PUBLIC OWNERSHIP.
If contest and rivalry are inherent instincts, and if the struggle for existence brings out men's best efforts, then, any system which destroys the opportunity for the free exercise of these instincts in such a struggle is at cross purposes with the basic principles of human nature, and is therefore unsound and unscientific.
Socialism presupposes the government's taking over and operating of every farm, factory, railroad, mine, telegraph, trade and industry. The Goulds, the Rockefellers, the Morgans and the Schwabs must then seek government positions with a fixed wage not to exceed the wages of their inferior officers and workmen. If they were then to exercise their marvellous organizing powers, it would no longer be the fear of poverty which now inspires them. They would know that they could no longer aspire to excel their fellows in wealth and social position, and there would no longer be a struggle for existence.
Existence would be for everybody alike who is willing to labor a few hours a day. Food, clothes and shelter would be in abundance for the rich and poor, regardless of one's abilities or attainments. The one great incentive that has always moved men to labor with energy, enthusiasm and persistence will have vanished. The world would soon go to sleep.
OBJECTIONS TO SOCIALISM.
1. It would create an enormous and dangerous power for the party in control, and would probably perpetuate its control over every industry in the land.
2. It would destroy the instincts of rivalry, contest and competition for the necessaries of life, and that desire to excel and surpass our fellows, which instincts now move the world.
3. It removes the incentives to progress by eliminating the opportunities to acquire individual affluence and social superiority.
4. It would result in stagnation of business.
5. It would cause deterioration in human character because of the removal of the incentive which makes men strive to better themselves mentally, morally and intellectually.