I began to read with a serious mind, feeling keenly as I did my lack of
knowledge, especially the power of proper expression, both oral and
written, I observed the structure and studied the composition of every
paragraph and every sentence, and when one appeared striking to me,
owing to its perfection of style or phrasing, I read it a second time or
perhaps committed it to memory, and this became a fixed habit which I
retain to this day, and if I have any unusual command of language it is
because I have made it a life-long practice to cultivate the art of
expression in a sub-conscious study of the structure and phrasing of
every paragraph in my readings.

It was while serving an apprenticeship in a railroad shop and in later
years as a locomotive fireman and as a wage worker in other capacities
that I came to realize the oppressions and sufferings of the working
class and to understand something of the labor question. The wrongs
existing here I knew from having experienced them, and the irresistible
appeal of these wrongs to be righted determined my destiny. I joined a
labor union and from that time to this the high ambition, the
controlling purpose of my life has been the education, organization and
emancipation of the working class. It was this passionate sympathy with
my class that gave me all the power I have to serve it. I felt their
suffering because I was one of them and I began to speak and write for
them for the same reason. In this there was no altruism, no
self-sacrifice, only duty. I could not have done otherwise. Had I
attempted it I should have failed. Such as I have been and am, I had to
be.

I abhorred slavery in every form. I yearned to see all men and all women
free. I detested the idea of some men being ruled by others, and of
women being ruled by men. I believed that women should have all the
rights men have, and I looked upon child labor as a crime. And so I
became an agitator and this ruling passion of my life found larger
expression.

In the clash of conflict which followed and the trials incident to it I
grew stronger. The notoriety which came in consequence enlarged my
hearing with the people and this in turn demanded more efficient means
of expression. The cause that was sacred to me was assailed. My very
life and honor were on trial. Falsehood and calumny played their part. I
was denounced and vilified. Everything was at stake. I simply had to
speak and make the people understand, and tha