She sitteth in the sunshine, old and gray,
Her faded kerchief crossed upon her breast,
Her withered form in sober colors drest,
Her eyes, deep-sunken with far memory,
See not the eager children at their play
But look beyond them to the crimsoning west,
And still beyond where everlasting rest
Remains to crown and close her little day.
Yet all the fragrance of the vanished years
Is at her heart, and time hath left its trace
In lines engraved by joy no less than tears
Upon her tranquil and unconscious face.
For Youth, quick-flying, left his dearer part,
Imperishable love, within her heart.
[Illustration: _King John Refusing to Sign the Magna Charta_
_Bart., in Minneapolis Journal_]
[Illustration: _Perhaps some treatment of this kind would cause Mr. Roger
to answer questions in court_
_Handy, in Duluth News-Tribune_]
[Illustration: _The Man from Missouri_
_Donahey, in Cleveland Plain Dealer_]
[Illustration: _Letters From The People_]
Our readers are requested to be as brief as possible in their welcome
letters to the MAGAZINE, as the great number of communications daily
received makes it impossible to publish all of them or even to use more
than extracts from many that are printed. Every effort, however, will
be made to give the people all possible space for a direct voice in the
MAGAZINE, and this Department is freely open to them.
* * * * *
_John Nill, Watertown, N. Y._
Your criticism on prevailing evil conditions is justly and emphatically
to the point. But I would call your attention to the world’s experience
that at no time has a reform taken place unless new ideas, new methods
for reform comprehensive to the public for relief and improved conditions
were introduced at the same time when the old deplorable affairs were
condemned. To excite the multitudes without a proper and thorough
education on social and national relations calculated to promote peace,
harmony and prosperity, is dangerous. Look at Russia. If you will add
as many correct and direct advices to the general public as you do
criticism, you may be successful in initiating a reform that may far
surpass any in the past ages.
* * * * *
_J. B. Phillebaun, Mountain Grove, Mo._
To say that I endorse the principles advocated by the magazine puts
it mildly. The old parties must be checked or we are politically and
financially ruined. You have started in the direction. You have got the
people thinking and that is half the battle. Push the good work already
started and I hope victory will crown your effort. I want to go on record
as a firm believer in _Tom Watson principles_.
* * * * *
_J. F. Winterbottom, Washington, Ind._
I have received every copy that has been printed. Just as soon as I have
read them I let others have them. I am well pleased with the Magazine.
* * * * *
_W. J. Alford, Molena, Ga._
The Magazine is fast eliminating political ignorance throughout America,
which, in fact, is the pillow upon which rests the great evils we suffer.
* * * * *
_William Putnam, Downing, Tex._
Your Magazine is a wonderful power because all classes of our people read
it, and its truth is so plain and reasonable no one can reject it, let
their politics be as they may.
* * * * *
_J. W. Oliver, Kissimmee, Fla._
I have read each issue of your Magazine and _all_ in each issue.
Sometimes I do not agree with you but you are trying to keep on the right
track, and come very near to staying in the “middle of the road.” I am a
native Alabamian and a Democrat of the “Moss Back” kind.
Go ahead. I am with you and if _necessary_ will vote with you,
independent of my party.
* * * * *
_Edgar J. Hadley, Arkwright, R. I._
Have taken your Magazine from the first number and would not be without
it at any price. As an educator it is A No. 1. I wish that every wage
earner could be gotten to read it. No one can read the splendid articles
it contains without becoming a more intelligent citizen.
The only alteration I would suggest is a little better cover.
* * * * *
_E. Simmons, Mt. Leonard, Mo._
I have read every number from the first number. I shall never vote either
of the old party tickets again. I am 83 years old next Tuesday. My health
is failing. I think we ought to unite with Prohibitionists, for the sale
of intoxicants is about as big an evil as we have and we have got the
great whiskey interest to overcome before we can get into power for both
the old parties are their friends. Yes, my dear brother, I am with you.
With my little influence I will do what I can.
* * * * *
_H. D. Cope, J. P., Rogers, Ark._
I received your copy of TOM WATSON’S MAGAZINE and think she is a dandy.
I hope you succeed. I see some of the Pittsburg papers kicking on it and
asking why it is allowed to pass the mails.
* * * * *
_J. W. Murphy, Grove Hill, Ala._
I think TOM WATSON’S MAGAZINE is a good one. The editorials are the
biggest things I ever saw. I don’t like such stories as “The Gray Weed,”
“The Tiger God,” etc., etc., but I like Tom Watson and all that I have
read from his pen. My wish is that Tom Watson may live long to ring that
“Liberty Bell” until the people shall awake and rise in their might and
throw off their shackles.
* * * * *
_Panola Watchman, Carthage, Tex._
We appreciate your magazine very much, especially the articles from the
pen of Mr. Watson and, while he lambasts the party to which we belong,
much of it is deserved and we hope he will continue to lay on until
prevalent evils are corrected.
* * * * *
_Sam J. Hampton, Durant, I. T._
I have been reading your magazine ever since the first issue and I think
it the clearest boldest and most fearless journal in America. I shall
continue to read WATSON’S.
* * * * *
_T. J. Anderson, Blossom, Tex._
I have never had the pleasure of meeting you personally, but have known
of you ever since you entered Congress in 1892. Since that time I have
eagerly sought to read all you have said and written. Being strictly in
accord with your political views, I greatly admire the firm stand you
have taken in alleviating the burden from the masses of people, your
honesty of purpose and the plain and outspoken way you have in presenting
your views. I have had the pleasure of voting for you twice and yet hope
to see you elected our national executive. The crowning act of your life
was your work in the last election when you took our banner from the dust
of fusion and confusion and unfurled it to the breeze, and fought the
battles of reform practically alone. May you yet receive your reward.
As to your Magazine, I subscribed for it before it was ever printed.
Am well pleased with it. Have no improvement to suggest. I quit the
Democratic Party in 1890. Have only made one mistake since and that was
when I voted for Bryan in 1896.
* * * * *
_L. P. Sullivan, Emmet, Ark._
I like it splendidly and it gets better every copy. I could not do
without it.
Long life to you.
* * * * *
_F. M. Martin, Mt. Moriah, Ark._
To say that I like the Magazine is only putting it lightly. It is the
only political gospel I know of being published at present. Love to
have it read in every home in the United States. Then have every one
act upon its teachings. I know of no way of making it better unless
advocating return to Africa by American Africans. That subject seems to
be neglected, though I don’t know that I could write on that subject to
any advantage.
Go on with the great work. It will eventually accomplish the desired
result.
* * * * *
_Edward H. Hotchkiss, Seattle, Wash._
I am very much pleased with your Magazine. I have got it from the
news-stand from the first copy to the present. I don’t know how I would
get along without it for every number is better than the last. I think
it’s the best book of Education that is published. Its principles are
right and just to all, and I wish both of the old parties would take a
few doses of the medicine prescribed in your book. I think they might be
cured of some of their corruption.
* * * * *
_K. D. Strickland, Carlton, Ga._
I think TOM WATSON’S Magazine contains more profitable and really
more necessary information for the American citizen than any other
publication. It is a regular monthly feast to read his pieces. In reading
his pieces, I am made to feel as though I was communicating with the
supernatural.
I wish to call Mr. Watson’s attention through his Magazine to his
physical health. Take care of your health, Mr. Watson. We need your
wonderful mental power with good health behind it. You are so completely
absorbed and enthused in your great work for the people, you might
over-tax the brain and bring on a collapse: that would be a national and
incalculable misfortune.
* * * * *
_Amos H. Edwards, Bentonville, Ark._