The independent. [volume] (Lincoln, Neb.) 1902-1907, 1904-12-29
6bs Nebraska Independent

the closely enveloping medium which
conditions all activity, bodily and
mentally"
Every. change in the worlds history
for the better has come about, not
from unselfish desire for the better
ment of mankind, was not inspired by
love OF men and d desire to promote
their happiness, for there is no such
thing as love, patriotism and salt
sacrifice but from economic determin-
alton. In proof OF that he says:
I'VE know today that the reforma-
ton was but an episode in the develop
ment OF the third estate, and an
economic revolt.
1.-The American revolution was
prompted in the main by economic mo-
tives.
1.-The slavery issue Itself became an
economic issue.
The prevailing mode of production
determines in large part what is moral
and what is immoral
That is socialism That is the
economic Interpretation of history. 2
Do you believe it? Do you want
such doctrines as that to become the
prevailing sentiments of this country?
1t would stop the teaching OF morality
to the children. The whole doctrine
of the Christian religion would be
abolished. Self-sacrifice for the bene-
tit of others would be scoffed at, What
sort OF condition would mankind be in
after a generation OF such teaching?
/ With every church door closed, with
everything blotted out from literature
which inculcated what we have called
good with the heroes who have laid
down their lives for others held up
| to scorn, how long would it be before
men became more beastly than the
wild animals that roam the forest? Ii
this doctrine OF economic determin-
ism is true, there is nothing to diff
ferentiate man from the beast. There
is nothing higher for man to aspire
to than economic conditions that will
supply his bodily wants.
This is socialism as taught by it's
standard authorities. Its adoption
would drive man back to the condi-
lions When he was scarcely differen-
tiated from the beast. That is "scien-
| titic socialism" Is there populist
who wants any OF it? The inhuman
cruelties of plutocracy would be far
preferable to it,
Clients idea OF average people is as
base as any ever held by those believ-
| ing in the divine right OF kings. He
says. This more or less intelligent
electorate invariably wreaks upon the
party in power stern retribution for
the visitations OF grasshoppers, drouth,
floods or prairie fires There have
been grasshoppers, drouth, floods or
prairie les in Nebraska and we have
watched closely political movements in
the state for nearly Is years, but never
have known political party over
thrown on that account. On the 9TH
err hand we have seen in those distress
ing times evidence piled up mountain
high, demonstrating that this doctrine
il economic determinism" is abso-
lutely false. What economic gain in
spired those who gave freely of what
they had to relieve the suffering in our
state? Thousands in the eastern states
deprived themselves of comforts that
they might assist those people far
away on the plains of Nebraska whom
they had never seen and in all prob
ability never would see. Then sent
food and clothing and even toys for the
little children. These people by the
thousands followed an iCeal tnat in
vo1vad an acOnOmio 1occn Tho MON