The representative., 1901-06-20
Robber Barons==Old and New

Devices for appropriating the fruits
of other peoples labor have in all coun-
tries been multifarious from tomahawks
to tariffs" says the historian John
Fiske. in his account of Spanish dep
relations upon the natives of this con-
tinent Today, as in the past, insti-
tutions exist that enable privileged
class to levy tribute and compel the
producer to yield up the lions share of
back to still more primitive forms of
robbery, it is enough to recall for pur-
poses of comparison the methods adopt
ed by the medieval barons to live upon
the fruits of others toll. The feudal
lord was master of all he surveyed
His dependents he robbed only in pre-
scribed fashion, according to accepted
rule and usage, and for his exploiting
privilege he gave in return the protec-
ton of his reputed power and powress.
1t was an age of undisguised force
Open robbery when successful was
considered an honorable profession. In
deed, it was the sole occupation of the
noble and gentle class, save the mark.
The predatory baron diverted him.
self by making war upon his weaker
neighbOrs, and thus he and his re-
tainers forcibly possessed themselves
of the means of subsistence garnered
by other hands. To cite glaring il
lustration the fine old chivalry of Spain
devoted themselves exclusively to raid
ing and pillaging the peaceful and in
dustrious Moors. This kind of war to
secure the fruits of others labor was
disguised under the pretense >of chris
tianity, and the whole Spanish nation
was thus engaged for some seven CEN
turies. After such an apprenticeship
need we wonder at their f1endish crimes
against the natice American races?
In the days of the robber barons there
was no strong, centralized government
no vast, complex fiscal and, economic
organization, through which the ex-
ploitation of the toiler could be success
fully carried on, without the victims
knowledge of the fact. Therefore, the
robbery was open and above board.
The instinct to appropriate some ones
wealth was usually commensurate with
the power to do so. No cOncealment
of intent or performance was then nee
essary, as it is In these days, for the
game still goes on as vigorously as
ever. But the modern process of ex-
ploitation is indirect, the victim often
unconscious of being bled. The dep
relations of the barons of old were
a mere bagetelle compared with the
operations of our own money lords.
Not only are there greater opportu-
mites afforded by commercialism, with
it's intricate, worldwide ramifcations.
but the prize itself, the booty, is fabu-
lously increased by reason of the null
tiplied wealth producing power of the
modern labOrer.
The privileged class today can get its
work in with an ease, perfection and
moldy bones of feudal ropber to stiff
fen and grow green with envy at the
soft snap of his successor.
True, there was no awakened social
consciousness" to disturb the soul of
the ancient thief, and point with right
eous indignation to some shady trans
action, some needlessly cruel raid or
slaughter But if his present represen
meets the difficulty by scattering broad
cast crumbs from his "swag," his hard
earned millions, in the form Of public
libraries, to dispense culture amongst
the masses. or as universities. with
gagged professors to train the youth of
the privileged for the business of ZAP
propriating the fruits of other peoples
labor" Thus at one stroke are ap-
peased the sensitive public conscience
and the sensational preachers who in
woke God and man to applaud the wise
munificence of the capitalist robber
chiefs.
What is the secret of the greater sue
cess Of the present day exploiter? Car
negie tells us that the secret of his
marvellous power to control a vast in
dustry, and thereby become richer than
the dreams Of avarice, lay in his abil-
ity to organize. This faculty has en-
abled him to retire from the game with
an income in clean cash equal to the
average wages of 10000 American work.
ingmen. No monarch In the worlds
history ever had SO much wealth to
spend. But Andy laughs up his sleeves
when he sets 1t down to his organizing
skill. He knows better. No man lives
who is shrewder or possesses keener
insight into the game. Morgan, too, is
q great organizer. even outgeneralling