The Washington times., 1934-11-23

ideas which are sc u er e q
throughout the speeches.
For example, Mr.. Richberg
presumably with the Presidents
approvaD says that "of all quack
remedies the worst is to get
drunk again in another orgy of
initiation" That sounds fine.
He says that individual laborers
must have the right to decide
what union to belong to. if any,
and refers to the responsibility"
of labor organizations, in such a
way as to encourage those opposed
to the "closed shop" This will
appeal to many employers.
He says that business cartels
surely lead to State control of in
duStry, and that democratic peo-
pie will not tolerate price fixing.
This is true, although some bust
ness leaders do not understand it.
He talks much of private en-
terpriSe" and freedom.
But this bait lies on the spring
Of the trap.
Following the lead of the
President, he says to business
men, Now, gentlemen, you see
all this unemployment, and it
Is up to you to "take up the
slack" You go ahead and en-
plOy all these millions who are
out of work. If you don't, the
New Deal Government will!
You see, the New Dealers, hav-
ing thus far failed to cure" un-
employment, now find more peo-
pie on relief" than a year ago.
So now they seek Cd to pass the
buck to business, and CO to pro-
vide the excuse for the next move
toward State Socialism. This is
buck passing, because they imply
that business could, if it would,
give work to the II million unem-
ployed. 1t is a threat, because
they say, if you don't we will Gre
ate Government employment,
which means the Government in
business.
The jaws of the trap are ap-
parent. They are Cd the old
socialistic doctrine of "the right
to work. and (2) the New Deal
doctrine of production for use."
Mr.. Richberg says, it is the
business of some one to provide
all men with work. He says, men
are entitled to exchange work for
a living.
That seems to sound fine, but it
is one of the oldest and most dan
gerouS errors in economic thought.
Work is not necessarily produc-
tive. Work which makes things
that are not Saleable, because not
wanted, is wasted effort. The
value of work depends upon the
nature of the product and its rela-
tive Importance. Is work on
electric belts" productive?
Why do the New Dealers order
people not to work at growing cot
ton? Why do they encourage cop
per and coal producers to do less
work? Because we have too much
Of these things.
You see that the right to work
depends upon the value of prod
uctS. Unless workers make things
which can be sold, they cannot
be given economic employment.
Work must bring in earned in
come if it is to be a basis for
relief.
This is where the scheme to
put the Government into bust
ness comes in. Richberg says:
We have "mObilized" business.
Now if YOU "mObiliZed" buSi-
ness men won't give work re-
gardless of earnings, the Gov
ernment will provide some
where that unemployment which
can insure individual freedom
and security"
In other words, he practically
says, We have got you all regi-
mented so we can direct you. You
make work for the unemployed,
or we will give everybody job
in the Government army. While
the farmers kill pigs and plow
up cotton, the others can build
dams and plant trees.
And the FERA will set up
"work houses" where those who
can't get employment in the
shoe and textile trades, can be
given work" making shoes and
textiles!
It Just doesn't make sense.
WooV~