Space will not permit me to tell here how this can be done, but I will say that, fortunately, this greatest and most overshadowing of the economic problems that confront humanity is the easiest of all to solve; that, as bankers are the controlling spirits in—or back of—nearly all trusts and combines, settling the money problems will make the solution of all the others easier; that it can be done without wronging anyone, or imposing additional burdens on the people; and that economic and social conditions would improve during the entire process.
But suppose that some of my conclusions may not be correct, does not the experience of the last hundred years prove, beyond controversy, that our banking and financial systems must be radically unsound in some very important particulars? And, if so, should we not insist upon their prompt improvement—or the substitution of better ones?
Every business man knows that, if the banks were required to keep larger reserves always on hand, they would be safer places of deposit. And they are equally well aware that the more real money there is in circulation the more prosperous and happy are the people. And the vitally important question is, not how far or how fast shall we go, but, shall we not begin to move steadily and determinedly in the direction of less danger and more permanent prosperity?
A Leaf From a Protective Tariff Catechism
(OVERHEARD IN A PROTECTIVE KINDERGARTEN)
BY JOEL BENTON
Q. WHAT is Protection?
A. It is placing a duty upon foreign goods, of many kinds, to enable American makers of similar goods who “plead the baby act” to get higher prices for those goods than they otherwise would. It is compelling all the people to pay taxes to a few of the people.
Q. Why is this favor given to the few people?