Omaha daily bee., 1897-01-31
THE CONCENTRATION OF WEALTH
One of the Grnvest Problems in the
History of the Republic.
philadelphia Times.

history OF the publ
Philadelphia Times.
An agitation has recently been started in
New York that seems likely to convulse the
country from center to circumference II
was begun by Rev. DR.. William ID. Rainsford
a prominent and highly respected clergyman
Of New York. strongly protesting against
the vulgar exhibition of extravaganza by the
rich of that city. 1t was an admonition
against a social entertainment known as a
costume ball, to be given by one of the rich
families of New York, and 1t led to a very
| general discussion of the subject by inter
views from leading ministers and citizens.
The second contribution to this agitation
came from James A. Roberts, comptroller OF
the state of New York, who, in his annual
report just delivered to the legislature, pre-
sents most pronounced views on the subject
Of the inequality of taxation by which the
rich of the state escape their just share of
the burdens of the government. An official
paper coming from the officer of the state
charged with the review of the tax laws OF
the commonwealth would attract attention
under any circumstances, but this report of
Comptroller Roberts presents in the plainest
English the eXactions forced upon the middle
and poorer classes by the facilities with
which the rich escape a just share of taxa
ton and 1t cannot fail to make a profound
impression, not only upon the state of New
York, but upon the country generally.
The present conditions of the country also
force the general attention of the people to
tllt USES anu ABUSES Oh wealth. Inc OStenta-
tious display of fortune by many who have
acquired 1t in questionable ways and often
by the aid OF unjust laws has created pro-
found unrest throughout the industrial
classes of the nation and the time has come
when these who look to the common welfare
of the rich and poor alike must give pointed
admonition to those who fiaunt their wealth
In the race of penury and want.
the theory of our government is to give
equal opportunities to all classes and con-
nlttnnQ In thn rnn fnts Higtin Z --l e.
tune, but the conviction has become very
general In recent years that this theory has
been largely departed from and that the con-
centratlon OF wealth has been aided by OPP
pressing those who do most to create it. 1t
Is equally the theory of this government that
those who possess property have the right to
use 1t in their own way. They may use 1t
generously in social entertainments or other
wise and may thereby largely benefit in
dustrlal classes and diffuse IL freely among
believed to have acquired wealth dishonesty
or by laws protecting them at the cost
or the great mass of the people create pro-
round distrust and resentment when they
Haunt 1t in vulgar display before the multi
tude.
The republic is now confronted with the
gravest problem in its history, not even
excepting that of secession and civil war.
1t Is the problem of restoring to proper
relations, on an entirely Just basis, the
now widely and deeply antagonized inter
ests of capital and labor. Piatitudes Will
not accomplish 1t; political professions have
lost their weight with the great mass of the
people, and there must be som remedial
measure that will command the confidence
OF the considerable judgment of the whole
people. There must be entire equality of
rights. and that means the diffusion of politl-
cal power among the people rather than
within the circles Of concentrated wealth. 1t
Is a question so grave at this time that the
government and the statesmen that fail To
realize its imperious demands must disap-
point the country and invite political
failure.
Ever since the war the tendency Of legis-
lation has been to aid the concentration of
wealth. 1t means the enrichment of the
few and the impoyerishment of the many.
and we have reached a point when this
policy must not only be halted, but it must
be reversed. 1t must be done to assure
the fidelity Of all classes and conditions OF
the American people to their free instl:a-
tions, and political leaders who close their
eyes to this issue are entirely united Cor
their calling. The issue confronts us; II
must be met. and the tranquility and pros
perity OF the nation depends upon meeting it
promptly and patrlotieally on the lines OF
Justice to all the people of the country.