THE CO-OPERATIVE FARM AS A FACTOR IN THE CAPITAL AND LABOR PROBLEM.
"I am curious to know, to what extent co-operative farming will effect
the capital and labor problem. What think you, Fillmore?"
"No doubt the effect will be very marked. Many of the solutions arrived
at in experimenting with the insurance question, will apply with equal
force towards a final solution of the capital and labor problem. The
toiler once having been taught the art of self-employment, that will
furnish him superior conditions for a perfected healthful enjoyment of
life, with all of the advantages for himself and his children that money
can buy for the wealthy; can never again become the working slave of
capital. He has learned, by a practical lesson, very similar to the
famous 'Gurnsey Market House' exploit, that labor unaided by capital,
can produce an abundance of things which go to make up the wealth of the
nation, the community or the individual; while capital unaided by labor
can produce nothing.
"In searching for a remote cause for this ever growing warfare between
capital and labor, which has so long vexed our Republic; and which, even
now, threatens its final disintegration; we soon discover our arch
enemy, the competitive system, as the party responsible for the
mischief. This fact becomes more apparent, as we consider, that from the
beginning of the historical period, people in a fierce struggle for
existence, have been compelled by the competitive system, to wage a
brutal, relentless warfare with each other. Always the stronger,
against the weaker. In this wicked war, millions of human lives have
been sacrificed to the fiery moloch of selfish greed.
"The older the civilization the more fiercely has the war been waged;
until to-day, thousands among the lower classes everywhere, dwarfed and
embittered by a hopeless struggle to sustain life, in a ceaseless combat
with competing foes on every hand; spurred to a frenzy of fury, curse
the day which gave them birth. Why should they live only to suffer? With
moral natures starved and withered, they declare that all justice is a
mockery, all honesty, a myth! They have lost faith in God, and
confidence in man! They care not for the needs of posterity, or for the
nemesis of a future existence! In this desperate condition, they either
commit suicide, or become an easy prey to the temptation, to join the
outlaws in taking the world by the throat. From such material is formed
the dregs of society, that lower social strata of living dynamite, that
constant menace, which threatens in the near future, to destroy all
civilization which rests upon it. This is a typical piece of the
handiwork of the competitive system, a system in which the roots of
society to-day are grounded.
"Once seriously considered in this light, how can any sane person, who
believes in an All-Wise Creator, in justice and mercy, in a common
brotherhood for humanity, ever again defend the wickedness, of a society
based on the selfish cruelty of such a system? What treatment may
unorganized, unprotected labor, expect from this system?
"Hitherto, fortunately for the progress of the world, the laborers of
this Republic, have enjoyed more of the advantages of life, than those
of any other country. With better wages and shorter hours for work, they
have been able to educate themselves and their children, to a degree
that would fit them to become good citizens of the Republic. A republic
which for its continued existence, depends on the integrity, ability and
intelligence of its working units. As such, our laborers have proved
themselves the best in the world. Now, alas! The whole industrial
situation is changed by the swift dominancy of the competitive system,
with its ever increasing brood of trusts, which have swallowed up all
natural opportunities, and monopolized all the leading business
enterprises, of this hitherto progressive nation.
"The people of the Republic are divided into two classes; the employers,
and the employed. The invention and introduction of new and expensive
machinery each year, augments the power of the trusts, to control the
markets and the industrial situation. By the same means and at the same
time, they are fast reducing the number of employers, and increasing the
number of those who must seek employment. Under such circumstances, each
year the fate of the worker in any class, either skilled or unskilled,
grows more desperate. He becomes more completely the slave of the trusts
or capitalists who own the tools and who monopolize the industries. The
larger the dependent family of the worker, the more abject the slavery,
and the less his power to resist a constant reduction of wages.
"In the efforts made by organized labor unions, to resist this tendency
to reduce wages, we have both the cause and the beginning of the war
between capital and labor. With a courage and patriotism worthy of the
days of 'Seventy-Six,' this war has been waged by the toilers, with a
determination to maintain rights guaranteed to them by the constitution
of the Republic. A right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
A right to labor and to enjoy the fruits of their labor, by having free
access to a reasonable share of the natural advantages belonging to the
public domain.
"In this heroic struggle, so sturdily maintained during the past
twenty-five years against the competitive system and its well trained
hosts; the campaign, which has been marked by many mistakes, followed by
frequent defeat and disastrous failure, has always proved successful as
an educator, both for the toilers and the great middle classes, who
sympathized with them. On the other hand, alarmed by sudden success,
achieved by the disruption of long-lived business methods, and the loss
of confidence in exchange values, on the part of the public in
consequence of this disruption; the generals of the competitive system,
aided with but few exceptions, by the press, university and pulpit, have
shrewdly endeavored to evade responsibility, for the disastrous panics
which have followed such revolutionary methods. These panics have left
the country disturbed and embarrassed, by armies of unemployed men.
"In the same line of tactics, these competitive leaders, have endeavored
to confuse the question, and to mystify the people, by raising the cry
of over-production! The inexorable law of supply and demand! The
impossibility of our manufacturers longer competing in the markets of
the world, against the cheap products of the pauper labor of Europe,
while they are obliged by the unions, to pay such exorbitant wages here.
This cry has grown more insistent, with each succeeding year.
Nevertheless, the fact still remains, that but for the continuous
opposition of the united labor organizations, long before this time, the
wages paid in Europe, would govern the price of labor in this Republic.
What then would have happened to our workers, the basic units of our
government? Fortunately, the campaign of education still continues! The
people at large are just beginning to wake up to the importance of the
labor question! They have studied it carefully and earnestly. They have
learned that in productive labor, muscular effort is a mental
demonstration.
"They have learned, that the products of the skillfully educated,
intelligent, refined, moral, self-respecting worker of this Republic,
can successfully, compete with the inferior products, of a less
intelligent or pauperized labor of any country, in any of the markets of
the world. No matter how high the wages of the former, or how low the
wages of the latter may be.
"They have learned, that the demand, in any market for a superior
article, will always drive out the inferior.
"They have learned, that the question of the unemployed, is a question
of the utmost importance, which demands the immediate attention of all
patriots. They have learned, that the unemployed we shall have with us
in ever increasing numbers, so long as the competitive system shall
last.
"They have learned, that not one from the ranks of the unemployed, can
again become a worker, without paying a handsome bonus for the
privilege, by allowing some one to pocket the lion's share of the
profits he may be able to earn.
"They have learned, that when society encourages conditions, which
cause the laborer to look upon any calamity as a blessing in disguise,
because it offers work for the unemployed; that society, must be
reorganized.
"They have learned, that whenever an industrial system produces
conditions, which make the laborer see only disaster for his individual
interests, in every labor-saving invention which may be introduced; such
a system, must be superseded by a better one.
"They have learned, that the competitive system, by the very nature and
terms of its organization, obliges its followers to be selfish, cruel,
heartless, unmanly and unpatriotic. They have learned, that its reign
has become so dominant, that it justifies a recent writer of most
excellent wit, who declares that 'Man by birth, education and training,
has become so essentially selfish, that no preaching has any effect upon
him, if it does not advise him to lay up treasures for himself
somewhere.'
"They have learned, that the dangers which most seriously threaten the
perpetuity of our Republic, do not come from the clamor of dissatisfied
laborers, who are wrongfully accused of law-breaking; but, that these
dangers do come, from the lawlessness of capital, and the anarchy of
corporations.
"They have learned that so far as the interests of the working units of
the Republic are concerned, or care for its continued existence as a
representative government; the press, the university, and the pulpit,
have all been syndicated and censored by the competitive system to such
an extent, that they can no longer be trusted to furnish teachers,
leaders, and guides.
"They have learned, that the only safe course is, for the people to
depend upon themselves, to develop and establish a new social and
industrial order, from which shall spring a class of incorruptible
leaders and statesmen, whose pure, unselfish motives, dominant, evenly
developed minds, and superior ability, shall mark them as fitting rulers
for a more perfect Republic. Such a Republic as shall meet the demands
of a twentieth century progress.
"They have learned, that the remedy indicated is a change to an
industrial system, that will secure to the laborer an equitable share of
the benefits, which follow the introduction of labor-saving machinery.
Under such conditions, the laborer himself, having more leisure and
unexpended vitality, will be stimulated to increase his available
resources by cultivating his brain capacity for invention, thereby
largely increasing his power to produce.
"After many years, the rank and file of the workers in the labor unions,
have learned, that self-employment is the key to the situation. Although
late, they have learned, that if all the money wasted in unsuccessful
strikes, had been invested in the purchase of choice locations,
undeveloped mines and mineral lands, and in the erection of
manufacturing plants, the labor question would now be a thing of the
past. They would be masters of the situation, to whom the capitalists
would be glad to offer such a liberal system of profit-sharing, as would
practically make the workmen self-employed, by reason of a part
ownership in the enterprise they labored to exploit.
"Finally, and most important of all; they have learned that all
manufacturing industries, naturally grow out of agriculture. That the
success of one, is the measure, for the success of the other. That they
must co-operate to such an extent, that a constant, healthy growth of
both, may be maintained.
"They have become convinced of the imperative necessity for this
equable, co-operative, progress, by a careful study of the threatening
conditions which obtain, in countries where agriculture has declined;
and where manufacturing industries have become abnormally predominant.
In such countries, the food supply at once becomes a question of daily,
nay of hourly importance. It must be imported from distant lands,
subject to the tax of insurance, import and export duties, freight
charges, and commissions. Under such adverse conditions, available
supplies for but a few days only, stand between the toiler and gaunt
hunger. Any catastrophe which may happen to already congested lines of
transportation, will precipitate a famine. Then prices would go up with
a bound. The constant menace of such a possibility, always serves to
keep food-prices above the natural level of a fair profit. On the other
hand, in countries where progress in agriculture and manufacture goes
hand in hand; a constantly increasing home market for manufactured
products is steadily maintained. A most important consideration! At the
same time, the industrial centers have the advantage of the immediate
vicinity of abundant food supplies, which are not subject to the
vicissitudes of traffic or transportation, or to the tax of much
handling.
"In considering these things, the minds of a great majority of the
laboring people, have been prepared to accept the conclusion, that the
great question of the hour is, how to open the way for every worthy
worker to become his own employer. The co-operative farm opens the way.
Therefore, it is to these self-educated toilers in the ranks of the
labor organizations, that the manifest advantages of co-operative
farming will appeal most successfully. If properly approached, a
majority of them would be, not only willing but anxious for an
opportunity to give this new system of co-operative agriculture a
thorough trial.
"Having once become practically interested, these people would soon
learn to consider the object and purpose of life from a new standpoint.
From this new concept of the meaning and necessities of life, they would
perceive that it did not require the hoarding of much wealth, in order
to satisfy them. The insurance system in providing for the wants of old
age, would forever banish the haunting specter of a pauper's death in
the poor-house. They would then realize that money, was not so precious
as a human life! They would clearly understand that money was an
absolute necessity, only to those under the competitive system who had
lost confidence in each other, and faith in the fact of a common
brotherhood for humanity!
"They would soon respond to happier surroundings, in every way so
conducive to a natural, soul growth, and to the harmonious unfoldment of
the individual from within. In this unfoldment, a new meaning for
immortality would come to them. Spiritual law would become operative. It
would teach them that, as immortal beings, as cosmic units of the larger
cosmos--The Great Over Soul--they could not become totally depraved,
even under pressure of evil conditions of the most degrading character;
no matter how much their spiritual natures had been stained or starved.
"With this new standard as a guide, there would come an inspiration to
strive for the attainment of a higher, purer, better life. A life more
in harmony with the design of an All-Wise Creator! Angry, antagonistic
feelings, against hitherto competitors, would disappear. The world would
wear a smile instead of a frown! Brotherly love between man and man,
would become the rule in place of the exception! Gold would lose its
charm! Avarice would pass away! Selfish instincts, born of bitter years
under a cruel system would soon follow! Long dormant, spiritual natures
would be awakened! A new spiritual growth would take place! A vastly
wider, mental, and spiritual horizon, would be added to the wisdom of
the individual! In the light of this wisdom would come the discovery,
that the virtue of right living, bears the seeds of a perpetuity, which
begets true and lasting happiness! An overwhelming answer in the
affirmative, from every point of view, to the question, does it pay to
be unselfish?
"With higher ideals of life and its duties, these physically, mentally,
and spiritually emancipated toilers, would find themselves prepared to
co-operate most effectually, in establishing and maintaining any social
and industrial evolution, which the best interests of the people and the
Republic might demand.
"From this presentation, my dear Fern! you may imagine how important and
desirable it is, that these two powerful industrial forces should become
harmoniously united in working for the interests of a natural
progressive evolution. Against such an invincible combination, the hosts
of the competitive system might not hope to prevail! Once thus united,
each co-operative farm would then become the nucleus of a new industrial
organization, capable of such unlimited expansion and perfection as the
needs of surrounding communities might be able to sustain.
"As this twin series of giant industries continued to grow and expand,
the ways by which they might co-operate with mutual benefit, would
continue to multiply. In political matters such a combination would
prove remarkably strong; first in the township and county; later, in
state and national legislatures, where it would soon be able to demand
and push forward favorable legislation, and also to strangle much that
might threaten to prove adverse. In such efforts, would come
opportunities for introducing to the arena of public life, an abler,
nobler, purer class of young men; who, born of a better social,
industrial system, by reason of superior conditions for birth and
training, would be properly endowed with that inspiring patriotism,
sterling integrity, and commanding ability, so necessary to maintain the
dominancy and perpetuity of the Republic, as a government of the people,
for the people and by the people."
"Bravo! Well done Fillmore! Your statement of the subject is grand,
indeed! The eloquent summing up, forms a fitting climax in answer to my
last question, the closing one of the series. But, as much as I admire
and appreciate its general excellence, you must allow me to suggest one
criticism. Do you not think Fillmore, that you put the case rather too
strongly, when you place the press, the university and the pulpit, so
completely under the control of trusts, or the leaders of the
competitive system? Would they dare to do such a thing?"
"Bless you my dear girl! They are capable of doing anything! So far as
the trusts and the competitive system are concerned, I have stated the
case very mildly. Not one-half of the story has been told. Let us probe
this question a little deeper.
"What is a trust? It is the highest form of monopoly. It is a nest of
corporations, laid and hatched by the competitive system! It has neither
conscience to hold it in check, nor soul to be damned! It dares to do
anything! Indeed! It is formed for the sole purpose of making money.
Nothing is allowed to stand in the way. Born of the consolidating
pressure, which marks the competitive system, it seeks to monopolize all
of the advantages of that cruel system, without incurring its penalties.
Once thoroughly organized, and armed with the almost unlimited power of
its enormous capital; the trust immediately commences the wholesale
destruction of all opposing industries or interests. In pushing this
work, it regards neither the equities of commercial law, nor the vested
rights of others. Securely protected by its monopoly, this modern
juggernaut in the commercial world, rolls remorselessly onward toward
its goal of wealth. It cares not for the safety of worshippers, friends
or foes. If by chance they represent competing interests, they must
either leave the field or be crushed. There is no alternative! There is
no escape!
"A few of the leading trusts, those most completely representing the
competitive system, have recently become so defiant, so audaciously
bold, that they are prepared to undertake, to consolidate the business
of the whole earth. They will stick at nothing! They have the gorge to
swallow one government or ten! It matters little to them! Like the ring
of conspirators, in Donnelley's 'Ceaser's Column,' a few of the leading
spirits, of these daring trusts, are secretly plotting in Gotham! Just
at present, they have their eyes fixed on the all-powerful money
question. The vision seems a pleasing one!
"What is that question, which so completely absorbs the attention of
these people? Can it be possible, that the mills of the competitive
system will grind up rich bankers, as unconcernedly as they do the
helpless poor! They surely will! The plot grows and thickens! Let us
give it close attention. Let us watch these people. Keeping in mind
meanwhile, that hitherto, the bankers of the country, have complacently
considered themselves masters and kings of the financial situation,
whose thrones were secure for all time. Strongly intrenched behind
well-filled money bags, they have felt themselves safe in helping the
trusts to fleece the public. Now they are becoming alarmed. They are
shaking in their fifteen-dollar boots! They behold that dreadful
handwriting on the wall! In giant letters, seemingly towering forty feet
tall, these bankers read the doom, which the trust conspirators are now
preparing for them. They catch the frightful significance of the
question, which the trust leaders are discussing. It is this. Why should
the business of the United States, support such an army of banks? More
than ten thousand. We know very well, that the entire money transactions
of this country, could be handled more safely, more swiftly, and more
cheaply, by one grand central institution. With one voice the
conspirators exclaim! Let us form a pool! Let us consolidate the whole
business, into one magnificent money trust! Let us select, say
twenty-five, of the brainiest bankers in the business! Let us give them
fat salaries, and make them superintendents of the financial agencies,
now called banks. Counting the whole number of banks, both public and
private, as ten thousand, with three professional bankers to each one,
the result would be a total of thirty thousand bankers. Of this number,
we could reduce twenty-nine thousand, nine hundred and seventy-five, to
the station of bank clerks. Let us pause for a moment to contemplate the
result! What enormous savings would accrue, by the introduction of such
a wholesale scheme of consolidation! These savings would be ours!
Intoxicated with the brilliancy and the hugeness of the idea; the
conspirators with one impulse, spring to their feet, with outstretched
hands they form a ring, they execute a round dance extraordinary. While
thus engaged, they gaily shout, 'There is millions in it for us!'
"No wonder the bankers are alarmed! With the exercise of one-half of
their usual cunning and foresight, they should have scented the danger
sooner. No doubt, they were so engrossed by the fascinating game of
money grabbing, that they were wholly blind to danger, as the result of
the combined audacity and perfidy of their former partners. They have
evidently failed to learn one plain lesson, which is taught by the logic
of events. It is this. When once fairly started, the process of the
larger corporation, swallowing the lesser, goes forward with such an
ever-increasing rate of speed, that it soon overtakes and gobbles up
banks and bankers.
"At this point, it is pertinent to propound the following questions: If
this is a Republic? If the people are the government, and the government
is the people? And if the consolidating business, is so good and so
profitable for the trusts? Why, should not the government, own and run
this giant central bank? Why, should it not own and operate the
railroads, the canals, the shipping, the mines, the forests, and all
other industries? This would give the people a chance to share equally,
in the enjoyment of these enormous profits. Why not?
"What say you my dear Fern! Would it not be infinitely better, than to
allow the government to be swallowed by one monster trust?"
"Better Fillmore! Far better! I am convinced! I withdraw my criticism.
You have maintained your point so vigorously, that I have not the
courage, to offer one single word in reply. I am ready and willing, to
consider the discussion as finally closed."