Historical Newspapers of South Carolina

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? AMERICA GOBS SOCIALISTIC V ' Subject of Addreuu Delivered Over Radio by Henry Savage, Jr. Speaking over WBT Charlotte last Friday afternoon Henry Savage, Jr., Camden attorney, under 'the auspices of the South Carolina Economic Association, made the following address: The prevailing chaotic state of our American polity, the existing ferment in our political economy, and the kaleidoscopic changes induced in our laws and government in recent years, all prompt the question: "Whither are we headed?" It is this question that *1 have attempted to answer in my book, "America (loos Socialistic," recently published by Dovrance and Company of Philadelphia. It is a pleasure to have this opportunity, as part of the educational program of the South Carolina Economic Association, to discuss brietly the subject and conclusions embodied in "America Goes Socialistic." . . This work was conceived and the major portion of it was written before the special session of tho Seventy-third Congress in M^rch, IJ83, began its hectic task of enacting into law the "Npw Deal" program of President Franklin 1). Roosevelt. Since then the very magnitude of that program and the rapidity of the changes in our government's functions have almost blinded us to the fundamentals behind the measures it produced. * However, this recent legislation tells but a part of tho story, and, unless due regard is given the gradual evolution of the government leading up to them, no reliable conclusions can bo deduced. Before the advent of this program that so marty persons consider radical, little or no discussion of our governmental drift towards the left was heard. But with it came suddenly to the mind of every thinking American the question, "Whither? My work represents an attempt to answer that question by means of interpreting our, laws "and- pointing out their social significance. It is my conclusion that upon giving our government's functional changes and legal innovations an unprejudiced analysis from the viewpoint of their social implications, it becomes apparent that the social, political and economic drift in America is, and for the past twenty-five years has been, clearly in the direction of socialism. Although in the United States the Socialist party commands but small recognition as a political factor, its tenets have met a warm reception. The conclusion that America is steadly going socialistic seems unmistakable. My conclusions are based primarily upon the social implications bound up in the contrast between what our government was originally designed to he and what it turned out to be. Back in the eighteenth century leadership in the American Colonies in their dispute with England fell ' - -into the hands of radicals (1776 style.) These radicals supplied us in the Declaration of Independence with, a glorious summary of their political tenets. The key-stone of them was the sanctity given the "self-evident truths" of the right of every individual to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. To them the best government was that government that governed least. Do we still think that? We still frequently say we do, but do we really think so? The answer is evident on every hand. We do not. The question is no longer the eighteenth century one of what the government cannot do. It is rather the twentieth century, what the government can do. The poles of our political thought have changed from negative to positive. While the most sacred concept in the minds of the founders of our government was that of "liberty," that word has long since lost its sanctity. The individual, personal liberty., they worshipped, fought for, gained/ "attempted to preserve through the ? medium of a written constitution, and we ultimately lost* no longer stirs us. To us moderns the word "liberty" has an obsolete ring, and appeals to us now only when it means economic liberty or security. The individual no longer seeks protection from the government. He but seeks the protction of the government. Presently I ftjiall be more specific, but before going further we must be supplied with some definitions of cap's italism and socialism. According to Lord Macauley capitalism holds that: "our rulers will best promote the improvement of the people by strictly confining themselves to their legitimate duties?by leaving capital to find its most lucrative course, commodities their fair price, industry and intelligence their natural reward, id*** folly their natural punishment?by maintaining peace, by do feuding property, by diminishing the price of law, and by observing strict economy in every department of the State." (All of which is a bit ironic to us today in this greatest of capitalistic nations, supposedly.) In fact capitalism is not a system but rather the lack of one. Although difficult of definition, so* cialis/m is frequently defined as a system of government which seeks "the greatest good for the greatest number." The Hrittanica says it "is essentially a doctrfhe and a movement aiming at the collective organization of the community in the interests of the mass of the people by means of the co'mmon ownership and collective control of the means of production and exchange." Which of those definitions do we aspire to today? I/Ot this answer be given by a few facts. " Any extensive free public benellts ai'e"socialistic in essence for they redistribute wealth. A comparatively few wealthy people pay most of the taxes. These taxes ai'e then widely distributed to the masses and in consequence the levelling process is forwarded. The greatest of these free -public benefits are the public schools. Supported by a small minority the public schools place equally at ihe disposal of all members of the masses training of a .high monetary value, U benefit that once had to be purchas-' ed. Moreover, they tend to turn out a uniform citizenry which is the prime requisite of a socialistic state. Of the same nature is our public parks system and public forests. Vast sums are going into their development for the benefit of the public and at the expense of the small taxpaying minority. No longer a'e the public lands fields for capitalistic development. Not only has private acquisition of them Stopped but on the contrary the public is taking land now from private ownership and adding to the public domain. Such handouts as the veteran's compensation which in 1981 ran into ten figures arc fundamentally redistributions 'of wealth by the goyij^iiment. 'If time permitted I might present an almost interminable li.it of free public benefits all with economic levelling inherent in them, but under the circumstances these few examples must suffice. One of the aims of socialism is the acquisition by the government of the important instruments of production. We must therefore regard sallies of the government into business as socialistic in tendency. We have in recent years made a substantial start in this field. The federal government owns ship lines operating on the Ohio and Mississippi rivers and between Panama and the United States; it operates railroads in Alaska and Panama. It competes with savings banks through the Postal savings service, with the country commerical banks in farm financing, with the telegraph companies with air mail, with the express companies with its parcel post, and with power companies with its gigantic power developments. It is reliably reported that the government in Washington is competing with private business in more than 240 instances; The significance *of this lies in the fact that eventually .private enterprise will be driven from any field into which the government enters. : The competition is unequal, and so the government will sooner or later drive out its private competitors. The government business has no taxes to pay while its private competitors are burdened" with taxes, and as the government takes on more'* business enterprises more taxable property becomes tax exempt, increasing the private tax .burden, and thus creating a vicious circle for the ultimate extinction of private business. Also a government business can run. indefinitely at a loss while a private concern cannot and so cannot cut to compete as the public business can. As far as public ownership of business is concerned we are well on our socialistic way. The most patent of our steps towards socialism is that of government regulation of private business. Telegraph, telephone and power companies and banking all seem to be awaiting the same fate. They are all approaching government control. The list of regulated businesses is growing rapidly. The last few months have seen the oil and milk business placed under government regulation. And the "New Deal" brought the N. R. A. which puts practically all business under government regulation. This is supposed to be a temporary measure but there is good reason to doubt that it will ever be removed. Laissez-ifairo is dead. I believe such [things as cut-throat competition, unj regulated wages and hours of labor and overproduction will never be permitted again. Another indication of the approach of socialism Is the size and cost of our government. We have today more than a million public officiate in the federal government alone. ' In all branches of the government it is estimated that there are three million employees. It will take but a change of degree to make us all government employees and realize socialism pure and simple. One-fourth of the national income is now being consumed to support the governments we live under. In other | words on an average we all work ; three months a year for the government. Again it is but a matter of degree until we shall be working all our time for the government. In a socialistic state private property has little of ft* much heralded j sanctity. Lately the pristine sanctity of private property has seen evil days. In the words of President Hoover's Committee on Social Trends "To tho.se who look behind cherished Ehrases to the actualities of current ft* it is clear that not only that economic institutions can be changed,but also that they have been changing during the period covered by this survey of social trends. Private property, for example, is commonly supposed to be one of fixed principles of our policy. But generation by generation the right of a man to do what he will with his own has been curbed by the American people acting through legislators and administrators of their own election." Finally, and of most significance is the vast flood of recent legislation aiming to provide economic security for all?old age pensions, unemployment insurance, minimum wage laws, et cetera. We have come to regard the government as the great provider as the socialists do. The right to a job and living is being claimed or admitted by everyone. This is . the j basic tenet of socialism. Upon those developments and ma- | ny others I cannot touch on today, I base my thesis that America is ; steadily going socialistic. We are tending that way because we. want to go that way. It is the spirit of the times and the answer we are givthe multitudinous problems created by our machine civilization. No one can be blamed. The present administration cannot be blamed even though it has advanced us more rapidly along the road than any preceding administration. The administration is but the medium through which the spirit of the day is being transferred into the government. Laws and governments, are but crystalizations of the pTeva&ng spirit. And moreover it is futile to hark back to an earlier day and call on people to bring it back, as did Mr. Ravenel Sass in a talk at this hour some weeks ago. We must have a government which fits our civilization a"nd reflects the prevailing spirit, or that govemirant cannot stand. We must face tne future, not the past. \ Don't Trifle With Coughs Don't lot th<?m pet a strangle hold. Fight ^erins quickly. Crcotnulsion combines 7 major helps in one. Powerful but harmless. Pleasant to take. No narcotics. Your own druggist is authorized to refund your money on the spot if your cough or cold is not relieved by Creoinulsion. (adv.) BILIOUSNESS R Sour stomach. I And headache I tit! f> it) CONSTIPATION IlalotaLsii TRADE MARK REOa. * ? ' ' / * New Day Visioned For State Farmers (Munition College, Dec. 80.-?"A vary important question is facing tho agriculture of this state as, a result of President Roosevelt's* plans operating through the Agricultural Adjustment Administration," says l?r. Wv VV. Long, director of the Extension . 'Service, "That question is, how best to adapt itself to the new day of farming under the acreage adjustments and keep in harmony with the President's great plans for restoring tho agriculture of the whole' country." s Four factors named by - Dr. Long toward pdapting our farmingJ.o this new day are; More feeds and foods for farm and homo consumption; larger acreages of cover crops for soil improvement; more attention to quality in farm products for market; greater devotion of time and talents toward building up a satisfying life on the farm.. "Since retired acreages on every farm under the contracts for reduction of principal cash crops cannot be used to produce feed and food crops for sale, there will be ample opportunity to produce thereon the foods and feeds that have always been needed but never supplied in sufficient amount," Dr. Long continues. "Without hurting any man's established market, crops to fill those long-standing voids will mean well fed livestock and well fed .folk. "Every barrier real and fancied is now removed from the path that leads to soil improvement through cover crops. With considerable acred D ages being rented by the government at good cash rentals, surely each farmer can now afford to plant thereon something 'for the land's sake.' "Then too, quantity, that rugged bulk without form or reason that kills the market is being chained, and men can pay more honor to quality. Growing quality products gets into the man and builds him up spiritually as well as economically. "Finally, with reduced plantings of money crops that have claimed the lion's share of our time and talents we can give more thought and attention to the things we have always known we should do?things that will lead to a higher degree of sustenance and satisfaction on the farm and in the home. Thus we shall build up a better farm living and a better rural life," Dr. Long concludes. Men's Bible Class Methodist Church Our attendance jumped to thirtyseven last Sunday and besides several of our regular members away. Let us keep up the good work. Dr. Wimberly's teaching is- proving to be an inspiration to all the men who attend. This class should reach a regular at- { tendance of fifty besides' the irregu- j lars or quitters. "Where Did We Get i Our New Testament?" This will be Dr. Wimberly's subject Sunday morning. Thii-subject will cover two messages. The first one will be "Where Did We -Get Our Four Gospels?" Then the following Sunday, "Where Did We Get the Acts and the Epistles?" Let every member bring a new man.?Jack Moore, ^Secretary. Six naval planes will attempt a mass ho pthis month fro mban Francisco to Honolulu. Harry L. Hopkins, federal emergency relief administrator, told newspapermen Friday that congress will be asked for $100,000,000 to carry on direct relief until July. Test Cotton Seed : For Germination Clemson College, S. C., Dee. 30.? Germination tests made on the 193& rotton seed crop show that seed from piany sections of the state are of very poor quality for planting purposes, according to R. W. Hamilton, extension agronomist, who advises that farmers play safe by "having germination tests made. "In view of the necessity for planting a reduced acreage under the 1934 cotton acreage control plan, it is highly important," says Mr. Hamilton, 'for every farmer to be sure that the seed ho does plant are of high quality both in breeding and in germinating power. "The (South Carobyqpa seed law empowers the commissioner of agriculture to make seed germation tests for any farmer asking this service. Mr. J. Roy Jones, Commissioner of Agriculture, Columbia, S. C., has installed modern seed-testing equipment and will be glad to make germination tests on seed samples sent to him," Mr. Hamilton states. Use Good Male Birds To Boost Egg Yields Clemson College, Dec. 18.?"The average production per hen in (South Carolina, according to census figures is about 62 eggs, while demonstration farm records for the past six years show an average production of 143 eggs per hen," says P. H. Gooding, extension poultryman. "This difference of more than seven dozen eggs was accomplished as a direct result of good feeding and management rather than breeding. "Where South Carolina farmers are using males out of high-producir.g hens they are averaging more than 150 eggs per hen per year. This last difference of two to three dozen eggs per hen may be attributed mostly to breeding," asserts Mr. Gooding, who believes that on farms where good breeding, housing and management are being used, another possible source of additional profit on these farms Is through the use of breeding stock with high production possibilities. iSince it is not practical for the average farmer to attempt trapnesting and pedigree breeding, the most practical way to improve- the breeding of the farm flock is with the use of pedigree maleB purchased from a reliable breeder. The plan suggested is: Purchase, a good male from a reliable breeder; select 1& best hens and mate them separately; from this pen save males to be used in thd general flock the following year. This plan has been in operation on a number of South * c ia | I . . ' . , . 4 5= .rrrH-'--; , ! Carolina farms for several years, and i in each case a decided increase is i shown in the annual egg production. * * "T ^ Baron DeKalb School Honor Roll Grade 1.?Marion Young, Nettie Mae Cato, Lizzie Mae Davis, Marjguerite Hilton, Mary Jane Phillips, j Sallie Mae Hunter. Grade 2.?Carolyn Owens, Iveila Workman, Johnny Sowell, Eloise Truesdale, Jessie Lee Roberts, Jewell Horns-by, Nancy Lee Owens, Louise Hearon, Dotty Broome, Tommy Stover, Bennie Spears, L. C. Branham. Grade 3.?Max Rush, Eugene Faulkenberry, Frank Workman, Sam Truesdale, Ada Knight, Viola Horton, Geneva Ray, Margaret McDonald. Grade 4.?Charlie Frost, James Truesdale, Marie Holland, Dorcas Owens, Alzada Roberts. Grade 5.?Nina Young, Cleo Smyrl, , George Jordan, Hoyt Owens, John Mobley. Grade 7.?Ruth McDonald.' Grade 8.?Ann Clarkson, Willie B. McDonald. , Grade 9.?Willie Mae Horton. Poetry To Sell Farm ' y&i An advertiser in the Wichita, Kans., Eagle breaks into verse in broadcasting the attractions of an 80acre farm which he is willing to sell \ for $1,500. Here goes: . Listen neighbor while I tell you Of a farm that you should see r Not a place in thi9 whole country That I think I'd rather be. . This one lays along Fall river, XJot a four room cabin home, Close to school and best of neighbors, Soil's a good black fertile loam. There's alfalfa in the hay loft, Corn and kafir in the bin, With a rat hole in the corner, Patched up with a piece of tin. There is wood to cut for winter. Better take along a gun; Prairie chickens, quail and rabbits, If you want a little fun. Reviewing its efforts to save farm a' ownership for the farmers, the faros credit administration gives figures to show that 1333 mortgage loans will total approximately $215,000,000, ? LOOKING BACKWARD Taken From the Files of The Chronicle Fifteen and Thirty Years Ago 1 L FIFTEEN YEARS AGO January 3, 1919 Richard Ilobson Marsh, of Kershaw, married to Miss Nellie Ann DeBruhl," of Cassatt. Robert Ix?slie Moore, of Lugoflf, is married to Miss Kate Branham, of 1 Blaney. I Stewart W. Pryor, one of South ] Carolina's leading physicians and surgeons, dies of influenza at Chester. | VV. R. Zemp installed as worship! ful master of Kershaw Lodge No. 29. Reginald Halsall, former Camden ! man, dies in New York City where he was a telegraph operator on New York cotton exchange. War department announces killing of four Germans and capture of six others single-handed by Corporal John C. Villepigue, thereby gaining him a distinguished service cross. He himself was wounded in the arm. , Camden Baptist church planning a mortgage burning after paying off the indebtedness on their church. Holly D. Goff, 37, well known Cainden citizen, dies from pneumonia. Emmett J. Smoak, former Postal Telegraph operator at Camden, dies in Charlotte. H. H. King, formerly of Betfrune and Camden, killed when his car crashed near McBride's Cross Roads enroute to his home in Kingstree. James F. Barbee was executed at the Georgia prison Friday for the j murder ol his son-in-law. THIRTY YEARS AGO January 8, 1904 Iroquois theatre in (Chicago destroyed by fire with loss of life of more than 587 in the second net of "Mr. Blue Beard, Jr." H. L. Ledford married to Miss Loma Haile of this city. J. W. Thompson, of Camden, married to Miss Dora Ammons, of West Wateree. Henry Eichel, of Bishopville, married to Miss Sadie Jacobson, of this fy city, at home of David Wolfe. Dwelling house and store-house of J. J. Sutton, 77-year-old; veteran, of near Etlaney, destroyed by fire. General John B. Gordon critically ill at his home near Miami ,Fla. First snow of the season fell Mon- o day night but quickly melted. W. W. McCutcheon, former Seaboard agent at Camden, died of pneumonia at Lincolnton, N. C. Kershaw Shannon goes to Jefferson, in Chesterfield county, to enter hardware business. Pretty residence of P. T. Villepigue on north fLyttleton street completely destroyed by fire with family barely escaping with scant wearing apparel. Barn and stables of Robert C. Johnson, in Kirkwood, destroyed by fire. W. A. Schrock, Sr., announces he will begin publication of third paper for Camden, called "The People.".; M iss Etta Jacobson and Julius Ja cobson, of Atlanta, here to attend wedding of their sister. ^ y . ' . ' 'SSj HOW WOULD lYour Boy Like W 'O j A - 1 FREE VACATION WITH v* . ? ? " i?sse 1 " - " ' .A;. ' - ' ' . s It A UK IE I III At the Babe's Training Camp? Imagine bping Babe's personal guest, staying at his v0 hotel, eating at his training table, meeting all the big league players, practicing jvith them at the park, being photographed with them, and wearing a special bigleague sweater and cap!!! " j * ; to . ' ' THIS DREAM WILL COME TRUE FOR 50 BOYS ' 4 . ' ' . . . BABE HIMSELF WILL TELL HOW OVER WBT Charlotte and WIS Columbia 5:45 P. M. /' ' .7 . ' v V - : . . . . ; V . : . 'V. ;' ; Every Mon., Wed., FrI. . 3900 OTHER PRIZES AND LOADS OF ENTERTAINMENT IN "BAKE HUTU KOYS f LI ?" A New (cSSO) Program > O' ^^*TATfow * ? a - " . ' ' ? : .