Albuquerque morning journal. [volume] (Albuquerque, N.M.) 1903-1926, 1922-09-01
SANITY is NEEDED.

About everything is in the air now
adays. No matter what engages attention
there is difficulty in obtaining consider
alton that permits of final conclusion,
Worst of all there seems to be dlspo-
sition to keep things in the air. While
II is true that efforts are being made to
reconstruct and readiust, it is also true
that these are offset by endeavors to
nrolong uncertainties. There are too many
neople hoping that out of the air there
will come something decidedly to their
own advantage. Consequently legislation,
business, and industrial relations. even
individual calculations regarding income
and expenditure, are more or less lnde1-
initely delayed. =,
Congress iuggles the tariff because it
allows itself to be influenced by this in
teyest and that, its members seeking par
tv or personal advantage in the fall cleo
ton. CAPITAL juggles facts relating to the
cost of living, and labor initiates its meth
DDS, both looking to such final adjust
ment of wages and working conditions
as will secure mastery of business and
industry. Organizations of every sort I'M
dertake such definition of normally" as
will result in largest economic gains over
conditions that prevailed before the war.
There is not only purpose but also more
or less selfishness in keeping things in
the air.
Whatever the purpose, however, ten
dency to such course is likely to result
in habit, especially as tendency is sup
ported by economic ideals some of which
are very difficult to realize. There is a
growing misconception of government
that is proving decidedly mischievous,
leading already to the prediction that
legislation will soon be controlled, not
by majorities, but by blocs. In business
and industry cooperation is being dis.
placed by antagonism which prevents
peaceful compOsure of differences, and
therefore by that teamwork absolutely
necessary to the prosperity of both capita
and labor. There is confusion resulting
from inconsiderate declarations concern
ing "rights," so far ignoring the fact that
they are never absolute but always rela
tive, that a common basis of calculation
is next to impossible. What next?" is
the question asked by all, for one posi-
ton proving untenable is followed by
another ultimately proving equally So
fundamental principles not being reckon
ed with in the constant shifting. No one
seems to apprehend that Juggling is large
ly skill in defying natural law, and to
be more intent on increasing skill than
on reaching practical results.
The iuggler in the circus who keeps
three, four or five balls in the air, may
draw good salary for himself but gives
nothing tangible to spectators. His skill
may be admired, but it fills only his own
pocketbook and the treasury of his EN-.
ployer. His act may defy natural law
but it does not change that law. The
entertainment he affords may please, but
pleasure costs money, frequently money
that might supply necessares. In many
instances the admission charge is only 6
portion of the loss of the spectator anC
of his employer. If the spectator is salts
fled, satisfaction neither to him nor an
one else is tangible, measurable thina
the most it can do for him is to take
his mind off other matters for the time
being, and to these he sometimes come!
back with startling realization that h
is less prepared than he should be to NEE
them. So in political and economic mat
tiers. the skill displayed in Juggling pro
duces no real benefit for any one whel
expenditure should be devoted to effor
to secure that which individuals and so
ciety most need.
What is most needed in this country
is reconstruction on fundamental prin
ciples and readjustment in accord will
economic law About this there is N
doubt in the mind Of any man willin,
X intelligently to analyze the situation an