Spargo, John 1912-07-12

Description:	Letter from Eugene V. Debs, 07/12/1912. Writes that he could not believe the letter Spargo sent on 07/09/1912 was from the same man that recently invited him to his home since Spargo called him an ally of human monsters who turned innocent women into harlots and caused the death of an unfortunate comrade. Assures Spargo that if he knew that Spargo felt this way that he would never have darkened the doorstep of Spargos house. Says that Spargo has outrivaled the most vulgar falsifier with his slanderous comments. Remarks that he remembers a time when Spargo said of him that his love had an immeasurable impact on the socialist movement. Writes that Spargos letter was full of cheap heroics. Remarks that Spargo overlooked the fact that while he and his machine succeeded in electing J. Mahlon Barnes that he failed in defeating in Eugene V. Debs. Informs Spargo that he did not need Spargos support during the nomination process because he had all of the support that he needed from the rank and file. Tells Spargo that while he does not harbor any malice towards his opposition that he feels that those socialists that opposed him were not completely fair and open with him as evidenced by Spargos statement before the Socialist Partys convention that there was not much demand among the membership for Eugene V. Debss nomination. Assures Spargo that he is right that the main issue in the Socialist Party is between bossism and democracy. Informs Spargo that he never demanded J. Mahlon Barnes resignation even though he thought that his election was unfortunate and could harm the Socialist Party. Says that he is surprised that his thoughts concerning J. Mahlon Barnes has outraged his sensibilities when Spargo was not the least bit perturbed when Mother Jones was branded a blackmailer and robber. Says that he could not let the women involved in the J. Mahlon Barnes affair to be maligned like they have.
Origin:	1912-07-12
Source:	http://indstate.contentdm.oclc.org/cdm/ref/collection/evdc/id/10908
Collection:	Eugene V. Debs Correspondence
Subjects:	Spargo, John, 1876-1966 Libel and slander Political conventions Political campaigns Socialists Debs, Eugene V. (Eugene Victor), 1855-1926 Famous Hoosiers Labor

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