New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1899-04-27

as Wn0le might Detter Jake pOsSeSsIon VI uo
plants and control the business and absorb
for itself the profits Of production or the gains
by cheapening production at its pleasure?
The philosophy OF the competitive period In
human development has been sustained by the
most rapid and healthful progress ever known
thus far but the Socialist answers that better
get is attainable. Compared with the century
now closing. all the centuries before 1t have
done practically nothing in applying the SCI
ences and the arts to the uplifting of mankind.
the betterment Of homes. health. food clothing
and conditions OF labor, the cheapening Of pro-
duction which brings products within reach
Of all and at the same time raises and regu-
lates wages OF labor. Pages could be filled
with a bare list of achievements for humanity
which the competitive development Of indus
try and trade has brought. individual necessity
or thirst for gain perpetually squirting inven-
ton. mechanical skill, enterprise and the or
ganizng faculty to the utmost In every direc-
ton.
But better things must come, the Socialist
has said Grant that this past stage of devel-
opmcnt was necessary. Its best fruitage is
higher stage in which the costs and the losses
Of individual competition can be avoided and
in each branch OF service all can freely do their
best for the benefit of ALL Abolish the spur
Of competition. driving each to seek the latest
inventions and the best devices, for they have
been secured. Take from traders and manu-
facturers the intense pressure Of battle against
each other, and give all of them a sure profit
for regular service to society. Let the multi
tude of employees be also emancpated from the
tyranny Of competition. which closes some
works and drives others to reduce wages, and
let them all have their regular pay for service
to society, increased by the elimination Of the
losses through competition. When experience
proves as the Socialist holds II will prove. that
the greatest progress and the highest conditions
yet attained are not comparable to those TO be
attained by aboshlng competition. then no
man but an idiot will question the wisdom Of
society as whole taking control Of all the
processes Of trade and industry. and the har-
monious adjustment Of ALL with power to
cheaper products or enlarge profits in each, as
may best serve the general welfare.
II the modern combination proves that COM
petition is no longer benefit, but curse; that
individual struggling for success is no longer
needed to evolve the best inventions and de-
vices and bring them into use; that the mon
ster corporation can work more cheaply and
at the same time more wisely and ably in
handling many establishments Of different
kinds far apart and under different circum-
stances, than the individual owners who have
created Them that 1t car prevent the frequent
stoppage of the weaker works while the strong
er continue TO thrive: that society no longer
needs any defence against monopoly, because
the monopoly must always cheaper in order
to enlarge business. and that workers, consum-
ers and employers will all gain by elimination
of competition. then. indeed the Socialist has
only to demand the logical completion Of the
journey. There will be no sense In leaving the
big corporations to blunder along. sometimes
losing and sometimes hurting society by I'M
wisdom. when society itself can appropriate
their plants, direct their labor make and bear
its own bunders and pocket its own gains.