New-York tribune., 1900-07-05
A SOCIALIST ON SOCIALISM,

To the Editor Of The Tribune
Sir: In yesterdays edition you published a letter
and editorial on college Men and Socialism"
I a socialist but I would like know your
definition Of socialism. Your socialism is GER
tainly not the kind that I advocate, or else you
are making some gross misstatements and rnisrep-
resentatious. You say: p!
Brains and education are what distinguish the
individual and emphasize indiVidualism. in
dividual distinction and indviduaism precisely
what socialism IS opposed 10 and aims to suppress
Brains and education what cause one man to
differ from another, and socialism would abolish
what enable one man TO surpass others in honest
and benevolent competition, but socialism would
decree that there should be no competition, and
that no one should surpass any one else. That is
and education should be the last 70 coUntenanne
socialism, That is why We said socialism is op-
ZION stands.
Socialism will not destroy indIvidualism in the
sense that you refer TO it Socialism will not
abolish competition in the sense of competition for
honor or competition 10 prove superiority in the
many arts, sciences, trades tasks pleasures or
games but II win abolish individualsm and com
petition in the fight and struggle for existence in
this war for bread. in which millions Of lives are
sacrificed every year in which children grow up
stunted IN mind and body; in which and
women are dwarfed physically, intellectually and
morally. in which men are slaves to gold and bow
down and worship greed and mammon.
It will replace this sort OF competition and in
dusrrial anarchy with cooperation and peaceful
systematic method Of carrying on production and
distribution; a well planned system that will elim-
nate all wastes. and, through the use Of most i'm
proved methods provide the greatest possible
product for the least possible labor; plan under
which every one shall and must contribute his or
her share OF labor Drain brawn) and each will
receive his or her fun share of Iabors product
Don't conclude by this that socialism is a cut
and dried" plan all the way through. The details
VIII arrange themselves them, Just
decide whether shall have gold silver
free trade or protection to-day.
Under socialism true individuality VIII have a
chance 10 prove itself and viii bloom 3 it never
while men forced wear out their lives
in an everlasting grind for existence.
Socialism viii destroy wage slavery and replace
II by economic independence
You viii readily admit that II would be a gross
injustice to allow a man, because physically he
was giant, TO compel those who his in
ferfors IN strength 10 give up their money to him
and become his servants slaves to do his bid
ding and create fortune Cor him. Do you be-
heve in this sort Of ndlyidualism? Do you believe
In this sort OF competition?
Socialism viii prevent the intellectual giant from
using his superior intellectual strength 10 oppress
and make servants and slaves Of his intellectual
interiors. II viii not prevent him from using mis-
Intellectual strength for his advancement or
for the good Of mankind, but II viii simply pre-
vent him from using il 10 exploit his fellow man
] would Ike 10 you answer this
EMERSON p. JENNINGS Jr.
New-YOTk, June l9, 1900.