Of course, it meant utter stagnation in shipbuilding; it was death to advance an improvement. The Socialist, in his shortsighted and narrow view, aims at the same thing over again, on a universal scale, with all its dire and retrograde results. He would reduce the well-found, well-equipped and speedy vessel to the level of the most lumbering tub in the human fleet.
Painter, Franklin Verzelius Newton. (Author and College Professor.)
If Socialism is what its friends say it is, it should be commended; if it is what its enemies say it is, it should be condemned.
In developing a sense of social obligation, Socialism accomplishes a fine work; but in expecting a thorough human reformation from altered social conditions, it betrays the weakness of illiterate credulity.
In seeking greater justice and equality in economic conditions, Socialism rests on a strong moral basis; but in seeking no more than greater material ease and comfort, it betrays the presence of mortality.
In demanding individual sacrifice for the common good, Socialism emphasizes an important duty; but in totally submerging the individual in society, it is guilty of an ancient wrong.
The truths of Socialism are rapidly finding expression in life and government; its errors will prove its ultimate destruction.
The fundamental defect of Socialism is its materialism; for there is that in man which transcends food and raiment.