Letter to Upton Sinclair, by Alfred Russel Wallace

Alfred Russel Wallace : Alfred Wallace : A. R. Wallace :
Russel Wallace : Alfred Russell Wallace (sic)

Letter to Upton Sinclair
(S712aa: 1960)

Editor Charles H. Smith's Note: A letter to Upton Sinclair, printed on page 105 of his My Lifetime in Letters, from 1960. On page 106 Sinclair writes "Written at the age of 89 in a firm clear hand by the eminent scientist . . . He is referring to the proposed International League which Frederik van Eeden and I were attempting to organize to stave off the impending war." To link directly to this page, connect with: http://people.wku.edu/charles.smith/wallace/S712AA.htm

Old Orchard,
Broadstone, Dorset
May 3, 1912

Dear Mr. Upton Sinclair:

I think such a "League" as you suggest is wanted, and I hope it will succeed. Later, if you get, say 1,000 members, I will join you, but I can do very little now, either financially or by personal assistance, as I have already all I can do in my ever-increasing correspondence.

Should you, or any one who fully shares your views on Social Reform be able at any time to call on me, I might make some useful suggestions, or at all events discuss them. Things, at length, seem moving. The Railway strike--the Coal strike, and even the Titanic disaster, must open peoples' eyes, and prove to them 1st--that they are absolutely dependent for their very lives on the humblest of the workers they so much despise; and, 2nd--that the "Captains of Industry" they are so proud of, and without whose wisdom in organization! they think the workers can do nothing, are such gross bunglers that they cannot safeguard the property or the lives of themselves and their fellow capitalists! A committee of Stokers and Stewards could not possibly have so grossly blundered as did the owners and the Captain of the Titanic.

Yours very truly,
Alfred R. Wallace

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