transfer Co. Baggage and Express Licensed and Bonded.

Strictly Reliable. Day and Night Service Phone Mar. 2181 115 N. Santa Fe LOST All Plumbers my $1.00 and per we hour have found some A No. 1 Plumbers we can furnish you for 75c per hr J.

M. Simmons Plumbing Co. Phone Market 1218 428 N. Main Both Phones 137 Harris Overman. Props Oak Street Stables Livery, Feed, Boarding and Sales Barn 803 North Main Wichita, Kansas Also buyers of Feed and Hay Carter Boiler Shops 132 N.

Lawrence Boiler Tubes for Sale. Also Repairing Promptly and Properly Done at Satisfactory Prices For First Class Pies, Cakes and Home Made Bread go to The Silver Moon Bakery 1205 East Douglas Wichita DEAM ABSTRACT CO. WICHITA, KANSAS BONDED BY SURETY COMPANY N. W. Corner Court House Basement HARNESS SHOP 327 North Main WILL YOU JOIN A HOME COMPANY? All who are interested in acquiring a home on small weekly payments should call at once and place their application with Geo.

B. Dean, 211, So. Main ground floor, Wichita, Kan. Don't wait or you might be too late. How do you like the conditions now, Mr.

Workingman? Are they what you voted for? Let Electricity Do Your Work It actually costs just Two Cents an hour to run an Electric Washing Machine. Throw the lever and the motor operates the washer or the wringer in either direction. No more scrubbing or hand turning. You don't even have to watch it. Machine complete with motor and wringer costs $55.00 in payments of $5.00 per month.

We send it out on Thirty Days trial. If not perfectly satisfactory we call for it and you are under no obligation Kansas Gas and Electric Co. 235 South Main Silver Moon Restaurant, management new, NEW Is pleasing the public and sure to please MANAGEMENT Look up this place, when hunger you feel, Visit the "Moon" for an excallent meal. Eatables wholesome, fresh and select, Reliable cooking and service correct. J.A.McKENNA MANAGER Meals most substantial, three times a day, Of viands you'll relish, served in the right way Over the city it cannot be beat.

TICKETS $3.50 North Main, the location, west side of street. MEALS 20c Come to "The Silver Moon." ladies and men All people are pleased to come back again. Regular Meals-Short Order' Follow the wise ones, who come every day. Eat and grow fat at this first class cafe. 219 N.

Main THE NEW Girard Manufacturing Co FORT SCOTT. KANSAS Whose factory was entirely destroyed by fire late in is now ready to fill all orders for Nutol, Nutreto and Primel and other good things from their factory at Fort Scott. Their capacity has been quadrupled, have more capital behind them and are better fixed in every way to handle your business. Be sure and ask your dealer for their products RE-OPENED AT 339 N. MAIN We have opened up again for business and hope all of our customers will call and see us.

We have several bargains in goods that were slightly damaged by fire and water ELECTRIC WIRING, MOTOR REPAIRING ETC. EDDINGTON ELECTRIC CO. Phone Douglas 1900 Phones 2089 Residence 1136 Red The Pittsburg Natural Gas Supply House GEO. B. DEAN, Mgr.

Plumbing, Gas Fitting and all Kinds of Repair Work. Jobbers of Alter Mantels. Gas Arc Lights for Rent or Sale Humphrey, American, National or Cody Are Gas Stoves and Furnaces Harmon Furnace Burners, Perfection Furnace Burners and all kinds of Gas Appliances, Burners, Mantels and Chandeliers 211 South Main St. Wichita, Kansas We Would Like to Know Whether an ad in this paper pays. Anyone who will cut this out and bring it to us we will give a liberal reduction on any work in the Studio.

Baldwin Studio 118 East Douglas.