The Caldwell tribune. [volume] (Caldwell, Idaho Territory [Idaho]) 1883-1928, 1903-10-10
Ills VIEW
ON SUBJECT
Socialism Discussed by Mr..
E. Francis Gary.

to furnish cheaper transportation
and goods at smaller cost, and last
ly, Socialism, pure and simple.
Now, the word Socialism was not
mentioned, for it would, no doubt
have frightened many of these good
people, but they claimed that the
State should step in as competitor
in the industrial field. I simply
cite these incidents to show that, as
I have stated, not only the Socialist,
but all classes are recognizing con-
ditions and estimating the final re-
suit. These same legal gentlemen
have come to the conclusion that
something has got to be done and
at once, that the people have got to
act, that the legal fraternity has got
to act, and that it devolves upon
the American Bar Association to take
lead.
The erroneous teachings of so
many centuries in regard to the
natural depravity of humanity, is
the sole cause. think, of the uni
versal belief in this fundamental
fallacy. I am satisfied, however,
that even slight reflection upon this
subject will convince almost any
one to the contrary. We hold, and
we are borne out in this opinion by
many writers and thinkers, that
man, in common with all life ami
mate and inanimate, is the result of
conditions. Alexander in his work,
the Dynamic Theory of Life and
Mind, shows this. I think, very
clearly. To talk then Of changing
human nature before conditions can
be changed is. to use a vulgar ex-
preston, putting the cart before the
horse. 1t is trying to change the
effect and allowing the cause to re-
man: Now, although human nature
is, as stated, the result of condi'
tions, man has reached that stage
of development, where by under
standing and being able to handle
and control, to a very limited ex
tent, some of the natural forces
which surround him, he is able tt
modify, to a certain degree, the
conditions of his natural environ
ment. and he, to much larger ex
+ tent, shapes the conditions of hi
: social life..
We have always claimed that tn
r human race, under normal cond1
| tions, was and is more prone t
f good than to evil, and we hold tina
b if history teaches us anything q
i all, it teaches this fact. Ever sine
t events began to be recorded, with
0 few sporadic and isolated exceE
I tions, the human race has been ll'
.- ing under conditions which hav
J. been unfriendly to the developmel
v of his better nature, but, on tt
n other hand, has offered every o
1t portunity and encouragement to tt
W development and fostering OF tt
g meaner and baser instincts OF tt
l. human heart; and yet, III spite
r it all, in spite of being taught Il
ir so many thousand years the do
I trine of every man for himself al
rs the devil take the hindmost, he h
al slowly advanced, onward and II
he ward. He is, and always has bee
til striving to reach higher grou'
in and a more elevated plane of ext
IS. ence, This in itself is conclusl
ed evidence to my mind that the don
,al mating principle Of the human rs
ey is the principle of good, and +
ed that of evil. Every small and me
.pt action that comes to light is Gil
ct as an evidence of the depravity
st. human nature, and yet, dare
Of sert without fear of contradictl'
am that there are more good actit