South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1917-02-08


public Iron & Steel Co. is one OF
the leading spirits in the movement
TO organize America for industry and
efficiency. At the request OF the In
ternational News Service ne has
written the following article on
will America Wake Up?"
BY John 4. Topping. Chairman Re
public Iron & Steel Co.
I believe that one Of our national
weaknesses is a lack Of understand
ing by a large part Of our people
Of what constitutes our national
ideals. This lack of understanding
and want of unity or purpose is not
wholly confined to our foreign born,
for, through the influence OF our pa
triotic indifferences. this spirit has
been communicated 70 many of our
native born.
rhe remedy for this condition of
public mind is TO be found, think.
in a broader education OF the peo-
pie. AS a step in this direction there
should be fuller publicity given all
matters affecting the national well
fare and a fuller participation in
public affairs by all business men, so
that some practical ability will at
least supplement the academic
thought, upon which we have been
too dependent heretofore. for the So
luton of national problems.
If we are TO have a government
by the people for the people" the
the people should be more fully
qualified for their responsibilities,
for in no other manner can the leg
islative initiative be taken away
from the demagogue 1t required the
stimulus and responsibilities of war
to awaken England to the possibili-
ties Of her present accomplishment.
Confronted as we now are. by the
great responsibilities of peace and
the consequent worldwide readjust-
ment of values, together with the
great economic problems resulting
from the war is IL not time to
arouse ourselves TO our responsible
ties and issue a call for volunteers
TO assist in the work Of reconstruc-
and other belligerent countries re-
speeding the application OF co-opera-
tive methods, not only for national
defenses, but 10 enforce economy
and increase productivity, also for
the conservation of national re-
sourves. clearly points the way TO
us for preparedness and peace.
The London Statist. in a recent
review Of England's cooperative &C
complishment. Interestingly refers to
progress made, under war condi-
tons, in building up new enterprise,
to minimize English dependency up
on imports. To provide ways and
means for this accomplishment
government loan was authorized to
assist such private enterprises. Gov
ornamental encouragement has also
been given 10 promote consultations
of large industrial enterprises, and
for the formation of syndicates, not
only for the Capitalization or pur-
chases. but also of sales. Provision
was also made for the development
of scientific research, through the
establishment of governmental bu-
reaus. Thus Il will be obser""d that
all kinds OF combination within
these countries we're created. and
Furthermore, combinations between
the various belligerent countries
themselves have been formed to
promote and encourage commerce
between the various allied countries.
To emphasize the contrasting prin-
ciples Of government policy en-
ploved at home and abroad, IT may
be said that we enforce, under an
THRUST laws. wasteful and destruc-
tive competition. while our princi-
pal rival nations legalize pools and
svndicates and even governmental
participation in the management OF
industry is given. when necessary 10
conserve national resources or pro-
mote national welfare.
The objection may be raised that
European cooperation is socialistic,
but this objection is sentimental, II
bv the application Of the principle
of co-operation we can advance the
spiritual and material well-being OF
our country. such a change in policy
being only the natural evolution
suggested by experience, rather than
a revolution, for many OF our poll
teal traditions born of other condi-
tions should be cast aside.
A member of our federal trace
stated recently that
what business needs is constructive
Business, in my opin-
ion. is not as short of constructive
craftsmanship as are some other
fields of activity. not the least OF
which is the field Of government.
Through the creation. however OF
our various governmental commits
sion such as the federal trade. tar
iff reserve board. shipping commits
sion and possibly others. ii may be
said that we have all the machinery
necessary for doing business along
lines. but unless a
broader governmental cooperative
shirt is manifested than that evil
danced bv the present administra-
tive nolicv OF creating government
by the production OF
modities heretofore properly be-
longing to private enterprise eX-
clusivelv. and. furthermore, unless
we remove the antagonistic influence
= DISCRIMINATORY tax and revenue