The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1871-11-29

Yes, "Publicus," the PRESS will gladly
"lend hand" We have already done what
we could, in our humble way, to encourage
the movement for building UP manufactures
in Portland. AS for Mr.. Kimball, we ap-
plaud the energy he displays in the matter.
That gentleman's politics or religion is moth
ing to us on this occasion. His views on the
subject of manufactures are what we are dis
cussing. Certain propositions that he has
made as the representative of the Board OF
Manufactures we thought susceptible of .ju-
dicious amendment. We think so now, with
out reference to his views on State rights or
transubstantiation.
This amendment, looking to the more
equitable distribution of the profits of the en-
terprises which the city is asked to foster
with the taxpayers money, 'sPublicus' per-
emptorily rejects. We do not believe that
Mr.. Kimball will. We are convinced that
the proposition to bestow whatever encour-
agement the city has to offer upon coopera-
ton associations is one that will meet his
prompt and hearty concurrence. Our cor
respondent argues that cooperation is a fail
ure. He is mistaken, we think. 1t has fail
ed sometimes, but where it has been faith
fully and intellgently tried as at Rochdale
and other places in England, it has succeeded
beyond all expectation. In conjunction with
school system giving laborers the universal
intelligence that will enable them to combine
and organize, it is the thing to which we
must look to save this Republic from the mo-
nnnntiaa INN, n
wealth that threaten first to corrupt, then to
weaken, and finally to destroy its democratic
institutions. Here is an opportunity to try
cooperation under new and exceptionally IA
vorable circumstances. Where has it ever had
such aid as it is proposed by ''Publicus' and his
associates to give to capitalists to insure them
return Of from six to twenty-five per cent.
on their investments
Some practicable plan for bestowing the
citys bounty on the many instead of on the
few, II the city has it to bestow. would be not
only more equitable in the abstract. but would
subserve higher and more general interests
and be far more consonant with the broadly
humane spirit of democracy and of modern
civilization. 1t is something well calculated
to commend itself to the generous nature of
Mr.. Kimball and the excellent gentlemen who
are associated with him-men whose business
sagacity is enobled by Christian philanthro-
Ply.
one word as to the "utitarian policy of
the Republican party" to which our cores
pondent refers. The utilitarianism of the
progressive party has been much broader than
he perceives. 1t is a glorifed utilitarianism
the utilitarianism, we say it reverently. of
God. 1t has in the past looked for the high
est use only in perfect justice. 1t has ignored
all considerations of present advantage or
disadvantage-of immediate gain or. loss.
Real utility it has expected to find only in
absolute right. According to the reckoning
Vi 'he mere cent. per cent. business man, the
large investment of life, money, ease and Sc
curity which it made in subduine rebellion
extlrpatng slavery and establishing eoual ,nd
political rights on imperishabe foundations
was poor one. But undoubtedly if will
prove the best one humanity ever made. II
is in this kind of enlightened utiitarianism
that the Republican party has won its best,
and indeed its only triumphs. But when it
has so far degenerated as to trust to utility of
lower grade, and to lend itself, as a party,
to the promotion of ends narrower than those
Oh the universal good and right, its mission
will be over.