New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1906-03-04
PATTERSONS DISAGREE.
Father and Son Haze Opposite
Viezcs on Socialism,.

Josepb Medin Patterson, who has Just resigned
from the Conmissionership of Public Works in the
municipal cabinet OF Mayor Dunno OF Chicago, and
who announces his adherence to socialism, SAID
at the Holland House night that the published
stories of his taking part in the socialistc council
at the home of J. G.. Phelps Stokes. at Noroton-on-
the-Sound yesterday. were without warrant. Il
not present" was his specific assurance that
he not member OF the aSsemblage at the
home of Mr.. Stokes.
II was invited" said Mr.. Patterson. land my
presence IN New-York at this time somewhat
influenced by that fact. accepted conditionally
practicable"
Mr. Patterson said he had definitely deter
mined that he would go to Noroton at all.
Mr. Patterson was determined to add nothing to
his earlier declaration of principles. "One must
stop time" said he. land my convictions are
summed Up in the statement that l believe in the
common ownership of the means of production and
distribution" He also subscribed to the theory
that wealth should not be inherited. Upon the
methods of bringing about the social revolution
necessary 10 attain these ends. Mr.. Patterson de-
clned to enter
'Of course" said he, II believe 1t IS possible to
develop the theories Of socialism into practical
realities. 1 would not subscribe to them.
MY resignation from the Commissionership of
Public Works due TO friction with Mayor
Dunno. l stl an admirer of the Mayor and in
sympathy with his policies far they go. No.
I do think municipal ownership for Chicago is
a failure. I quit because campaign will soon be
in which both the candidates and principles ad-
vocated will be consonant with my convictions as
a socialist"
Joseph Mediu Patterson is the grandson of Jo-
seph Medill who built up THE Chicago Tribune"
and his father Robert Wilson Patterson. is the
present publisher of that newspaper. The elder
| Mr.. Patterson has his home in Washington. The
| young sent his resignation of his post under
Mayor Dunno from Washington. He then came
| from the capital to New-York. arriving on Friday
| night.
Robert ". Patterson said yesterday before he
started for Chicago:
| My is OF age and has served term in the
| Illinois Legislature and part of a term as City
do his thinking. We the best of terms.
| He has just spent week with me and his mother
| at home in Washington. l a firm believer
| In the doctrine of letting everybody think as he
| pleases-eVen my own son. If sons didn't occasion
ally differ from their fathers then would still
! be living back IN the dim light of Abraham.
There would be progress If sons didn't differ
not necessarily progressive. There departures
| without progress My sons political views afford
| excellent example of that fact, for ] believe
that socialism is the widest kind of fanattcism
| And municipal ownership as practised in Chicago
is a fiat failure. Why, they can't even run a city
| pound without graft. Graft permeates every
department of city politics in Chicago and conse-
| greater would be the graft If partial socialism
| is such a failure then the complete socialism that
my son thinks would be universal panacea would
! be a colossal catastrophe