A few weeks previous to this awful holocaust, the petroleum wells in Texas, New Mexico and Louisiana had run dry, on account of a severe earthquake. It was argued by scientists that, by some subterranean convulsions the oil well fissures had shifted their course, into the waters of the gulf, and the vast accumulation of the inflammable fluid, floating on the ocean, had been ignited, either by an electric spark during a thunderstorm, or by some combustible being thrown from a sailing craft. 1929 The Court of Labor In this year was completed and dedicated the Court of Labor at Washington. This was an imposing building, in which all the momentous labor problems were discussed before a tribunal of disinterested justices, through the able representatives of each faction, without resorting to disastrous strikes, lockouts and disturbances of public comfort. One of the most remarkable features of this Court of Arbitration was, the colossal group erected between the two grand entrances to the building. This was not a semi-nude female figure with bandaged eyes, holding in her hand the conventional pair of scales, but a Herculean figure of Uncle Sam with his starry hat and glorious chin whiskers, having three faces, three eyes and three arms. Before him were a group of three figures which represented respectively Capital, Consumer and Labor. In each figure were his eyes wide open and alert, bent with searching scrutiny upon the person in front, to whom he dispensed the just share of each, from a huge cornucopia at his feet. 1930 Landlordism In America One of the most scandalous evils which had crept gradually in the United States, and eventually became a source of grave anxiety to the government, was a system of Landlordism amongst the very rich. While the general public were slumbering in blissful ignorance, this coterie of avaricious syndicates and multi-millionaires had mysteriously become possessors of vast tracts of lands, in every state of the Union. Some of these holdings comprised hundreds and thousands of square miles in extent. Miles and miles of shore-fronts, immense areas of forests, whole mountains and lakes, through the conniving, corrupt state and county officials, had passed into the hands of private individuals who, in return had become extremely arrogant in their treatment of the public, by unreasonable restriction. There seemed to be a mocking sarcasm in the fact when common people sang the National Anthem "America," celebrating its hills and rills, while at every turn of the road, at every shore-front, lake, hill and valley, mountain and forests, the forbidding sign, "No Trespassing Under Penalty," met their eyes, or the repulsive muzzle of the Winchester was thrust into their faces by private watchmen.