Appeal to Reason pt1

From 1895 to 1922 a newspaper began in little Girard, Ks. under the editorial leadership of J. A. Wayland. The paper openly embraced the then new ideals of revolutionary socialism. It was called the Appeal to Reason and circulation soared to a record of more than 1 million copies a week during it's heyday. It was and still remains, the largest circulated socialist newspaper ever published in the United States. Tonight you will hear some voices of those who have studied it's history and some readings from it. Many thanks to Professor John Graham and Fred Whitehead for their voices and thoughts on this effort as part of our May 1st, International Worker's Day celebration. Music courtesy Utah Phillips, Ry Cooder, David Rovics and Pete Seegar, who opens the show with a rare version of the ancient anthem of "l'Intenationale" ... our thanks.