The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1897-09-15
WEDNESDAY. SEPTEMBER. Is. 1891


Two articles which have recently APP
peared in these columns on individualism
have attracted much attention. and there
have been comments favorable and adj
verse.
We maintain ,hat this IS an age of in
dividualism and there never was a time
when the individual was mere clamorous
for his rights Nor was there ever "a
time when the Individual was so much
exalted. We do not shut our eyes TO the
fact, however that there are powerful
influences at work to destroy individual
ism ON the one hand, we find great or
ganizauons OF capital engaging i'm bush
ness and TOO frequently crowding the in
dividuai out of the competitive race. We
frankly confess that we do not see how
such corporations are TO be prevented from
doing business and we do not see how
80 is possible 90 carry on the great enter
priscs of this age without organized cap
itaL But the fact remains that the in
6vidual traders are being absorbed by
these mammoth concerns and individual
proprIetorship is undoubtedly ON the de-
crease
Men have learned that by combination
they can do business cheaper and can
make more by large sales with small
profits than by small sales with large pro-
hts. All efforts 10 prevent by law such
combinations have failed and must in
ewtaby fail under existing conditions.
But while so much has been said
against these organizations of capital
there are other powerful influences at
work to destroy !ndividualism and ind-
vidual action. Among these may be mem
toned prominently the labor organlza-
lions of the country.
We do not mean 70 condemn such or
ganizations We do not condemn labor
ing men for organizing for their own pro-
lection, but It cannot be disputed that
the laboring men who do not belong 20
these organizations are at a disadvan-
tage in securing work. and it cannot be
disputed that the laboring men who do
belong To such organizations are con-
trolled by them. and must work, when
they do work. according to prescribed
rules and scales. and must quit work
whenever the authorities order a strike.
The laborug man is not independent. and
whatever may be said of the causes that
render such organizations necessary. it
is an indlsputablc fact that they tend 10
destroy individualism. and TO make the
organization greater than the individual.
Another movement I'm the same direc-
ton is the movement towards social
ism There IS a large body of citizens IN
this country who believe that the bust
ness Of the country should be transact
cd by the government that the govern
ment should be supreme I'm business. that
the individual citizens should be its hire
nngs looking to the government for sup
port n the socialist may have his way
independent manhood will soon be
thing OF the past There are various
forms OF socialism. all tending in one di-
rection however. all looking to the gov
eminent for support. all putting the or
ganization above the individual.
In the same connection we may men,
tion the protective tariff. by which the
taxing power OF government is used to
aid certain classes Of business men in
swelling their profits
on tho one hand. individuallsm. power
ful. assertlve. clamorous: on the other
hand gigantic. organized influences to de-
stroy H.
II is the great problem OF the age. and
upon It's successful solution depends the
very existence II the American republic
Just what that solution may be we do
not know. but we do not take the pessl
mistlc view. We do not believe. as some
hold. that this great nation will be
swallowed up by trusts. nor do we be-
neve. as others hold that the inevitable
end IL complete socialism. The spirit OF
American manhood is stin dominant ana
We believe that II will always be domi-
nsnt in this country, And while the
conflict may last for years, we believe
that the American people will win, that
AnsrieGn manhood will finally triumph.