The Logan Republican. [volume] (Logan, Utah) 1902-1924, 1919-01-30
THE CoUNTRY's GREATEST
PROBLEM

Much is being said and written rela-
tive to the alleged problems that confront
'aerica in the next few months, which
is termed "The Reconstruction Period"
and from various sources comes the eX-
pressed fear that industrial disaster can
be averted only by the utmost care and
caution in the transition from a war to
peace basis the returning thousands of
unemployed soldiers cited as a factor to
be viewed with much concern.
There are certain unfailing signs how
ever which point to the fact that we are
even now confronted with condition
Alore to be dreaded than the coming of
peace, one that will shake the very foun-
dations of the republic unless steps are
taken to throttle the menace before it
has attacked the very vitals Of the ma
ton.
This condition is the wave of radical.
ism that is sweeping the country-a part
of the general social unrest that seems to
involve the world. Beginning few years
ago under the cloak of reform, when
the railroads and corporations were a
special object Of attack because of their
alleged "monopolistic" and "extor-
tionlst practice, it has spread, until to-
day we see every legitimate sphere of
commercial endeavor threatened with
disaster if not absolute destruction. The
last two years has seen more useless re-
strictive Legislation enacted than in all
the previous history OF the country, leg
iSlation that for its unreasOnableneSs
has not yet been equaled by governments
making no claim to the personal freedom
and the pursuit of happiness of which we
Americans have been wont to boast.
And apparently we have seen but the
beginning We need go no further than
our own state, and note some of the leg
islation already proposed, legislation
that would deny to every business man
the right to conduct his own business in
manner that would insure him reas-
enable return for his investment and the
responsibility and ability contributed in
his effort to establish himself in posi-
ton where he would not be dependent
upon others for stipulated monthly or
yearly stipend.
Similar legislation is being proposed
in most of the states, and it is receiving
the absolute but injudicious support of
various organizations which have grown
to such power in recent years that they
carry terror with their demands. Not
only do they inspire terror in their atti-
tude, but they are ready and willing to
commit acts that would disrupt the So
cial and business fabric OF the country, If
necessary to gain their ends. Added to
this is the fact that legislators and in
some instances even the courts have bow
ed to their demands. In view of these
conditions which become more pronounc-
ed with each passing day, what.has the
future in store for us. as a nation unless
strong men rise in their might and throt-
tie the system before it is too late to save
the country from revolution?
lt.has been truly said that that govern
ment is best which governs least, and
unless something is done to correct the
present tendencies, "the right to life,
liberty and the pursuit of happiness"
will be denied to every employer in the
land, and the opportunity Of the young
man Of energy and ambition, though not
blessed with heritage of wealth to
build for himself business among his
fellows, will no longer be one of the bles-
sings that has showered the land with