The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-03-18

son why we should not, we can very soon regain
our former prosperity and good standing with
the other cities of our State A. Be.
EVANSVILLE. Ind. March Is.
The Labor Problem-SecondA Article.
TO the Editor of the indianapolis Journal;
can see not the least chance for an agree
ment between the two parties to the labor
problem upon the present manner of doing bust
So long as there are two parties whose in
terests are seperate, and even opposed to each
other, there will often arise disputes, and con-
tentions. When wnrkingmen become their own
employers. and not until then, will there be a
permanent settlement of the question. When
workmen own the machinery and do the work,
the dispute about wages, and the eight-hour
rule, will be settled. 1t must come to this
eventually. The wage-system is Objectionable
at best. In all our great industrial operations
it might be entirely dispensed with. II Congress
feels inclined to do something to convince the
working people that their interests are not en-
tirely ignored, and il doesn't know what to do,
will give it pointer that may be of use in de-
Gliding. The first thing to do is to annihiate
landmonopoly. And do it now. This has been
greater curse to the world than any other Gus
tom that Civilization" has introduced 1t has
been the cause of more distress and poverty,
than all other causes put together. A man with
large estates is absolute master of all his ten
ants, and man without home is slave, or a
vagabond. Land monopoly is entirely out
growth of civilization. In all rude societies land
is free, but soon a country begins to be
civilized, land begins to be monopolized.
It has ruined is ruiniug every country
where 1t prevails. 1t has ruined Ire
land; it has nearly ruined England
and it is sucking out the vital forces of America.
No country whore ALL or nearly ALL the citizens
were land-hoders was ever conquered by a
foreign foe, or greatly disturbed by internal
connections, because every man, with inter
est in the soil, has an interest in the preserva-
ton Of law and order. And no country where
the land is held by few, while the mass of the
people are tenants, was ever safe from foreign
or domestic broils. Because a man with no
permanent interest in the soil, but liable to be
evicted from his domicil at any time, can have
no great inducement to fight for the security of
other mems property.
Millions upon millions Of our public domain
have been squandered or worse than squandered
by Congress Much of it is claimed by
European capitalists, who intend to hold it for
their children 80 as to enable them to create an
other Ireland on our Western plains, while
still more of it is held by American spectators,
who are ready to sell it, or hold it, just as the
prospects for the greatest profits may dictate.
Then railroads hold untold thousands Of
square miles of land, which have contributed to
create those powerful monoplies, which are now
at war with their employees All this unoccu-
pied land must be returned to its proper place,
government land, subject to entry as home
stead. Then Congress should enact, that no per-
son not citizen of the United States can hold
a title to land within these States. Then enact,
that no more land shall be disposed of for any
purpose. except for homesteads to actual set
tiers; next. that any citizen may enter upon and
occupy any quarter-secton (160 acres) which is
not occupied by another person, free of charge.
Enact that no person can claim more than one
half section 1920 acres), and that actual occu-
pancy is the only title that is legal. Also, that
these homesteads shall remain forever free from
taxation, for any purpose, and shall be exempt
from forced sale, and that no mortgage can hold
against them, thus making the family abso-
lutely secure in their home, in all the vicissi-
tudes of life. Nothing less than this will meet
the demands of justice, and nothing less will
show that Congress desires the welfare of the
toiler.
These measures secured, and Congress will
have done more permanent good, and rendered
greater service to the country than it has during
any decade since the government was estab-
lished; and no person could be injured by these
measures. If Congress has received any pay for
these lands, it must pay it back, dollar for dol
lar; nothing more.
To state this case fairly, the men holding
these lands have no just title to them, and have
no business with them; and Congress had no
right to sell them because it did not own them.
No man has, or can have an honest title to land
that ne DOESN'T occupy; ana no government can
have any other. Congress- as servant of the
people, should have control of the land, and see
that each applicant is secured in his possession,
but it has no right to bestow land upon rail
roads, or for colleges; or to sell it to capitalists.
to make fortunes Of All such sales are illegal,
where justice reigns, and they will be SO de-
clared by the American people, if not by Con-
gress. Then the old proverb, ''Vox populi vox
DEL" will have its full expression. For GER
tainly God never sent two-thrds of His people
into this world to be dependent on the other
third for place to stand on, or to obtain a liv-
ing from. Although I don't pretend to be q
prophet, yet will venture prediction. First
predict, that in twenty years from now, there
will not be single man that will be the en-
pioyer of 100 men. Second there will not be a
man that will own 1000 acres of land. Third,
that there will not be manworth a million Of
dollars These predictions refer. Of course. to
these United States Possibly have given too
short time for the accomplishment of this
great social and financial revolution. but think
not Such period is sure to arrive as the
earth is to revolve. 1t is the only way to save
the country from anarchy. and utter ruin
Revolutions are not made, they grow out OF
previous events. They are forced upon the
people, and are unavoidable. Whether the time
is ripe for this great overturn will soon be der
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