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Again right away, and we will endeavor to raise the money and send for you from Pittsburgh before you go back to Chicago, when we will have over a thousand men to hear you."
Everything considered, this whole affair was remarkable. In this instance it can be said of Socialism what Caesar said: "Veni, vidi, vici."
The impression created upon the audience that night, as well as all others I have addressed, was tremendous. It seemed to stun them. They acted as a man who has been traveling a while day and felicitating himself that he is near his journey's end when it suddenly dawns upon him he has traveled the wrong direction, and must retrace his steps. He stops, sits down to rest, and ponders.
Things are in a bad way in this region. There are no leaders among the wage-slaves here.
Oh, that I had the means!* I would batter down the ramparts of wrong and oppression and plant the flag of humanity on the ruins. Truly the harvest is great, but it takes time and means, and no great means either, but more than we have. But patience, patience!
Your loving husband,
Albert R. Parsons
Pittsburgh, Pa., January 26, 1886.
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*The grand jury's indictment alledged, among other things, that Mr. Parsons was only in the movement for the money he could make of his dupes.
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