The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1930-02-13
Asking the Impossible

1t frequently is asserted that England will fire
Ramsay Macdonald and his government If they do
not do something about the British unemployment
situation and do it quick.
This may be fact. but an article in the New York
Nation by the distinguished British economist and
pubcist, John A. Hobson, makes 1T clear how unfair
such proceeding would be.
Only immediate relief for unemployment in Great
Britain must be found In special and temporary
stimulation of employment in increased allowances
under the dole" system. Minister Thomas has
deayored to find additional work in increased expendi
lures roads, housing and other public works but
his most expansive program offers prospect for the
employment of only about $4,000 men, some per cent
Of the unemployed in England today
Even this is for but one year Further taxation
materially to increase the dole allowance, will be
difficult and will no solution of the unemployment
situation.
Hobson points out that the only hope for any per-
manent and effective solution of the unemployment
problem in England must be found in recondtoning
of British industries to make them up-to-date in
equipment and efficient in management. That which
must is what the Germans call the "rationaliza-
ton of industry" This has been put into effect in
Germany in the last decade, with truly marvellous
results.
Such decentralization" of British industry would
require ample capital and sympathetic cooperation of
both employers and laborers. Hobson believes that
there is enough loan capital available for the enter
prise but he predicts that it will meet snag in the
attitudes of employers and workers alike.
The employers insist upon clingng dognatically to
an archaic theory of individualism and want to
tinue manufacturing in the good old ways. The work
ers at least temporary loss Of their jobs during
construction
Still further, Hobson makes it clear that even
the most complete naturalization" of British industry
would work no immediate revolution in the unemploy
ment situation in Great Britain. England not only
must manufacture excellent goods cheaply, but she
also must sell them Tariff walls and low standards
of living in backward countries reduce her market
prospects
Before anything thoroughly adequate result
there must be greater acceptance of economic in
ternationalism and free trade and success in
veloped states. Only in this way can there be any
great increase in the demand for British goods.
If British industry can not be "rationalized," eco
nomc nternationalism extended and the standard OF
living among the laborers of the world materially
elevated there would be solution Of British
unemployment short of systematic and steady emgra-
ton. coupled with rigorous brth-control at home.
In any event, British unemployment is problem
for a generation and not for year or for full
term Of parliament. This much can be said for Mac
Donalds government 1t frankly realizes the problem
ahead and resoutely faces the responsibilities
tailed therein.
1t does not rest content with the Tory apathy and
the after us the deuge' policy of the Baldwin gov
eminent.