Albuquerque morning journal. [volume] (Albuquerque, N.M.) 1903-1926, 1921-07-07
DEFENDING MIR. PLUMB.

| An article defending Glenn Plumb and the
Plumb Plan for railroad operation, was printed
by the Journal yesterday in its "As the People
View 1t" column 1t was from the pen of j, w.
Blackhurst. We assume that Mr.. Blackhurst is a
railroad employe.
This article was in reply to recent Journal
editorial entitled Compulsory Arbitration" In
that editorial did not express an opinion on the
Plumb Plan. We merely were calling attention to
the difficulties in the way of fair application Of
Mr. Plumb's suggestion that the surplus from in
dustry should be equally divided between capital
and labor. 4 We insisted that Mr. Plumb must
have seen insurmountable difficulties under our
present economic system. We therefore concluded
that in his heart he would change that system to
cooperative system. We then expressed the
opinion that compulsory cooperative system
would not work. That was all.
Mr.. Blackhurst evidently concurs in our opinion
of what Mr.. Plumb had in the back of his head
for our correspondent says:
"Mr. Plumb probably has in his mind
the running OF the railroads for the pub
lie good, like the schools, highways and
postoffice (pus the graft of the useless
postmasters). But this is CONNER
cial age, everything being commercialized
and the average and woman being
capitalist from the eyes up, although
their capital has been forever appropriated
from them he seeks to reach their under
standing gently they may not suffer
heart failure or prostration. So
he speaks of division of surplus profits
at near equitabilty as possible"
1t is perfectly agreeable to the Journal that
Mr.. Plumb shall advocate whatever economic
theories he fit, however great their vagaries
from our viewpoint. We simply object to his
sailing under false colors to the ultimate des-
nation to which he would lead Our critic ad-
mits Mr.. Plumb's lack of candor.
1T. ohIa nF uybot has hao Ybo
eternal fate of reformers Mr.. Blackhurst has re-
iterated what the Journal has said over and over
again. The beneficiary Of the status quo has al
ways prosecuted the apostle Of reform.
However, we know of no who is persecut-
ing Mr. Plumb. He will be forced neither to
drink poison to die at the stake To challenge
the wisdom of his proposals is not persecution
1t is highly proper that the cons be heard we'll
as the pros. Out of the conflicting opinions and
judgments will come reasonable solution to the
railroad problem.
The Journal has never attempted to express an
opinion on the Plumb Plan. We do wish. how
ever. to express our admiration for those who
upon casual study, feel competent to have posi-
tive conviction upon stupendous and complex
a subject Much added study will be required for
the Journal to feel any such confidence.
Not every eXpounder of scientific theory
or theory of government has been Caper-
nicus Gallilleo John the Baptist. The
theories of those who have been right have sur
vved all opposition and their authors have indy
ing names. Perhaps fifty such could be named
since recorded time began. Hundreds of thou
sands of equally sincere. but mistaken, apostles
OF change have had their wierd theories die with
them.
Mr. Plumb may be right. We doubt it. If he
is his fame is and his plan will be adopted
finally.
In the meantime should be unreason-
able as to ask its adoption without discussion, nor
should contrary opinion be construed hos
tility to progress Many of who crave progress
wish to feel certain right before go
ahead. Mr. Plumb has yet saved any ma
tons. After he has saved a few may be ready
to accept his fiat law. Until them other men
will question, quite properly. the correctness of
his theories
Mr. Plumb's plan is rather revolutionary. Sane
men will doubt its efficacy. 1t is right that It be
required to prove its worth before adoption.
We prone to challenge the good faith ami
integrity of those who disagree with u.s. Toll
erance, human virtue is little practiced.
What Mr.. Blackhurst says of labor the sole
element of production, will engage our attention
at another time. We welcome Mr.. Blackhursts
contribution to the discussion.