The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1894-08-03
OBJECT LESSON FROM PULLMAN.
IndividuaIism, Not Socialism, the
Cure That Is Needed.
ssNfonroev I'm New York SIM

AlONTOe, III NEW 1OTh sun.
1t will be some Compensation for the
this strike teaches is fully learned and
needed b. the American people. That les
son is plainly against socialistic theories
as the cure for the evils incident TO the
unequal distribution of wealth, Mr.; Pull
make his wealth a benefit TO those whom
he employed. Instead of gaining any credit
hated by large masses of w~orkingmen. and
most of all those whom he had tried 10 be-
friend.
In the establishment of Pullman as a
model community, the originator Of this
idea did his best to avoid the appearance
This was undoubtedly a wise policy. Had
il entirely succeeded there might easily
have been a different result to the expert
his employees greater advantage than their
earnings would secure TO them anywhere
thing less, this made the community at
Pullman prosperous and happy. But the
inevitable result followed. No prosperity
by his own endeavors a certain degree Of
comfort and luxury he is stimulated to great
er exertions to mt himself for something
better. If his advancement Is due to out
side help the discomfort remains, but as
the man is unable to better himself 1t can
efactor for having stimulated desires which
he is unable to crafty,
1t is common to speak of the gross in
SldtlluCC " dNCldAC hlAllhillAs IL UNIV
from this law. Only the lowest Calibans
of savage life are contented. With every
advance in thought and hope discomfort
increases. These are the growing pains or
childhood and youth. and must continue so
long as the world advances in civilization
and wealth. 1t is a common mistake 10
suppose that wealth is now more unevenly
distributed than il has been in other
periods of our own or the worlds history.
There is more popular discomfort. because
Caliban is being aroused from the lazy
stupor in which he has for ages vegetated.
Il IS not the cure for this TO try 10 put
divide with him the wealth he could never
gain honestly, and therefore could not
properly enjoy. How little good money.
with nothing else. will do men has been
many times illustrated, but the lesson
seems TO be little needed:
Can the State by any So
Pullman's honestly intended efforts failed
in? There is no possible hope for such sue
cess. There is no remedy TOR the undoubt-
of the Door, not as a mass, for that Is
impossible, but by giving each individual
condition. The man who thus works out
his own salvation has no time for discon-
tent. EXCEPT in that healthful form which
is only stimulating to renewed endeavor.
This policy of giving every man the best
chance is essentially democratic, as IL Is
most sharply antagonistic to the soclalistic
war upon the rich, because of their wealth.
which is the essential idea and the grayest
error of Populism. II is a serious mis-
enemy of the public. In the majority Of
instances wealth is honestly procured.
and has benefited the public even more
wealth dishonesty procured there need be
no fear that IL will do serious injury. II
is most often dissipated and scattered as
and duty of every man 10 largely increase
his wealth Is as sacred as that of any man
is impossible to draw the line without
jeopardiZing all property rights.