Dr. Herron On His Farm

1901

Denies That He Intends to Found a Socialist Colony at Metuchen.

The publicity lately given to the affairs of the Rev. Dr. George D. Herron and particularly his alleged intention of starting a socialistic colony on the farm at Pumptown, near New Brunswick, N. J., has resulted in bringing hosts of visitors to the Herron place, says the New York Times. There was a small army of them there the other day. Swarms of bicyclists and others who went to take a look at the farm succeeded in changing the rustic quiet of the place into a free for all picnic ground.

Dr. Herron has given out the following letter:

"The reports about our making headquarters for our socialistic work at Metuchen are pure fiction. My wife's mother presented to her a little garden and fruit farm of 25 acres near that place, upon which my aged father and mother, with an invalid sister, are to spend their declining days and where I hope sometimes to escape from the stress and storm of work for a week or two of quiet.

"Our farm has nothing whatever to do with my work as a socialist, and the story of a socialist colony being founded there is without any foundation whatever. I have no designs whatever upon the farm or the good people of Metuchen beyond occasionally helping my father to raise potatoes and ducks and enjoying the luxury of being let alone in peace and quiet."

Socialist Learns Not To Discuss Politics During War

Indiana, 1917

THIS IS NO TIME TO DISCUSS POLITICS

Thomas McGuire, Socialist, Learned a "Bit" on Friday

When a common purpose wells in every man's breast is no time to argue politics, admits J. T. McGuire, 2017 Walton avenue, carpenter and socialist.

McGuire leaned heavily on the bar of a down town saloon Friday night and boisterously mentioned that the young men who are flocking to the colors in answer to the war call are "dubs, because they don't know what they are going to fight about."

Several citizens attacked the man and Patrolman Brandt arrived just in time to quiet talk about forming a lynching party. McGuire was taken to jail on a charge of intoxication, pleaded guilty to the complaint in police court Saturday morning and was fined $5 and costs. He paid his fine.

"I am through talking politics until this war is over," McGuire told reporters after the court session. "This is no time to start an argument."

Henry Bair, who was also taken on an intoxication charge and who admitted that he attacked McGuire, "for insulting our loyal lads," was released by Judge Kerr.

—The Fort Wayne Sentinel, Fort Wayne, Indiana, April 7, 1917, p. 18.