Evening star., 1934-04-15
Continued From First Page.)

They would have to know all about
the cost of production and distribu-
tion and about finance, taxation and
investments. They would have to be
experts in foreign trade and-which
Is even more dificult-know ALI about
world economies, because a planned
economic nationalism can function
only imperfectly unless there is also
planned world economy.
In fact, a state with a planned
economy is at distinct disadvantage
in a world where competition still
rules supreme unless the state is to
take unto itself the regulation of for
eign trade and to further actively its
own exports in competition with other
nations and protect its home markets
from foreign imports. This implies
on the part of the planners degree
of knowledge of international affairs
which Is little short OF omniscient.
Nor is this all. The planners must
be not only all-wise but utterly un-
selfish. They must be men of the
highest character, free from all po-
litical and personal ambitions and
connections. 1t is easy to see the
disaster that would follow If such a
system got into the hands of some
who have been prominent in our pub
lie life.
Let us suppose that this board has
devised plan. From actual expe-
rience under the new deal we know
that this involves telling farmers how
much and what they may grow; tell
ing industries how much they may
produce: regulating wages, hours of
work. rates of interest, etc. In other
words, the plan must be put into ef-
feet.
Censorship Seen.
How is it to be enforced? In the
first place. obviously by public opin-
ion. This means a Nationwide propa-
ganda of acceptance. This, in turn,
means the sitting Of all criticism.
AS rational new dealer as Henry
Wallace is frank enough to admit that
public opinion would have to be con-
trolled'-which means censored In
other words, to enforce it means to
surrender freedom of speech and free
dom of the press.
PSAoOiAo wiz AldfC AlOI lCdl llCd
the lessons of our prohibition expert
ments can believe that such a plan
could be carried out, even with the
aid OF large army of spies and
special police. The precedent of the
eighteenth amendment and its by
products is all-compelling What can
did person can pretend that this was
enforced?
To the speculative philosopher there
is an element of irony in the realiza-
ton that the frame of mind of the
new dealers is like that of the ad-
vocates of prohibition. Just as the
drys showed a profound distrust of
the ability of the average citizen to
look after himself, so the new dealers
frankly disbelieye in the average mans
ability to manage his own affairs
Both believe in the same remedy-to
impose on the poor average man"
regulations in his own interest-to
have the Federal Government tell him
what is for his best good and make
him accept this view regardless Of his
personal convictions. Both show in
tolerant minds and a conviction Of
their own superiority and wisdom.
Both have the mentality of the med
dler-arrogant. opinionated. resentful
Of opposition and determined to make
others submit to their will.
What, in actual practice. would the
enforcement of a planned economy
mean?
Dictators of Life.
1t would mean that small group of
paternalistic bureaucrats IN Washing
ton would have authority to dictate
the economic life of the United States.
Those who conform would presumably