A B C of modern socialism

5

backed by a myriad shareholders, are reasonably satisfied; what surprises a growing number of us is the smooth complacency of the conventional forces that now determine Labour policy. They rise in their wrath at the mention of Spain or China; with easy indifference, they evade the vital issue. Like Hosea Biglow, they “‘do believe in liberty as far away as Paris is.”

Without appearing unduly intrusive, might we gently ask our revered leaders if the time is not ripe to examine the wage system, not only as an ethical outrage, but as a practical failure? Some future critic will certainly inquire why these “practical” Labour statesmen, with wage problems thrust under their noses every hour of the working day, never once stopped to find out the true inwardness of wagery. Our critic will probably remark that they snufied it into their nostrils like tobacco smoke.

Blocking the Way

The case for wage abolition was successfully argued before the Great War; an event of profound importance has occurred since the War which clinches the argument beyond cavil—the definite conquest of economic scarcity. For the purpose of wealth production there is now no lack of material, animate or inanimate. Within reason, every human need can be satisfied. Yet the road to plenty remains blocked.

What is this sinister obstacle?

The persistent claims of private interests to prior rights over the public welfare.