WHAT DO THESE THINGS MEATS?

Gisborne Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 3687, 23 November 1912, Page 8

WHAT DO THESE THINGS MEATS ?

' (to the editor.) Sir, —Intelligent jioople everywhere urn alarmed at the outlook of the -world to-day. This is an age of unparalleled discovery and progress. But this has not brought the muchdesired reign of contentment and peace. A' reeling of unrest, distrust, and insecurity is widespread. Beneath tlie suriace titanic forces are gathering, preparing to disrupt the very pillars oi society and overturn tho seemingly stable Governments of the world. In view of all this, the question naturally arises. “What do these things mean?” All know how the strife between capital and labor has been brought about. Had capital been willing to share with Labor the profits accruing—in short, had they gyved their neighbors as themselves — there would to-day be no conflict be■tween capital and labor, and no cry of'tho laborer against the rich. An almost insane desire is abroad to accumulate wealth, not by the old-fash-ioned method of industry and economy, but by tlm short roads of speculation, trust- , combines, cornering of markets and ‘ oppression/- But the trouble is net alone with the ricli. On the other hand the laboring men are becoming more and more dissatisfied with their conditions. The forces of banded capital have been confronted with the forces of organised toil. Anil In many instances the same spirit of selfishness and oppression are manifested by the laboring men as by the rich. For years all over the world there has been a continuous and increasing cry of hard times caused by the scarcity of money, while tv: .1 matter of fact there has been more money in the world than ever before. The trouble is not because money is scarce, but because it is hoarded Frequently it is said

that capital is shy, and will not venture forth when there is so much disturbance and .such an unsettled state of affairs generally. But if it were •only sent forth and expended in legitimate trade, honest remuneration, and beneficial enterprises, instead of being hoarded -or .spent in selfish indulgence and wantenness, there would ■he no such disturbances and unsettled condition of affairs. Our age alone fits the prophetic mould.—l am, etc., J. PERRY.