The labor world. [volume] (Duluth, Minn.) 1896-current, 1914-06-06

machinery had anything to do with
the prevailing poverty. Then the peo-
pie demanded that. the government
take control Of certain public utilities,
which was later done. - This only
seemed to whet their appetite, and
through direct legislation the people
of New Zealand have succeeded. in
placing their country at the head Of
nations which have successfully dealt
with the great problems of vital
economic interest to its people.
Where We Differ. :,
wherein does New Zealand with
direct legislation since: 1890, differ
it prevails only to limited extent I?
Just few examples:
1--WE have pronounced concentra-
ton of wealth; New Zealand, a grow
ing diffusion of wealth. 1920
I'VE make government loans to
banks and trust companies; in New
Aealand the government loans money
direct to the farmers.
I'm America the telegraphs, tele-
phones and railroads are operated for
private profit; in New Zealand these
utilities are operated for public use.
I'm America strikes and .lockouts
are of almost daily Occurrences; in New
Zealand strikes and lockouts are prac-
tically unknown, and there is indus
trial peace.
I'm America the 10 hour day pre-
walls; in New Zealand the hour day.
I'm America we tax for revenue;
New Zealand taxes for the. public
| good.
I'm America the monopolists and
the politicians are in control: In New
Zealand the common people are in
Nov aren't we the progressive
nation? With 100 years Of boosted
political liberty, we permit. q little
| isolated country like New Zealand to
| show us how to deal with our social
| problems. Our trouble has been that
we have permitted ourselves to be-
come hypnotised by spread-eagle,
| lowed ourselves to be fooled into the
| belief that we are a free people.
II believe we are all satisfied, and
history confirms this view, that poll.
| teal blessings are not handed down
| from above. they are not had for the
| must get for themselves and what they
really want, they usually get. Tolsto
was right when he said: We feed
| the poor, and we clothe the poor, and
| we amuse the poor, but we never get
off their backs -. -
| Land Question Involved.
| yet Tolstois opinion, that the land
| question and other vital questions in
Russia would be settled by an appeal
| to the landowners themselves, b,
showing to them the injustice Of thu
! present system of holding land-tha
opinion doesn't carry much weight ii
| these days. History doesn't disclos,
facts that would warrant any. sucl
conclusion. ~
what we want politically, we mus
get for ourselves. - !:
And how are we to get what WI
want? If you are interested in any
business, and want to make a success
of it, you take an active part in tina
business, yourself, don't you? :Yo1
wouldn't think of placing a man ii
absolute control of your. own business
with no power to suggest what shouit
be done or to finally pass upon wha
has been done by your hired men:
I'VE wouldn't do that, In our owr
business, yet that is exactly what -,
are doing in matters of state and na
tional legislation. TN II #s. !.
I'm Minnesota next. November "
will vote on an am endment to tn,
constitution providing for the initia
tive and the referend UNI ---. t1iirect legis
latton, which means Legislation BY til
i Speople themselves. This noesn,t mea
that the people ihy peti tion az Ill pro
II pose every measure sthht viii be DEE