oxicating spell of dollar-making this remarkable
man is one of the most charming and lovable beings I have ever
encountered, a man whom any man or woman would be proud to have for a
brother; a man whom any mother or father would give thanks for as a son;
a man whom any woman would be happy to know as her husband, and a man
whom any boy or girl would rejoice to call father. Once he passes under
the baleful influence of "The Machine," however, he becomes a
relentless, ravenous creature, pitiless as a shark, knowing no law of
God or man in the execution of his purpose. Between him and coveted
dollars may come no kindly, humane influences--all are thrust aside,
their claims disregarded, in ministering to this strange, cannibalistic
money-hunger, which, in truth, grows by what it feeds on.

In describing one head of "Standard Oil," I have necessarily used many
words because nature cast him in a most uncommon and chameleon-like
mould. The other two require less of my space, for neither is unusual
nor remarkable.

John D. Rockefeller, however great his ability or worldly success, can
be fully described as a man made in the image of an ideal money-maker
and an ideal money-maker made in the image of a man. A foot-note should
call attention to the fact that an ideal money-maker is a machine the
details of which are diagrammed in the asbestos blue-prints which paper
the walls of Hell.

With William Rockefeller it is different. When I read in my Bible that
God made man in His own image and likeness, I find myself picturing a
certain type of individual--a solid, substantial, sturdy gentleman with
the broad shoulders and strong frame of an Englishman, and a cautious,
kindly expression of face. And that is the most fitting description I
can give of William Rockefeller. A man of few, very few words and most
excellent judgment--rather brotherly than friendly, clean of mind and
body; and if I have not given you the impression of a good, wholesome
man made in the image of his God, I have done William Rockefeller a
greater wrong than an honest man can afford to do another.

CHAPTER IV

MY OWN RESPONSIBILITY

As to my personal responsibility for the crime of Amalgamated, right
here, before proceeding further, I shall briefly explain the
transaction, state my share in the deal, and point out how completely I
was hoodwinked by the "System."

The great Anaconda mine and affiliated properties, previous to the
creation of the Am