The people's voice. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1939-1969, 1943-12-24
CONFLICT OF THE SYSTEMS
CONTRASTS

In our analysis of the evolutionary
process thus far we have given oul
attention mainly to the effect of tech
biological progress and production
methods upon our economic future.
At this stage of our study we should
pause and devote chapter or two to
brief analysis and comparison of the
two conflicting economic system now
engaged in life and death struggle
for acceptance by the human race.
The Capitalist" (something-for-
nothing) system under which the re-
sources of the western hemisphere
were so rapidly developed and ex-
plotted has it's roots in the natural
selfishness of mankind and thrives
upon his ambition for increased
wealth and power. Probably no other
motives would have contributed so
greatly to the RAPIDITY of develop
ment and industrialization of America
as these, yet Russia while yet only
in the primary stages of the opposing
Socialist" system has industrialited
practically one-sixth of the earth's
surface and this in the short space
Of two decades, while at the same
time being compelled to carry on a
defensive war (both military and eco
nomic) with the major capitalist ma
tions of the world. 1t must be adj
mitted here however that Russia had
the one advantage of the example of
industrialization of other nations by
which to guide her own process, she
could copy their success and avoid
their errors yet even this advantage
is hardly sufficient to account for the
extraordinary rapidity of her indus
trialization.
No motives of altruism or philan-
thropy inspired those who explored
and settled the wilderness of America.
1t was simply a desire for material
gain coupled in many instances with
the spirit of adventure.
Nor can anyone who has access to
the facts believe that altruistic or
philanthropical motives inspired the
construction of the great transcon-
tinental railways In fact for finan-
cial piracy corruption, graft and down
right thievery from an aquiescent gov
eminent the financing and construc-
ton of these "land grant" railroads !
has few parallels in history, and gives
a very comprehensive picture of free |
enterprise" under the great capitalist
system to preserve which we are
urged to pledge our lives, our for
tunes and our sacred honor" Briefly,
the transcontinental lines were need
ed for the efficient transportation of
resources but the government should
MT build them, to do so would have
days, so corporations were formed to
do the job. The corporations issued
bonds to secure funds, but investors
were skeptical and so Uncle Sam was
called upon to purchase the bonds
which he obligingly did in addition
alternate section of land for 20 miles
on each side of the right of way. The
original or parent corporations then
formed Subsidiary corporations"
(stock held by insiders of the parent !
To these subsidiary
contracts for construction
work was let at figures comparable to {
he "cost-plus contracts" Of present
lines. After the lines were con- '
,tructed and the last golden spike" !
lriven, the parent corporations find {
ng that all the money which could i
De conveniently "wangled" from an s
,bliging government had been wan j
gled" and spent, suddenly discovered 1
hat they, the corporations, were {