The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1894-03-28
COMPETITION AND MORALITY
Does Competition Tend 10 Effect Mo-
raIfty Elf so. In What Way.
March %.

COMPETITION AND MoHALiT1
Does Competition Tend 20 Effect Mo-
raIity Elf so. In what Way.
This question although it has an ap-
plication as extensive and varied as the
display of mans skill in all fields of
labor. is entirely without testimony re-
garding its good or evil effects on moral
ity, so far as my observation extends.
In the absence of opinions and evil
dence that might assist us in coming to
a correct solution of this question, we
are left, in an Independent manner. to
form a conclusion by our own intuition,
perception, or course of reasoning In
considering this subject we propose to
look at competition as il actually exists
in society, noticing it's influence on in
dividuals of different callinsS, and draw
such conclusions as the facts in the
case shall assist MS to establish.
In the mercantile world. prior TO the
days of trade unions" there was prob
ably more competition than in any other
department Of human industry, and in
some localities competition is still
strong. To illustrate our subject we
will suppose that in the town Of c.
there are two stores where a general
assortment of dry goods, hardware, gro
ceries and notions are kept in quantities
to meet all demands.
Mr. a, the proprietor of house No. l,
is man Of high moral standing and his
integrity is beyond question. He be-
lieves in handling only goods of first
quality and selling at a reasonable
profit. Mr.. b. the proprietor of house
No. ?, is in d general way a business
man, ambitious TO push sales at a good
profit regardless of the quality of the
goods. The profit on the amount of sales
az "a 10 Of tel ,taf
than sufficient to supply the needs of the
families of and Il and keep up the
stock in trade; consequently, il is out
of the question for either A or B to
think Of riches while two stores are in
the place and the trade is about equally
divided. What is the consequence of
this state of affairs? A spirit of rivalry
is established and Mr.. a, with his
superior quality Of goods hopes constant
ly to increase sales, while MIR. B sends
the impression abroad that his cheaper
grade of goods have real merit and are
the cheapest in the market. He is am
bilious to control the trade of the place
TO such an extent as to force Mr.. a to
quit business or move away, which
would give him the whole trade of the
place at better profit than he could
command with two stores in competi-
ton.
Does this condition of affairs tend to
effect morality? If so, i'm what way?
We conclude that competition tends
to effect safes at a less per cent. profit
than would be accepted without such
restraint Competition may force a man
to do more just, if not a more moral
act. than would satisfy his natural in
clinattOn. and yet his standard of mOrali-
ty might not be effected in the least for
good.
SelfShness, or self-interest. seems to
be the great incentive or spur to effort
wherever there is competition. and the
tendency seems TO be TO incline man
TO OveTstep the bounds of moral obliga-
ton and prOpriety rather than TO ele-
vate him TO a higher plane of morality
in applying this course OF reasoning
10 all other fields of labor where there
is competition, to lines of travel where
there is competition. to educational in
situations where there is competition. to
different religious organizations where
competition and a spirit Of rivalry exists.
we find the same general results to fol-
low. While competition may have the
power to force a moral action it seems
not To have the power to inspire man
to ADOPT d higher standard Of right by
which TO mold his character in the direc-
ton Of what is just and angelic but
has q tendency TO lead him to a lower
rather than to a higher plane OF morality.
L should be glad to be able to write
a different verdict on this important
subject, but knowing what [ do of the
Seneca and farther back in their rash
and selfish endeavors for wealth and
power. / can come to no better cOnclu-
sion. 1t seems to me, however, that
public sentiment might be so changed
and society in it's social relations be SO
modelled that competition would act as
an incentive or spur to higher planes of
thought and action. but l do not believe
that time will come until there is less
mammOn worship in the land-leSs super
stition in the hearts Of men-less Votaries
at fashions shrine, when greater love,
honor and charity shall rule the hearts
of men, and reason shall be enthrOned
| in the temple of mind.
We might add much in confirmation
| of the views advanced but deem it
| unnecessary. 1t may be that others may
| look upon this subject from a different
standpoint Of observation and come 10
a different conclusion from the one that
is given as the conviction of my mind.
The field is wide. and open for dis
| cussion. and If / am in the wrong hope
| to be set right. Have been too busy
! with other duties To give this subject
| the careful consideration that 1t Ger
! tainly merits. and consequently may
| have come to an incorrect conclusion.
Whatever may be the verdict of our
| critics on this subject. while we hold
! to our present convictions the following
| lines will express our decision of the
Effect Of Competition on Morals
Be what may our life's ambition,
In race for wealth or iaurels.
We conclude that competition
Has no good effect Oh morals,
But in shaping our condition
Rather tends To feuds and quarrels.
| w. w. STOCKWELL.