Спрут: Каліфорнійська історія

           “Theyownus,thesetask-mastersofours;theyownourhomes,theyownourlegislatures.Wecannotescapefromthem.Thereisnoredress.Wearetoldwecandefeatthembytheballot-box.Theyowntheballot-box.Wearetoldthatwemustlooktothecourtsforredress;theyownthecourts.Weknowthemforwhattheyare,—ruffiansinpolitics,ruffiansinfinance,ruffiansinlaw,ruffiansintrade,bribers,swindlers,andtricksters.Nooutragetoogreattodauntthem,nopettylarcenytoosmalltoshamethem;despoilingagovernmenttreasuryofamilliondollars,yetpickingthepocketsofafarmhandofthepriceofaloafofbread.

           “TheyswindleanationofahundredmillionandcallitFinanciering;theylevyablackmailandcallitCommerce;theycorruptalegislatureandcallitPolitics;theybribeajudgeandcallitLaw;theyhireblacklegstocarryouttheirplansandcallitOrganisation;theyprostitutethehonourofaStateandcallitCompetition.

           “AndthisisAmerica.WefoughtLexingtontofreeourselves;wefoughtGettysburgtofreeothers.Yettheyokeremains;wehaveonlyshiftedittotheothershoulder.Wetalkofliberty—oh,thefarceofit,oh,thefollyofit!Wetellourselvesandteachourchildrenthatwehaveachievedliberty,thatwenolongerneedfightforit.Why,thefightisjustbeginningandsolongasourconceptionoflibertyremainsasitisto-day,itwillcontinue.

           “ForweconceiveofLibertyinthestatuesweraisetoherasabeautifulwoman,crowned,victorious,inbrightarmourandwhiterobes,alightinherupliftedhand—aserene,calm,conqueringgoddess.