The independent. [volume] (Lincoln, Neb.) 1902-1907, 1904-04-28
A Challenge

(The net result of civilization Is
that a larger number have been en-
abled to evade the punishment" pro-
nounced in Genesis III, 17-19, espe-
cially, I'm the sweat of thy face shalt
thou eat bread" So-called "conser-
vatives" are satisfied with the results
of civilization, because they are en-
abled to eat bread in the sweat OF
some other persons face. They OPP
pose any change-and who can blame
them?
The radicals, so-called, are not sat-
isfied with the results of civilization,
because they are obliged to furnish a
double. treble or quadruple portion OF
sweat for a single portion OF bread.
They are opposed to vicarious per-
SEPARATION. Hence, they desire a
change-and who can blame them!
It is doubtless true that all man
kind fares better under modern civil
zation-if we adopt that best OF all
lodges. the system Of averages. 1t IS
even possible that the meanest fed
and clothed today is absolutely better
fed and clothed than one In a similar
station 500 or thousand years ago.
But relatively, the chasm IS WIDER pc
tween those who sweat and those VINO
eat than it ever was. In short, 1t
seems that thousands of years OF prog
ress have simply resulted in lifting
Gods Course" from a comparative few,
while the great mass Of humanity is
compelled to sweat in greater profu-
sion to produce prOdigious quantities
of bread for these few to waste.
The conservatives" have great ad-
vantage in the contest, although few
in actual numbers. They preach the
gospel Of content. They counsel us to
'let we'll enough alone"
On the other hand, the radicals, al
though great in numbers, are divided
into almost innumerable factions, each
with a different plan for getting at
the root of the difficulty. The prohi-
bitionist sees families suffering from
the wastefulness of a drunken hus-
band and proceeds with propaganda
work to "pulverize the rum power,
never for a moment considering that
drunkenness may be an effect instead
of a cause. The single taxer, noting
the enormous value of city property,
and that immense wealth and abject,
squalid poverty go hand in hand, lays
everything to private ownership OF
land. The populist,4 seeing thousands
of Industrious farmers and other bus
mess men losing their holdings
through mortgage foreclosure, lays
most stress upon the money question.
And the socialist, recounting chat
modern improvements in wealth pro-
duction have resulted in many lines IN
taking away from the laborer the tools
If production, which, in more primi-
tive state were owned by him, con-
clndes that this is the result OF nat
ural law which will finally bring all
industry to the same condition, when
. the system will break down OF lis
own weight and a democratic form OF
management with collective owner
ship be ushered in.
Tt is inconceivable that any OF these
are wholly right or wholly without
some element of truth in their con-
tentions. The great thing to be &C
complished is to find some common
ground upon which all can unite ana
Some radical reform which can be
achieved. Mr.. Stern believes he has
discovered this. He may be mistaken;
but he is entitled to hearing at any
rate.
Mr.. Stern has deposited ten dollars
to be paid as outlined in his article.
He will be given two columns IN
which to state concisely his plans Tor
accomplishing reforms in money, land
and transportation. After publica-
tion one month will be given single
takers and socialists to submit their
replies. which must not exceed two
columns each and must be devoted 70
ANSWERING Mr.. Stern-not 10