The demands of complete Socialism are too radical for this crisis or for any single movement. Masses of men can be moved only so far at any one time; and revolutions are no exception to this universal rule. To attempt more is to cause reaction and loss.
Christian Government would accept the possible while striving for the Christ ideal of perfection.
Nearly all revolutions have resulted in war and we believe that complete Socialism for this crisis would be no exception to that rule.
The Christian and moral sentiment of the nation is now sufficiently strong, if aroused and united, to accomplish its work by the moral power of the ballot without resorting to war.
What measures do we propose for the present crisis, and what remedies do we suggest for existing evils?
American society may be roughly divided into three great classes: A small, wealthy class at the top; a great mass of laborers at the bottom; and a medium Christian and moral class in the middle. The church middle class thus holds the balance of power, and is responsible for safe leadership and moral results.
The Christian and moral forces of the nation must now be organized into a moral society for the express purpose of leading this reform movement and developing Christian Government.
At the outset of our organization we need consider only those remedial measures to which all research and all demands are now pointing; and our specialty as a society is to urge and aid the careful testing of the best means of relief from a dangerous condition, and also to aid in fullest adoption and application of measures approved after trial. The key phrases or watch words for our organization are these: “Thorough Testing” and “The Common Good.”
We favor a fair and safe trial of municipal and other Public Ownership, as it seems to be in harmony with the destiny of our country and the spirit of the age.
State incorporation having been tested and found wanting, we urge national incorporation instead, including reasonable restrictions, and also liability to forfeiture if lawless.