Benson, a young newspaperman, volunteered his services at the opening of the campaign.  He is a brilliant writer, and what is of more consequence, he is beyond doubt an ardent supporter of popular government.  There are few men in the journalistic field who are free thinkers.  The universities, colleges and academies in which the higher branches of study can be pursued, have all been brought under the power of the Magnates.  Endowments are only to be obtained by observing the commands of the donors.  The chief offence which an institution of learning can commit is to tell the truth regarding social conditions.  For this reason the men who enter journalism from college, are unfitted to grasp the social problem; or if, in the case of a few, the true conditions are realized, they find it expedient to remain silent.  Excommunication from the craft is sure to follow any radical expression in favor of socialism.  The press is free only in name.

A strong friendship exists between Trueman and Benson.

“Tell me candidly, Benson,” Trueman inquires, “do you think there is a chance of my carrying New York City and St. Louis?”

“I am satisfied that you will have a clean majority in both.  My belief is based on personal observations.  I have been in all quarters of the cities, and have questioned workmen in every industry.  They seem of one mind.  Your Convention speech converted them.”

“What do they say about it?”

“Why, it makes it clear to them that with a fearless and noble leader, the masses can express their will.  You showed to the world that reason can rule passion.  It needed but a word from you to have precipitated a revolt in the party which would have spread through every state.  To most men in your position it would have appeared that out of the tumult and confusion, they would have come out with a decided advantage.  But you gave no thought to a personal advantage; it was the good of the people that actuated you.  And now you are to reap your reward.  What was plain to the inhabitants of the rural districts from the start, is now manifest to the toilers in the cities, especially in this city and Chicago.”

“This condition must be known at the Plutocratic Headquarters.  What is being done by the managers there, to overcome the sudden change in the public mind?  I hear so many stories that I am at a loss to tell which is true and which false.”

“The local committee of the Plutocrats has abandoned all hope of coercing the people.  This evening it sent out a letter of instruction to the manufacturers calling upon them to exercise drastic measures to prevent their operatives from voting; but this is only a blind,” replies Benson.

“The Chairman of the National executive committee at the same time held a conference with the chief labor leaders.  These leaders were offered a flat bribe if they prevent the men whom they represented from voting.  Eight out of the ten who were present accepted the bribe, which was $50,000, in cash.  Two declined.  One of these afterwards went to the local treasurer and agreed to deliver his people into bondage for $100,000.  His terms were acceded to.