in the community. The extraordinary vote polled by
a Socialistic candidate for President, in a time of general
prosperity, seems to evidence this, as does the avidity with
which many intelligent people read in a cheap 'penny
dreadful' magazine the incoherent, self-contradictory, and
self-incriminating articles of a notorious frenzied fakir,
who, like a crazed Malay, is wildly running amuck, and,
without rhyme or reason, slashing at the reputations of
judges, senators, and financiers."

The following is from a Chicago insurance paper, and comes to me with
the marginal inscription, "Puncture this bladder when convenient." I may
say that I receive hundreds of clippings every day from various parts of
the country, sent me by correspondents who are determined I shall be
apprised of what my antagonists are trying to do against me.

BANKER ECKELS AND BROKER LAWSON

The splendid tribute to our country's greatness, resources,
and possibilities given by President James H. Eckels, of the
Commercial National Bank, of Chicago, and ex-Comptroller of
Currency of the United States, before the Chicago Life
Underwriters' Association, was listened to with earnest
attention.

The brilliant young financier ... believes in life insurance
for the people. It creates the valuable habit of saving. He
deprecates the malicious attacks on companies by men of
mysterious motives, and feels it will be a sorry day if they
ever become objects of prey for political thieves.

The banker paid his respects to Thomas W. Lawson, of Boston,
whom he characterized as a notoriety seeker and branded as a
"discredited, disreputable, despised stock-jobber who
glories in his infamy." Mr. Eckels lashed Lawson with
caustic language, and stated the American people of judgment
are not misled by his diatribes.

Mr. Eckels believes that life-insurance presidents reach
their high stations by their own ability and grasping of
opportunities. Because a man is elevated to a position of
eminence and responsibility does not mean he is dishonest.
He arrives there because he cannot be held down and remains
as long as he proves his worth. The banker declared that
life companies, with their vast funds, were being safely
guided by men of superior mental mould.

Mr. Eckels referred to President McCall,