Grand Forks herald. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1916-1955, 1921-04-13
sPARGo ON SOCIALISM.

Socialism is a dimcult thing to classify. The trouble
is that every Socialist has his own particular creed, and
he is apt either to deny the Socialism Of all who do not
agree with him. or to deny that he is himself a Socialist
because he differs on some points from others who &C
tually profess Socialism.
Broadly. those who believe in the socialization OF in
dustry may fairly be considered Socialists. Those who en-
terrain this belief are divided into many groups. Some
of them are organized in a political party. Others are
not organized at all. Still others are organized for special
purposes in groups created for the accomplishment of a
particular purpose But Of the term Socialism has any
meaning other than that of describing the tenets of a
particular political party, it must be understood to in
clude all who advocate the specialization, that is, the pub
lie ownership and operation of the means Of production
and distribution.
John spargo is known the world over as a Socialist.
He was a member of the Socialist party Of the United
States, but Withdrew when it became evident to him that
Ahat party existed only in part for the pronunciation of
an economic doctrine, and very largely for the destruction
OF the political institutions of the United States. and, at
that particular time, for the purpose of hammering the
nation in its war activities and giving aid and comfort
to its enemies Spargo did not change his economic
opinions but he repudiated the people with whom he
had associated.
In a recent article Spargo discusses capitalism in a
manner which will shock a good many of those who have
regarded him as an authority. Among other things he
says that 1.-The most important thing that Socialists can
do at this time, either collectively or individually, to
further the cause of Socialism and its ultimate triumph,
is to help preserve the capitalist system from collapse"
This he says. is not intended as a paradox, but is a
Very plain and direct application of the Socialism Of
the MARKHAM school. Continuing, he declares that these
recent years of war wreckagc have left a condition which
only capitalists can meet. The civilized world, he MAIN
tains, is less ready today for Socialism than it has been
at any time in a hundred years.
He points to the conditions in Russia, where the
Isolshevist leaders have themselves come to the conclusion
that they must have foreign capital with which to bring
about the restoration of their country. Millions Of people
must be persuaded to furnish billions of capital for use
in Russia, and they will do so only in the expectation
Of profit. This means, of course, an enormous extension
Of capitalism. Other European countries are in similar
condition.
In brief, Spargo. regarding the subject from his
standpoint, holds that Socialism can come only through
the utilization Of the foundations laid by capital. He
holds that the construction of a Socialistic system on the
ruins of capitalism is an utter impossibiity. His expec-
tation is that at some time Socialism will be evolved as
an effective system in a natural and orderly way from
capitalism. I'm other words he says, when there IL
no further room for development along capitalist lines
the entire system Of production distribution and exchange,
at the point OF its highest efficiency, becomes ready for
Specialization" 4#t-
The prospect which Mr.. sparso holds forth may be
viewed by those OF us who do not believe in Socialism
with great composure. Capitalism" means individual
effort and individual Initiative; the exercise Of legitimate
personal ambition; security OF the Individual in the pos
session, and enjoyment Of that which his hand or his brain
has created; the fullest opportunity for individual activ-
lily and for i~ndiyiduaf reward. When our development
under tins system has reaehed the utmost bounds which
our present vision can rsach, the horizon viii Be . ds-
stant from ~ ~ eyprx And sthsre viii lie before ID vast
rnsxpiored ponlhinhNAy % enter upon which viii still
nseA, n increatng msasure. III that tndtv1drai sNort
can DO. And NO more thNa than now can ths world a.
ford 10 hays ~ progres inpsdsd ~ sths conssrie4ins
bands of socialian.
President Harding mentions in passing that congress
has no mandate to provide for government ownership 81
traiiwayA ~ q TO y hoDsA that ecnnsas has bsttsr
- - aeAyNa5s