The Key West citizen. [volume] (Key West, Fla.) 1879-current, 1945-02-27
THE DRIFT TO STATE CONTROL

control OF private enterprise colues from
Robert Lacoste, French minister of Produc-
ton. who frankly admits that ''the prob
lens raised by the present difficult eco
homie situation are too grave for private in
dustry to solve by themselves
1t appears that the French nation I'M
der the compusion of the direst economic
eXtremities, is verging toward the Fascist
state, which many economic experts fear
will be the inevitable outcome of conditions
that will exist wher the World War ends.
The French are working to ease con-
dition rather than to prove theory. While
there will be tendency on the part of the
arch-priests of individual initiative and
private capitalism to denounce the French
eifort to solve present problems, we are not
inclined to criticize them. France has gone
through a terrible experience and without
confronting the difficulties, we hardly have
1 right to pronounce adverse judgment up
IN the action taken.
There has been considerable discus
ion Of the effect that a FaScist-organized
economy will have upon the rights and
privileges OF individuals, especially in the
economic field of action. We are not sure
hat he fears now being promulgated are
based upon. anything more than an effort
en the partsofsa privileged few to preserve
their Pre- dominant position.
The economic sphere of action may be
likene5 unto fishpond, in which both big
and little fish swim. The big fish, accord
ING to their natures, often devOur little fish
IN large numbers thus reducing the fish
population and, eventually, if unchecked,
DISCRIMINATING the fish raised in the par
ticular pond. Certainly, regulations to re-
strain the rapacity of the bigger fish will
not abolish, much less injure, the swimming
rights OF little fish.
The analogy holds true in the area of
economic organization. The tendency to
large corporate organizations increases the
peril Of smaller economic units including
the individual operating for and by him
self. When government regulates activity
of larger organizations, it may create con-
ditions extremely favorable for the eco
n0mic existence of smaller units, upon
which the welfare of many individuals de-
ponds.
1t must be admitted that the govern
ment wher it Institutes state control of in
dustrial units, infringes upon the unlimited
rights Of larger corporate structures. The
debate as to the property of this restric
lion cannot be settled until we are able to
Judge the effect of state action upon the
entire economic life of the nation affected
If such planning and control improve the
economic opportunity of vast number Of
small units it is quite possible that the re-
sulting condition will reflect a net gain for
the nation and its people.
We can see no reason whatever why
state planning and control of large indus
| tries should result in the loss of the free
loms that make civilization, such as the
right OF free speech, freedom of religious
worship trial by jury and the right of the
people to control their government. I'm
dOubtedly, the trend of corporate organiZa-
ton is toward the amalgamatiOn of smaller
units, the creation of practical monopolies
in given country and, through the cartel
system, something like absolute worldwide
control OF the industry involved, including
raw materials, manufacturing, distribution
and prices.
We have no Illusions as to the effici-
ency Of government planning and control.
Neither have we delusions as to the effect
Of such control by economic organizations
I that exist for profit, If mass production is
necessary to modern life and such unity of
industry brings positive advantages, there
is nothing wrong with the effort of people
to secure the gains without accepting the
liability.
Consequently, if tremendous economic
power must be vested in a relatively small
group, we have no hesitation whatever in
asserting that the interests of the people,
as a whole require that the control be in
the hands of governments, responsive to
the will of their peoples.