Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1920-08-10


fortunes wrung from the public and
from the government, by the levyiny
of prices that in many cases were a
crime. Under present taxation laws
much capital is drawing out of indus
try and flnding investment in nontaX-
able securities. This will cease as
the changes suggested are made.
Old and New Contrasted.
In the analysis of government, as
the events of today enable us to PEN
citrate the subject, we see the differ
ence between the old and the pro-
gressive kinds OF thinking. The be-
lief of the reactionaries is that gov
eminent should not function more
widely than it did in the past. but
they seem to forget that the funda-
mental of our plan is equal rights
for all and special proviliges fc-
none. Modern life has developed
new problems. Civilization contin-
ues to build along the same basic
lines and altruistic as we may all be
disposed to be, the fact remains that
except for the exchange of products
between individuals, commercial
units and nations, our development
would be slow. All of this growth
goes on under the protection of and
with the encouragement of govern
ment. The least, therefore, that
might be rendered unto our govern
ment for this continuous service is !
policy Of fair-dealing. Too often the
genius of man prompts him to play
for governmental advantage, and the.
success which has been achieved in
this particular has led to the fOrma-
ton OF groups which seek this very
advantage. We, are a busy people,
preOccupied in too large degree with
purely commercial considerations,
and We have not recognized as Wa
should that the failure of govern
ment to prevent inequalities has
made it possible for mischievous
spirits to develop prejudice agains:
the institutions of government, rath-
er than against administrative policy.
There is very important differ
ence here. This difference bears
directly on profiteering, which is to-
day the most sinister influence in.
American life. 1t is not new thing
in America. The tribe Of profiteers
has simply multiplied under the fla
voring circumstances of war. For
years large contributions have been
made to the republican campaign
fund for no purpose except to buy q
governmental underhold, and 10
make liberal profits as the result Of
preference. Such largesses are to-
day greater menace to our content
ment and our institutions than the.
countless temporary profiteers who
are making a mockery of honest
business, but who can live and fatten
only in time of disturbed prices. II
/ am called to service as president,
means will be found, II they do not
already exist, for compelling these
exceptions to the great mass Of
square dealing American business
mem, to use the same yardstick Of
honesty that governs most of US In
our dealings. with our fellow men. or
in language that they may under
stand, to suffer the penalty of crimt-
nal law.
Fabulous Contributions Made.
There is another reason for the
fabulous contributions to the present +
money, OF course, has been sub 1.
scribed in proper partisan zeal. but 4
the great bulk has been given with
the definite idea of gaining service III
return. Many captains of industry,
guided by most dangerous indus
trial philosophy, believe that In con-
troversy between employers and EN-
ploye their will should be enforced.
even at the point Of the bayonet.
speak knowingly. have passed
many serious Industrial
know something of their
the stages through which
they pass, and the dangerous at
tempts that are sometimes made to
end them. Disputes between labor
and capital are inevitable. The dis
position to gain the best bargain pos
sible characterizes the whole field OF
exchange, whether it be product for
product, or labor for money. II
strikes are prolonged public opinion
always settles them. Public opinion
should determine results in America.
Public opinion Is the most interest
ing characteristic of democracy
and it is the real safety valve to tho
institutions of a free government.
1t may, at times, be necessary for
government to inquire into the facts
of tia-uD, but facts and not conclu-
sions should be submitted. The de-
termining form of unprejudiced
will do the rest. During this
process, governmental agencies must
give a vigilant eye to the protection
of life and property and maintain
frmness but absolute impartiality.
This is always the real test, but If
official conduct combines courage
and fairness, our governmental insti-
tutions come out of these affairs un-
furnished by distrust. This is the
mere recital of experience.
Aliens Engender Unrest.
Unrest has been reinforced In no
small degree by the great mass of
aliens. Attracted by
an unprecedented demand for labor,
they have come to our shores by the
thousands. AS they have become ac-
quainted with the questions and op-
portunities of American life, thou
sands of them have become citizens
and are owners Of their own homes.
However, the work of assimilation
too long was merely automatic. One
million six hundred thousand for
eign-born in this country cannot read
or write our language. Our interest
in them in the main has been simply
as laborers, assembled in the great
do .Nf