Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1912-10-29
Mr.. Perkins Children
(New York worldly


George w Perkins recently explained his Roosevelt
activities by saying that he wanted to make this
better country for children. This is noble and
exalted purpose but Mr. Perkins can never
this better country his children for any other
children by advocating legalized and regulated
monopoly
Mr. Perkins is very rich man. but he did not
start in life rich man. He started a poor All
that he he the living truth that the
Republic is opportunity.
Does wish to shut the door of opportunity in the
faces of the generations that are come? Does he
establish monopoly by law as slavery was
established by law? Does want a benevolent des-
potism at Washington o NIX prices and wages and
decide whether may in industry for
themselves OF whether they must remain employees Of
great corporations? Does he wish to crush that mag
nhcent spirit of initiative and and ndepends
and ambition which has been the inspiration OF
the Republic2 Would he willingly see the small hus
ness man and the small producer eliminated by law.
the that this country should have perma-
class of capitalists and permanent class OF
wage-earners. with an insurmountable barrier be-
tween them?
That is the real meaning of the scheme to regu-
late and control monopoly which Mr.. Perkins and
Mr. Roosevelt are advocating. They think it means
something else, but they mistaken. If the United
States undertakes iegalize and super
wise the it carry that program to its
logical conclusion 1t eventually regulate prices
and wages 1t must eventually forbid competition
that interferes with its DEGREES eventually
condemn large class citizens to perpetual servt-
tude. It eventually a paternal despottsn
which will inevitably controlled by the power Of
property Mr.. Perkins and Mr.. Roosevelt however,
good their intentions aside the lessons OF
history. They cannot repeal the experience Of the
human
Under the Roosevelt system OF regulation and con-
troll this might for a time be very comfortable
, country for Mr. Perkins children. His Harvester
Trust investments and his Steel Trust investments
would be safeguarded by benevolent Federal author
ity which would see that reasonable income was
returned the stockholders But it would be a. very
bad country for the boy that started in life as Mr.
Perkins started There would be opportunity for
him make his up from poverty TO millions.
He might be assured OF a living wage and OF COM
pensation in case he injured, and a small pen
sion when he old to work; but that would De
the measure OF his life. He would be born wage
Garner and die a wage-earner. with avenue OF es-
cape from his caste. In the end would come the
inevitable appeal to sword which would leave
this a much worse country for Mr. Perkins children
and for everybody elses children
We urge Mr.. Perkins and every oher voter to give
this matter his most earnest and serious thought.
fGovernor wilson's plan OF dealing with trusts and
monopoliss the only plan that is harmony with
the spirit OF American institutions. SO far this
great issue concerned We all stand Armageddon;
but some ofNthose who think they battling the
are battling for the devil of Privilege and Plu
tocracy. s.sl