Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1895-01-03
JOHN wBRIDE'S VIEWS

JUN MbhlDEO VlEHA
How he helped Mckinley Into Con-
eress-ais Ideas on s,ate Socialism and
Legislation Against Great Fortunes.
MAssILLON, o., January This is
the nrst time u has ever been publicly
stated that Governor McKinley's hrst
political success was largely due to the
influence OF John Mcbride, now Presi-
oent OF the American Federation OF
Labor. In 1876, when Mckinley was
young lawyer at Canton, and John Nc
Bride was an obscure miner In this town,
disorders followed a minerSs strike and
many or the leaders were arrested.
Mcbride was lntrusted with the
duty OF finding an attorney
for their defense. He had
no money to offer, but be laid bis case
before Mckinley, who accepted the
task and never asked for cent OF pay.
Mchlnley's unhesitating generosity and
professional energy made him iavorite
among the miners and they largely con-
triouted 70 his success when be was
hrst nominated for Congress. Mcbride,
although be was then a Democrat,
worked hard for his election, but as the
recollection OF the labor troubles OF
eigeteen years ago faded away their
political paths separated, and after Nc
Brides defeat for the General Assembly
he helped 10 defeat Congressman Nc
hinley for reelection. Still a great
0edy OF miners remain friendly 10 Nc
N lnley, and although they we're Of
Tended by bis calling out Of the State
state troops last June and returned the
check that be sent them, they are still
disposed TO regard him as their special
champion.
AS FOR Mcbride, when he was later
elected 70 the General Assembly be con-
tnued 3 stesdiass Democrat until be
became PopniiSt and declared for
State Socialism. Since his conversion
he has evolved an economic system Of
his own. he recognizes that there is
difference between the wages paid In
this country and in Europe, and this is
the way be would eQuaiize it:
First, l would find out the labor cost
OF any particular product on both Sides
OF the Atlantic, aud l would compare
the cost Of living 10 the same way.
Next l would ind the difference, aud l
would make that difference the basis of
q contingent tariff schedule. Having
done SO, l would go abroad and say:
gentlemen, We'll not bar you out OF
our market, but II you want TO come 10
you must do SO on the same terms as
our own people. You are making SUCH
and such an article at so much per cent.
lower cost than ourselves; II you will
increase the wages YOU pay TO your la
knnfr % ma A , "a
we pay fer the same work, we will let
you in free Of duty, buff you will not,
we will clap on a tariff equal TO that
difference. la this way we cannot
only help ourselves, bat also elevate
humanity.
Mr.. Mcbride is strongly impressed
with the laxity OK laws which permit
Immigrants 10 reach our shores un-
checked, and he says there is no doubt
that the few restrictions we have are
largely imperative because Of the mea-
gre appropriations which Congress
makes for their execution.
The social problem seems TO Mr.. Nc.
Bride the most serious we now confront,
and while he does not undertake 10 say
that she time has come for the govern
ment TO assume the fuactions OF corpOr-
atiOns and individuals, be does think
that our fundamental law should be
amended in such a way as 20 permit
the nation 10 engage 10 those lines OF
production and transportation which
the people may dictate from time 20
time. Not less important Ia his ewes is
the necessity for preventing the accu-
mutation OF fortunes OF immense size,
whereby private individuals become
more powerful than the government it.
self. When Accommodations 90 beyond
the point at which they can add to a
mans comfort or pleasure, he. believes
the State should relieve the holder Of
the surplus, aud the easiest manner Of
doing This would be to limit by law the
amount which any one Individual may
leave 10 his heirs and 70 COM
pei by law a distribution OF eS-
tates equally among the heirs.
Tie has no notion OF making this limit
so low as TO strike at thrift or CONNER
cial ambition. but on the contrary be
would make IL SO high as 20 effect those
estates, only, which have been handed
dCWa through several generations. Mr.
McBride'S first brief statement embody-
ing this view has been criticised, but
he says that the principle has already
received recognition in several OF the
States that now tax inheritances, and
that common law recognizes the claim
Of the government upon the property
of It's citizens by prescribing that when
one dies without heirs his estate shall
enter the public treasury.
He sees an improperly in the accept
ance of libraries, hospitals, and so on,
when they are the gift OF Individuals
N such things are 70 DO owned by the
state be thinks they should be erected
by the State, 50 there may DO no hap
hazard distribution OF benefits. Well
disposed persons should make their
gifts ia cash and permit the public 10
uss\them in the manner deemed most
suitable. He doubts whether any man,
by sttictly legitimate processes aud I'M
aided by his ancestors, can accumulate
much more than suftices 20 furnish the
lhxurioAS homes and crafty the ex-
traVaganA habits which we cultivate,
and those fortunate citizens whose sue
cess passes this point, are merely max
ing an honest return when they hand
back to the public, IN one form or an
other, their Surplus earnings.