DE <: E l\'IIlE n 1954 50¢

The Vigilantes of Beverly Hills Morrie Rvskind .J

Progressive Ed.ucation Undermined China Dr. Kao Ch,it~n

Jefferson Revisits America Thaddeus Ashby Why Don't You Make Savings Safe by returning to the GOLD COIN STANDARD?

IRREDEEMABLE currency - despite warnings from For twenty years the previous administration wise economists - was established by the govern­ held this power away from the people. During that ment in 1933. Since then the thrifty have been period the value of the dollar has been driven down robbed of up to 60% of the value of their savings and down by incredible government policies financed ... bank deposits, insurance, annuities, pensions, by a flood of fiat currency. government bonds, and social security. In strong contrast to the dollar's descending value The Federal administration, elected November has been the increasing productivity fostered by 1952, promised sensible economics and sound money. American industry. As an example, Kennametal­ The best way to fulfill these promises is by enact­ as a tool material, has tripled the output potential ment of the Gold Coin Standard.* The best time to of the metal-working industries, and has sped ex­ do it is now. traction of coal and other essential minerals. The public must again be given control over the But-increased industrial productivity could not government's purse strings ... must be able to ex­ alone make up for the dollar's deficiency. Prices press lack of confidence in government policy, if have skyrocketed ... pensioners are becoming pau­ necessary, by redeeming their currency for gold pers ... money in the bank is almost meaningless. coin. The Republican Party has stated its aim to be ... a dollar on a fully convertible gold basis. \iVhy wait? Excerpt from Republican If it's a good idea later-it's a wonderful idea today HMonetary Policyll Plank -for it will prevent further damaging consequences of an irredeemable money system. The return of sound. money - in addition to se­ curing the value of personal savings - will guaran­ tee stability of commercial assets - which will en­ courage American industry, of which Kennametal Inc. is a key enterprise-to create better things, for more people, at less real cost. We must resume without devaluation or delay.

*The right to redeem currency for gold will help keep America free ... ask your Senators and Congressman to work and vote to restore the Gold Coin Standard. Write to The Gold Standard league, latrobe, Po., for further information. The league is an association of patriotic citizens joined in the common cause of restoring a sound monetory system. WORLD'S LARGEST Independent Manufacturer Whose Facilities are Devoted Exclusively to Processing and Application of CEMENTED CARBIDES Clean chemical treatment lengthens life of lumber

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SERVING INDUSTRY... WHICH SERVES MANKIND THB A Monthly Pros, Semi-Pros, Amateurs

For Take the case of ROBERT R. LENT. As far as I know, he never published an article in his life. reeman Libertarians In the course of a conversation he told me about his ex.periences in the Air Force with Editor FRANK CHODOROV scientific personnel. "Can you write?" I asked. Business Manager JAMES M. ROGERS "No." "Good. Just write out what you have been saying and send your script to me." He's a full-fledged amateur, but he knew ahout some­ thing-which is the first requirement of a writer-and that something was wor,th telling. Contents VOL. 5, N'O. 6 D,ECEIMBER 1954 I like amateurs. If they work at it, they become professionals, and the cause of liber­ tarianism is badly in need of professional writers. Like, for instance, MORRIE RYSKIND, the Editorials author of Of Thee I Sing and other plays and From Christmas to Christmas 205 movies. In his metier, satire, he's tops, having got there by dint of hard work, even though he The Sovereign Incompetent 0 •••••••• 0 • 0 '0 0 o. 206 may have acquired a penchant for satire by Political Smog 0 ••• 0 •• 0 ••••• 0 0 0 • 0 • •• 206 way of the um,bilical cord. When you get a Politics Versus Economics 0 •••••• 000 •••••••• 0 •••• 0'0 207 piece from him, or any professional, you have A Prediction 0 0 •• 0 0 •• 0 • 0 •••••••••• 0 •• 0 ••••••• 0 ••• 0 • 20-7 little editing to do; he knows what you want and don't want, and writes accordingly. The emergence of the professional from the Articles amateur ranks is largely, I think, a matter of learning what to leave out. The beginner is

The Vigilant'es of Beverly Hills ... 0 0 0 MORRIE RYSKIND 210 inclined to throw into his piece everything he

For Whom the N.e.C. Speaks. 0 0 .REV. EDMUND A. OPITZ 213 knows, to the disadvantage of the point he is Progressive Education Undermined China making and to the distraction of the reader. DR. KAO CHIEN 216 THADDEUS ASHBY told me a few weeks ago that he hasn't as yet mastered the art of omission, The Soviet Psychosis 0 0 JEROME LANDFIELD 219 but he is coming along fast. I expect great A Note on the Oppenheimer Case . 0 •••• ROBERTR. LENT 221 things from him, because he has imagination Prosperity by Procreation o. 0 ••••••••• F. A. HARPER 223 and industry. At present he is on the staff of Jefferson Revisits America .. 0 ••• 0 0 •• THADDEUS ASHBY 226 Faith and Freedom. I don't know anybody who has as thorough an understanding of libertarianism as my friend Books F. A. HARPER. In fact, he knows too much. When he has finally rid himself of the academic A Reviewer's Notebook JOHN CHAMBERLAIN 230 curse, he will take his place high among the Preface to a New Politics REV. EDMUND A. OPITZ 232 professionals. Civilized Conversation WILLIAM S. SCHLAMM 233 MacArthur: New American Saga DR. KAO CHIEN was a professor at Canton University and editor of the magazine Wen­ Glorious Decade 0 0 0 0 0 0 00. IRENE CORBALLY KUHN 234 Tsao when "progressive" education infiltrated Living History 0 •••••••••••• BONNER FELLERS 235 the Chinese culture and rendered it vulnerable D~layed Our H-Bomb 0 WILLIAM HENRY CHAMBERLIN 236 to communism.

Student in Red China 0 0 • 0 0 ••• 0 0 0 • GERALDINE FITCH 236 JEROME LANDFIELD, retired engineer and Africa: Two Views of Its Problems 0 MAX YERGAN 237 editor, spent many years in Russia (for a while Well Worth Reading .. 0 •• 0 0 0 0 •• 0 • • • • • • • • • •• ••••••• 238 a prisoner of the OGPU), and was instrumental in preventing, up to 1932, American recognition Washington, D. C. . FRANK C. HANIGHEN 208 of the Soviet Union. Our reviewers of the two books on General Readers Also Write 0 • • • • •• 202 MacArthur are particularly qualified for this assignme'nt. IRENE CORBALLYKUHN, who knows the Far East well, collaborated with Father THE FREE:M4.N is published monthly. Publication Office, Orange, Conn. Editorial and Raymond de Jaegher on The Enemy Within. General Offices, Irvington-on-Hudson, N.Y. Copyrighted in the United States, 1954, BRIG. GEN. BONNER FELLERS served on General by The Irvington Press, Inc. Leonard E. Read, President; Fred Rogers Fairchild, Vice President; Claude Robinson, Secretary; Lawrence Fertig, Treasurer; Henry Hazlitt MacArthur's staff for six years. and Leo Wolman. Entered as second class matter at the Post Office at Orange, Conn. Rates: Fifty cents the copy; five dollars a year in the United States; nine dollars for two years. , The FREEMAN is devoted to the promul­ The editors cannot be responsible for unsolicited manuscripts unless return postage or better, a stamped, self-addressed envelope is enclosed. Manuscripts must be typed gation of the libertarian philosophy: the double-spaced. free market place, limited government and Articles signed with a name, pseudonym or initials do not necessarily represent the opinion of the editors. the dignity of the individual. Printed in U.S.A. by Wilson H. Lee Co., Orange, Conn. Keeping America on the GO.. .with ITIMKEN®\ Tapered Roller Bearings

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HE farmer of fifty years How can these machines do we make their dimensions and Tago spared neither his horses so much so easily? surfaces microscopically cor­ nor himself. Yet, compared to One reason is the Timken® rect. And we make the steel our­ the farmer of 1954, he had tapered roller bearings on selves to further insure quality amazingly little to show for it which the wheels and shafts every step of the way. No other after a full day's work. turn. They roll the load to save U. S. bearing maker does. Today's farmer plows 5 times power from beinglostto friction. I t all helps keep those farm faster than the old-timers. He They reduce wear. They save machines on the go. So farm cuts hay 12 times faster. He farmers moneybylastingaslong machinery makers' first choice is picks 1,000 bushels of corn in as the machines themselves. In Timken tapered roller bearings. the time it used to take for 75. terms of performance, they cost The Timken r------, For today's farmer has a new less than any other bearings. Roller Bear- ~ kind of hired hand; machines. Timken bearings virtually ingCompany, e ~n: Steel monsters that plow, sow, eliminate friction because they Canton 6, _ ~ harvest, and do a thousand other are designed to roll true. They Ohio. Cable: \/ - man-killing jobs with ease! live up to their design because CCTIMROSCO" Timken bearings on traclor axle

Only ITIMKEN®I bearings roll so true, have such quality thru-&-thru ican books after 1950, yet the State Department included only his com­ Atripyou11 munistic works, to the number of six­ eader.,s teen, in fifty-one of its overseas always remember also wrrl:-e' libraries, Mr. Hughes ci,ted The First Book of Negroes as an indication of • his present anticommunist attitude... II-' R a traIn History ,Being Repeated His testimony should be considered May we commend you for the Septem­ in deciding whether the Girl Scout you11 ,never forget ber editorial, "The Return of 1940?" endorsement of that book in 1953 As the front-page columnist of a local deserves to be condemned. newspaper for several years prior to Brighton, Mass. CHARLES E. RICE our entry into World War Two, I argued for peace, for isolation, for a Literary '~Come·on" strong America. I warned of the con­ sequences, which you outlined as now After reading John Chamberlain's afflicting our land. reprinted revie,w of Essays on Liberty: In the beginning I was supported by Volume II (October), I, who am lucky the big capitalists because of my enough to be on the Foundation for criticisms of the creeping socialism Economic Education's mailing list, dis­ of the New Deal. ... But their ap­ agree with his suggestion to introduce pIause lessened as the rumblings of bits of literary come-ons to woo the war grew louder, as they realized that reader. Let Mr. Read and his staff re­ booming prosperity and huge profits tain at all costs their "doctrinal pur­ could be obtained only through con­ ity," and others like me will feel as flict.... It was the same with our though we have been graduated to a local Communists and radicals. They true institute of higher learning. The backed me in my pleas for peace while higher the literary level, the finer are Germany and Soviet Russia were allies. the standards it sets. What better They became interventionists when the clarion call could there be to a world two nations split. .. sunk deep in the morass of moral Peace was a lost cause. So was debasement? The seemingly unattain­ Americanism and those who sincerely able offers the greatest challenge. fought for it. I was fired. Santa Ana, Cal. PEGGY K. WALKER Now, as you wrote, the tragic history is being repeated. ... As you realize, "Glittering Generalities" a third major conflict will spell the end of the American Republic, just Frankly, I have been disappointed with as bureaucracy and big government the FREEMAN since it has become a are destroying democracy and freedom monthly publication; the crisp, fresh at home. style that was once so much a part of your magazine seems now lacking. Miami, Fla. H. BOND BLISS Glittering generalities concerning af­ fairs in the United States and abroad Langston Hughes' Testimony will' not win the fight that we know I wish to commend Marion Murphy, must be won if our nation is to survive author of "And the Right Shall Tri­ in its present form.... Why not more umph" (October) for her able and forceful articles in support of the Super forthright chronicle of the left-wing Bricker Amendment, or in defense of infiltra,tion into the Girl Scout move­ congressional investigations exposing ment. However, I feel that certain facts Reds? ... must be mentioned to keep the record New Rochelle, N.Y. ARTHUR V. PARETE straight. , ief Miss Murphy states that Robert Le Fevre criticized the Girl Scout organ­ The ,Case Against War ization for its 1953 endorsement of William S. Schlamm (November) made ••• your carefree ride through The First Book of Negroes by Langston out the best case possible for war. the colorful Southwest Indian Hughes. Mr. Hughes, as the article After Frank Chodorov had finished his correctly stated, was a leader in the rebuttal, there wasn't much left on the Country on the Super Chief • •• communist movement, and did write opposition side. And as usual, Albert only train in the world the poem "Goodbye, Christ," as well as Jay Nock has the last word. Said that others of similar vein. However, on revered libertarian: with a private dining room .•• March 26, 1953, Mr. Hughes testified "This matter of national defense Daily departures from before Senator McCarthy and his would take on an entirely different aspect if people could be brought to Chicago and Los Angeles. Permanent Subcommittee· on Inves,tiga­ tions, and gave a rather convincing understand that the only government account of his disillusionment with, they need to defend themselves against and defection from the Communist con­ is their own government, and that the jIl. I] . spiracy. ... 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DECEMBER 1 9 5 4

From Christmas to Christmas

HRIST brought to a dispirited world the doc­ label on the world to which Christ came, or the one trine of human dignity. He spoke to men in which we live. Rather, to phrase the smallest C whose worth to themselves had dropped to detail of that ideal it is necessary to draw upon our the cost of keeping alive, and He spoke of self­ imagination for its opposite. esteem. Only a few listened; only a remnant under­ ",On earth as it is in Heaven." Whatever Heaven stood. When the scope of human aspirations is connotes to the theologian, to the layman it spells foreshortened by continued frustration, and the the highest aspiration of the human spirit-which primary instinct of living becomes the purpose of is Freedom. Can a Heaven which embraces slavery, life, he who seeks to awaken hope speaks a strange ec<>nomic or political, have meaning? It is fantastic, and disturbing language. It was to men who had blasphemous, if you will, to speak of Heaven-on­ made adjustment with existence that Christ spoke, earth as a place where one man must pay another and they heard Him not. for the privilege of living. The price of the political State came high. Its Then, again, are the standards of eternal life ally, the predatory priesthood, took its cut of pro­ fixed by monopoly exactions? Is there a tax on duction, and the remaining wage was at the sub­ immortality? Do soul-bureaucrats hound the spirits sistence level. Pharisaism, which is the art of ra­ into collectivized subservi1ence? Or rather, do we tionalizing untruth, called upon the ,Highest to bear not think of Heaven-on-earth as an existence false witness for tithes and taxes, and upon that wherein every man may do that which he will, pro­ testimony the individual made peace with the ver­ vidad he infringe not on the equal right of every dict of his worthlessness. Being without soul, even other man? the solace of salvation was denied the Samaritan and the M'agdalene. He who brought this message of Justice and To this offal of the social order Christ brought Freedom to a world from which Freedom and the doctrine of the dignity of the individual. And Justice had been banished by Avarice and Power what is the p~emise of this doctrine? That in the was crucified. It is to man's everlasting sorrow and eternal scheme of things human existence is the disgrace that the message itself all but died with only reality: therefore, in God's reckoning no per­ Him. For not once during these nineteen centuries son is beneath notice and esteem. "The very hairs has man been free from involuntary poverty, from of your head are all numbered." oppression, from war. Always the dignity of the person is whittled away by the ruthlessness of a Nor did He leave that thought in a doctrinal self-seeking few, aided and abetted by the prevail­ vacuum, but He implemented it with a promise: the ing Pharisaism. Currently, it is the subtle soporific immediacy of the Kingdom of God-on earth as it of socialism. And yet, though privilege and its is in Heaven. "It is your Father's wish to give you political satellites will do their utmost to emasculate the kingdom." the highest of moral values, to twist elemental truth And in that kingdom, that social order which into its opposite, to obscure light with planned ig­ approximates our concept of the perfect, what must norance, the human spirit cannot be forever stilled be the rule of human relations? Is it not that nor its hope forever denied. The spark that is Man justice shall have its turn, that the reign of legal­ cannot be extinguished. ized injustice by which man is robbed of his prod­ To those to whom the ways of Justice and the ucts and his self-esteem shall be no more? And that means of Freedom are known, the meaning of the the inequalities which stem from this injustice shall Christ-promise is clear. And every day, from Christ­ disappear? For the first shall be last. mas to Christmas, they rededicate thEimselves, be­ Is that reading revolution into the Christ­ cause they cannot do otherwise, to the struggle for promise? Yet, not even the most ardent apologists the"attainment of man's greatest ideal-the King­ for things as they are dare put the Heaven-on-earth dom of Heaven on earth.

DECEMBER 1954 205 How does he [the politician or do-gooder] regard The Sovereign Incompetent the people when a legislator is to be chosen? Ah, then it is claimed that the people have a instinctive wisdom; they are gifted with the finest perception; HEN YOU voted last month, you assumed the their will is always right; the ge'neral will cannot Wresponsibility of American citizenship. You err; voting cannot be too universal. loaned the sovereignty which resides in you to When it is time to vote, apparently the voter your chosen agent for a designated period, and is not to be asked for any guarantee of his wisdom. ordered him to use it to manage the affairs of the His will and capacity to choose wisely are taken community. It is a loan, not a transference of for granted. Can the people be mistake'n? Are we not living in an age of enlightenment? What! Are sovereignty, according to the American doctrine, the people always to. be kept on leashes? Have and you are the final judge of whether the trust they not won their rights by great effort and was faithfully executed. sacrifice? Have they not given ample proof of That is, you are a citizen, not a subject. A their intelligence and wisdom? Are they not adults? Are they not capable of judging for themselves? subject owes allegiance to a ruler, who is pre­ Is there a class or a man who would be so bold as sumed to be endowed with the special gift of to set himself above the people, and judge and act rulership. A citiz,en, on the other hand, owes al­ for them? No, no, the people are and should be legiance to his conscience, and in this country his free. They desire to manage their own affairs, and conscience is ,presumed to be guided by the prin­ they shall do so. ciples of government embodied in our Constitution. But when the legislator is finally elected-ah! During the campaign, all the candidates iterated Then indeed does the tone of his speech undergo a and reiterated the dignity of the sovereign citizen. radical change. The people are returned to passive­ ness, inertness a'nd unconsciousness; the legislator Not one of them even hinted that the citizen gives enters into omnipotence. Now it is for him to up any of his independence in voting, or rids him­ initiate, to direct, to propel and to organize. Man­ self of the responsibilities that freedom of choice kind has only to submit; the hour of despotism imposes on hi'm. Each of the candidates, rather, has struck. We now observe ,this fatal idea: the people who, during the election, were so wise, so begged for the suffrage of the citizenry on the moral, so perfect, now have no tendencies what­ ground that he was best qualified to carry out their ever; or if they have any, they are tendencies that will and their purpose. lead downward into degradation.

'The day after election, this relationship between the citizen and the successful candidate changes. The elected official now assumes that the sovereign Political Smog citizen is in fact his ward, somebody to take care of because he is incapable of taking care of him­ OR WEEKS that peculiar atmospheric' condition self. He is now a child, or perhaps an imbecile, F popularly known as "smog" had settled on Los who must be protected against the consequences of Angeles, and the eye-irritation it causes was; be­ his inade:quacy. He must be compelled to "save" ginning to make life in the city quite a chore. for his old age because he is incapable during his Following the usual A'merican pattern, a number years of productivity to look ahead; he must be of citizens got up a "protest committee," meetings provided with a "minimum" wage because he cannot were held and the politicians were memorialized. cope with the competitive conditions of the market Chemists who have been studying the problem place; since he hasn't sense enough to look after have not yet come up with a solution, but it is his health, or the education of his children, or to generally believed that smoke mixed with fog is at market his skills, or to provide shelter for his the bottom of the annoyance. !Therefore, when the fa'mily, or to successfully manage his business with­ governor of the state received the call from the out subsidies, it is incumbent on the chosen agent up-in-arms citizenry, he wrote the five oil re­ to nurse, succor and guide this erstwhile sovereign fineries in the city to please shut down their citizen through the vicissitudes of life. plants for a week to learn whether the smoke from In short, the citizen who before election was their stacks is the culprit. For good and sufficient deemed capable of deciding on the affairs of state political reasons, he suggested that the re,fineries becomes helpless and incompetent immediately after pay wages during the experimental shutdown. he has maae this momentous decision. He must be Most of the adults in Los Angeles smoke. Possibly done "good" to. the volume from cigarettes, cigars and pipes equals This before-and-after-election contradiction is or exceeds that from the re,finery smokestacks, but not a new or purely American phenomenon, al­ it never occurred to the governor to suggest to though it is true that it has become more pro­ the citizenry that they suspend their smoking nounced since the advent of New Dealism. In 1850, habits for a week. Why? Frederic Bastiat, a French legislator, phrased it The senatorial candidate got himself into the as follows in his famous monogr~ph, The Law:1 papers by announcing that he had wired the Presi­ dent of the United States to come to the aid of 1 The Foundation for Economic Education, Irvington-an-Hudson, N. Y. 76 pp. $.65 Los Angeles, and that dignitary replied that he

206 THE FREEMAN would put the Department of the Interior on the Taxation has nothing to do with how producers job immediately. Even a candidate for the state (not poHticians) make a living; and after you legislature fervently promised to heal the eyes of have mentioned the fact that taxes deprive the Los Angeles-if she were elected. producer of some of his purchasing power, you 'The ardor of these politicos is understandable. have said all that economics should say about The annoying "smog" came upon Los Angeles dur­ it; but since so much of this depletion of pur­ ing the month before election, and it would have chasing power is going on, your economics text­ been quite out of character for them to say frankly books deem it necessary to devote chapters to the that until the 'Chemists learned the cause of "smog" subject of taxation. And the more the govern­ the citizens would have to suffer. Such honesty and ment clutters up the market with regulations, decency in a politician is not to be expected. restrictions and subventions, the more the study But the disheartening thing about the furor is the of economics becomes involved with politics, and childish faith that Americans have in the power the student never knows whether he is studying of politics to cure their ills. In what way is this the one or the other. faith different from that of primitive people in It is no wonder that modern books of economics their medicine men? deal with the subject as if it were a branch of political science, which is not a science at all, but rather a hodgepodge of interventions. Faced with the fact that these interventions are riveted into the market, the writers of the textbooks have Politics versus Economics given up on the possibility of a free and healthy FRIEND of the FREEMAN complains that too market, and concern themselves with explaining an A much space in it is devoted to political sub­ economy comI'>letely dominated by politics. Indeed, jects, too little to economics. ,As an organ of liber­ most of the textbooks which the students are tarianism, he maintains, the publication should compelled to read are devoted to justifying and regularly spell out the operations and virtues of applauding the interventions; the professors who the free market. write them are like doctors who accept cancer as a If we were to follow this advice to the letter, I natural condition of life and advise their patients am afraid we would soon run out of material and to make the best of it. would have to close up shop. For all that can be The FREEMAN is dedicated to the proposition that said of the economics of the free market could be a sound economy is one that is free of politics; put into a medium-sized pamphlet. After you have it looks upon the invasion of politics into the described how men, operating under their own market as a disease. But it is compelled by the , steam and rwithout hindrance, go about the making ubiquity of the disease to be harping on politics of a living, you have covered the subject completely. to the apparent exclusion of economics. What else You don't need a long-winded textbook to explain can it do in the circumstances? the conditions which govern the swapping of tops for 'marbles-which is a free market operation­ and you don't need charts, graphs and calculus to describe the way in which men go about improving A Prediction their circumstances. The free market is a natural mechanism, and the economics of it are simple. HE CONGRESS which begins its two-year term ,Only the sick know how healthy they are, said T next month will not reduce the public payroll Carlyle, and it's the same way with freedom; men by a single dollar, nor will it abolish a single gov­ never think about it until they lose it, and then ernmental agency or subdivision thereof (unless they write books about it and invent theories to the personnel are transferred to an existing or e~plain what it is. We study economics only be­ new agency), nor curtail the squandering of tax cause the free and healthy market is interfered money either at home or abroad, nor discontinue with. The interferences with the operation of deficit spending or attempt to balance the budget, the free market are all political, and so economics nor retard inflation, nor reduce the tax-burden of becomes the study of the monkey wrenches that the nation. have 'been thrown into the machinery. On the positive side, this Congress, like those before it, will grant the Executive further power For instance, right now a good deal of economic to intervene in the private business of the nation, writing is devoted to the subject of inflation. and to limit the personal liberty of the people, and But inflation is si1mply legalized counterfeiting, to extend our involvement in foreign entanglements, no different in essence from robbery. It has nothing and to further undermine the authority of the to do with the study of the production and dis­ states; and will hy legislation further weaken tribution of wealth, which are the proper subjects the Legislative branch of the government, to the of the science of economics, and it ought to be greater power and glory of the Bureaucracy. relegated to a department of political criminology. Wanna bet?

DECEMBER 1954 207 , .c RANK. C.HANIGHEN

Some day some one-maybe it will be John T. Joe McCarthy, not the President's popularity, was Flynn-will write a book entitled The Eisenhower a probable reason for the only victory among the Myth. 'The author might have as his climactic chap­ four solicited by the President on his "whirlwind" ter the 'election campaign of 1954. For, in the recent tour. polling, the asserted overwhelming popularity of And Colorado-where the President spent most the President received a staggering blow (or, at of his time? The Republican candidate for Senator leas,t, should have-for the prevailing pres,s thought­ unexpectedly defeated the Democratic candidate, control apparatus seems intent on proving the whole John Carroll. Dispatches from that state believe outcome a great personal success for Eisenhower). that it was Vice rPresident Nixon's last-minute N'ever before in recent American history has a visit to Denver and his strong attack on Carroll President gone so far in staking his personal rep­ for 'being "soft" to communism that defeated the utation on an off-year election, and never has one Democrat. ~Eisenhower ,said nothing whatever about suffered such a reverse. Under IPresident William this during his prolonged sojourn there. Howard Taft in 1910, the Republicans lost the House of Representatives, but they retained the The loss of the Senate is all the more striking Senate. Under Woodrow Wilson in 1918, the ruling because of a parliamentary situation which is well­ Democrats lost both Houses; but Wilson's only ef­ known to the professional politicians. but little fort to obtain a Democratic Congress was one realized by most of the people. This was the year statement. Hoover (often classified by "liberal" when Republicans hoped not merely to retain con­ columnists as the perfect symbol of IGOP defeat) trol of the Sena1te, but also to pile up a consider­ found at the end of the 1930 election that both able margin of Senate seats. One third of the Houses still had Republican majorities; the lower Senate membership is up for election every two House was organized by the Democrats some year,s. In some election years, most of the seats months later, after deaths and by-elections had under contest are Democratic, in other years wiped out the GOP majority. 'Truman lost both Republican. This year a large number of seats held houses in 1946; but in 1950 he campaigned for a by D'emocrats, in the 'North, were at stake. Hence Democratic Congress, and won. theG'OIP had legitimate confidence before the For retention of the Senate, Eisenhower made a campaign that they would increase their majority three-day "whirlwind" tour by airplane, making in the Upper House. We recall how, early in 1953, speeches in four states for election or re-election Senator Taft, the majority leader of his party in of Republican candidates: Senator Homer Ferguson the Senate, talked extensively to colleagues about of :Michigan; Senator John ,Sherman Cooper of what he thought would be certain gains. The result, Kentucky; candidate George H. Bender of 'Ohio, as we now 'see, is quit'e the contrary. and candidate Herbert B. Warburton of Delaware. 'This situation assumes an even more worri.some Three of these----,Ferguson, Cooper and Warburton shape for the 'GOP when it is realized that in 1956 -were beaten by their Democratic opponents. One (when again one third of the Senate seats are at -Bender of Ohio-got in by approximately 6,000 stake), the cards will be stacked against the Re­ majority. But few maintain that this victory re­ publicans. This year 21 Democratic Senate seats sulted from Eisenhower's half-hour stop in Cleve­ were in contest, and only 11 Republican; in 1956, land. 'The cause seems to ,be quite different. Two 16 Republican seats, 15 D,emocratic and one inde­ weeks before the 'election, Senator Burke, Bender's pendent (figures-Congressional Directory, 1954). Democratic opponent, announced that he would Hence there seems a diminished chance of Republi­ vote for the censure of Senator M0Carthy. At the cans regaining control in that year. time, the GOP national headquarters expert on Nor is that all. The President also went to New Ohio estimated that this statement would cost York and Pennsylvania, after urgent requests for Burke 100,000 votes in the urban areas. -Even the help from worried GOP leader's. Despite Eisen­ New York Times reported the unfavorable effects hower's intervention, the Democrats won both gov­ of Burke's statement on this vote. In short, ernorship.s in these states and, in addition, defeated

208 THE FREEMAN GOP Governor Lodge in Connecticut. (Last year, "popularity," who have played closely with the the Democrats won the State House in N'ew Jersey.) "liberals" in the White House entourage of the It is time to recall that it was the heavy delegate President and who helped to create the split in the votes of the powerful GOP machines of these four party over McCarthy. If Republican papers and states which defeated Senator Taft at the conven­ party functionaries fail to recognize the facts and tion in Chicago in 1952 and won the nomination for if they fall for the "liberal" line, disaster in 1956 Eisenhower. Within the party, as well as throughout looms. the country, the ,Eisenhower reverse is manifest. And the election outcome carries a serious portent. One election outcome touched off much discussion Control of these 'State houses in the next two years among the professional political brethren in Wash­ will give the Democrats a great advantage in ington-the announcement that a Democratic Gov­ preparations for the Presidential battle in 1956. ernor had been elected in New York. The im­ lOne ray of light for the Republicans comes from portance of New York bulks large in the political the West. Cons'ervative Republican Governor Good­ celebrations. Observers here know full well that the win Knight won a big victory for re-election in great political machine of the Empire State will California. (Knight recently refused to ma~e United nominate the candidate and probably bring about Nations Day a state holiday. Eisenhower backed his election. One thing is not forgotten by the GOP U. N. Day.) Knight's victory is also one over the national headquarters-that no Republican has ever "liberals" in the state GOP, over both Nixon and been elected President without New York's elec­ Warren factions of the party. Indeed, not only in toral vot,e. No politico forgets that New York's 45 California, but in the West generally lies the hope electoral votes are cast as a bloc. of the G'OP. No wonder that Governor J. Bracken These facts are recalled at the opening of this Lee of Utah, on the morrow of the election, noted last session of the outgoing Congress, as Senator Knight's victory and said that Republican thinking Karl Mundt of South Dakota comes back from his about 1956 will have to take into account what state. It is said that Mundt will lose no time in happened in this pivotal s,tate. Finally, the rather pushing his favorite measure, called the Mundt­ noticeable suppor,t retained by GOP candidates in Coudert Amendment, which would reform the elec­ the Wes1tern farming areas (not awarded Presiden­ toral college. 'The proposal requires that each Pres­ tial help or attention comparable to that given in idential elector be chosen from a congressional dis­ the East), despite many predictions to the con­ trict, wi,th two electors at large in each stat'e (like trary, suggests strongly ,that the Republican Party Senators), and the votes would not be cast as a must look to the West for its real political base. unit by states. The proposal has historical and constitutional backing and undouhtedly should re­ The President's popularity was reported sinking ceive support on that basis alone. But it also at­ three weeks ago in the New York Times, scarcely tracts int,erest because it would alter the center of unsympa,thetic to Eisenhower. It is noted that political power in the United States. Democratic Senator Neely of West Virginia was ,One consequence would be the splitting of the re-elected after a campaign in which he kept re­ 45 votes of New York (probably resuJ.ting in a ferring to Eisenhower as "the worst President." tally of 23 Democratic and 22 R,epublican electoral And it is now recalled that independent Republican votes), thereby considerably reducing the influence Representative Gordon Scherer of Cincinnati was of the Empire State. And that is a baneful in­ re-elected handily, after he very emphatically and fluence, many members of Congres,s believe. One publicly refused to pose with the President for news point of,ten raised is that the electoral vote of New photos and asserted that he would not be subject York in a close election can well depend on the to influence from the White House. size of the vote of some left-wing small party like 'True, it seems likely that the last-minute efforts the American Labor Party (as it did in 1948). (The to save the GOP from a landslide defeat met with ALP will probably be succ~eded now by the mis­ success. But, in the Capital, it is believed that the named "Liberal" Party.) The New Deal Adminis­ conservatives in high places in the party, such as tra,tions of Roos,evelt and Truman played games Chairman Leonard Hall, swung the party strategy with the ALP, and many here believe that the ap­ to the right in the last days of the campaign and peasem'ent of Soviet Russia stemmed from the saved the party from rout. (Vide the President's political need of appeasing a comparatively small reversal of his position on the communist issue at number of leftists in New York City. Cleveland in the final week of the campaign.) It is Mundt himself has this very prominently in his strongly the opinion of conservatives that the out­ mind. In an address befor'e the Good Government come constituted a personal defeat for the Pres­ Society on Fehruary 22, 1954, he spoke of a "hidden ident, not for his party. third par.ty that has grown up and that is gnawing It is neeessary to underline this point because away vigorously at the vitals of our political ex­ already the "liberal" columnists and commentators istence. The pressure groups and splinter factions seek to minimize the defeat. These are the gentle­ functioning in America today combine to form this men who have constantly boosted the idea of his hidden third party."

DECEMBER 1954 209 The Vigilantes of Beverly Hills

Cowboy Joey and Professor Jamison are alike in By MORRIE RYSKIND tJheir zeal for tracking down offenders-but with a difference, as Morrie Ryskind tells in this classic on his encounters with neighbors.

Joey lives next door and is usually there to greet exclusively by the Jesse James boys. (I have a me when I come home in the late afternoon-unless, simHarmark myself but that is another story.) of course,~ he has the mumps or the measles. We~re 'Joey came up ,with more details: though the other old friends-I've known Joey ,ever, since he was desperadoes had fled, the one Joey had plugged in five-and I 'look forward to passing the time of day the leg was. still s,omewhere in the underbrush­ with him. Indeed, I customarily spend the last two Frank J ames, no less. The Lone Ranger immediately blocks from the bus.line trying to figure out what swore me in as deputy, and I was about to walk to' 'costume Joey will: be wearing. the corner with him to look for the blood-drippings Yesterday-Tuesday--'-'-proved to be Hopalong that would reveal the outlaw's trail when Joey's Cassidy Day. As the 'fearless son of the Old West mother appeared and called out, "Joey! No bath, ,spotted 'me, he covered me with his trusty Win­ no supper!" chester and barked, "Halt! Who goes-friend or "Shucks!" said Joey. "Carryon, partner. See you foe?" tomorrow." And with a cry of "Coming, mother," I reached for the sky and answered, "Friend!" the Lone Ranger was gone. His steel-blue eyes watching me warily, Joey kept I looked around for Tonto, but he had obviously me covered and said, "Advance, friend, and give the gone with his comrade. I trust I am not a coward, countersign." but I didn't feel up to tackling Frank James single­ I thought fast: the Cassidy get-up might be only handed. So I decided that I'd just turn into my a disguise, in which case I was confronting the own doorway and have a pre-dinner Scotch and famous sleuth, Nick Carter. On the other hand, it soda. But as I turned I was hailed by another might be Hopalong himself-or Buffalo Bill or neighbor. This one waved a brief case at me instead Daniel Boone or.... I took a chance. "Heigh-ho, of a gun, but I knew I was covered just the same. Silver!" I gambled, knowing my life was at stake. It was a lucky stab in the dark. The Lone Ranger Traveler in the Fog -for it was indeed he-grinned, said, "Him okay, Tonto, him friend," to the unseen Indian who Professor Jamison-he's not really a professor accompanies him on his never-ending search for yet, but he shows all the makings--teaches History outlaws, dropped his gun and asked, "Hi! What's and English at the local high school, and is a very new?" learned man but, somehow, he is not as much fun I confessed to a dearth of news in my unexciting as Joey. It's probably my own fault, but I'd rather life, and then asked the Ranger about his day. Well, have a Scotch and soda any day. But I'm the sort sir, you wouldn't believe what that young fellow of guy who responds when somebody says, "Hello." had accomplished in so short a time. Of course, You know, noblesse oblige. there was school from nine to three; but between "Hi," I responded. "Nice day." three and four Joey had rounded up a whole gang The professor snorted. "Superficially, yes," he of rustlers who had been terrorizing Beverly Hills said. "But with the fog of fascism sweeping all over for years. After turning them over to the Sheriff, America, the climate of freedom is nothing to boast the Ranger had 'gone to the drugstore for his usual about." chocolate malted. Some uncanny instinct had then That startled me. "Fascism?" I asked. "I thought led him to the railroad tracks, and he and Tonto we'd got rid of Mussolini and Hitler-" had arrived just in time to foil a band of train "That's what makes it worse," snapped the pro­ robbers. In the ensuing gun duel, the outlaws had fessor. "To have won the war and lost the peace!" fled and Joey had escaped with a scratch on his arm. For one idiotic moment, I thought he had gone He rolled his sleeve up to show me the wound. Republican. "You mean Yalta and Teheran?" "Recognize the bullet brand, partner?" he asked. "I emphatically do not. I mean investigating To the uninitiated eye, the nick looked like an committee~ and loyalty oaths and the Chicago ordinary vaccination mark. But, as one of long Tribune &i1d all the reckless crew of super-patriots experience in these matters, I was readily able to who are destroying our civil liberties, raping the identify the cut as the result of a bullet used Constitution, interfering with the prerogatives of

210 THE FREEMAN the executive, and turning us all into second-class There he had me. "Well," I stalled, "as a· lay­ citizens who are afraid to open our mouths! But man I doubt that I'm qualified to judge. But I· could they'll never shut me up." lend you a book on the subject-as soon as I'm I didn't think they would, but I was beginning through with it." I knew Joey would be glad­ to wish somebody would. But the professor, after indeed, he has often offered-to lend me any part just one breath, was off again. "We're going to of his large collection of comic books. fight them every hour and every minute. Do you "Fine1" beamed the Prof., and went on with his realize what sort of day I had?" recital. His lunch hour had been fairly normal: he N'ow if there was one thing I didn't want to signed a petition against the so-called Bricker know about at that particular moment, it was the Amendment, subscribed for two new liberal pub­ sort of day Professor Jamison had had. That lications, and presided over a meeting of Faculty Scotch and soda looked 'more appealing than ever. Members for the Reinstatement of Dr. Gregory But I knew it would have to be delayed. Zilch. (Dr. Zilch, who taught math, has been sus­ It turned out to be a harrowing tale. If you think pended for exercising his constitutional right to Joey's day was one long series of hairbreadth ad­ invoke the Fifth Amendment when asked some per­ ventures, I assure you it was nothing compared to sonal questions by a House committee.) the professor's. And remember, Joey's day didn't really begin till three. No Dangling Participles J amison's day began at 9 a.m. Even so, he had managed to sign four petitions before his first What makes Dr. Zilch's suspension ,even worse is class: one in support of the United Nations; one that it interferes with Jamison's Tuesday afternoon for the unrestricted right of free speech and the off, which the Prof. usually devotes to writing in­ elimination of Red-baiters from the air waves; one dignant letters to the editor of the Los Angeles against witch-hunting and book-burning. All three Times. In the necessitated rearrangement of sched­ demanded, as a necessary corollary, the expulsion ules, the reactionary Miss Hotchkiss-there is un­ of McCarthy from the Senate. impeachable evidence that she was for Bob Taft "And the fourth?" I asked. in '52-had agreed to take over Zilch's Tuesday IThe Prof. hesitated. "I'm not sure, because I afternoon classes, and Professor Jamison had been didn't get a chance to read it. But Henry Steele forced to take over Miss Hotchkiss' English courses Commager's name was for that day. Now the Times (the L. A. Times, that on the committee, so I is, and please don't confuse it with the New Yark knew I didn't have to Times) was anti-Zilch editorially, and the Prof. was read it." certain they .had pulled strings backstage to get I knew what he meant. rid of the Jamison letters. When I see Henry Steele "But if that's their game," he smiled, "it's a Commager's name on losing one. I still write letters to the Times-on something, I don't read Sunday afternoons. And wait till your hear what I it either. do to Miss Hotchkiss' English class!" In the morning ses­ I waited-and heard. As part of its English sions, the Prof. teaches Poetry work, the class had been asked to memorize history. "And none of "Gunga Din" and "Recessional." And had enjoyed this super-patriotic, na­ them-until the Prof. pointed out the racist theories tionalistic, warmonger­ of the former, and the imperialism of the latter. ing hogwash," he as­ "Give me ,enough Tuesdays," said the Pro!., "and sured me. "It's all those kids will know the score." straight Frederick L. As for prose, he had avoided the conventional Schuman. It's a hard Gettysburg Address and had read them extracts row, but I flatter my­ from Adlai Stevenson's speeches-models of excel­ self that my pupils will be citizens of the world lent English. "I have found no better way," he when I'm through with them." assured me, "of teaching them 'apt alliteration's I was impressed. "You do all this yourself?" I artful aid'; the man's use of simile, metonomy asked. "No Tonto?" He looked puzzled. "Tonto?" and synechdoche is unparalleled; his logic is un­ For the first time, I realized there were lacunae assailable, and in his gentle satire I believe he ranks in the professor's knowledge. "Tonto," I explained, above Addison and Steele. And, best of all, never a "is an Indian philosopher." dangling participle! What a wonderful thing it "Oh," said the Prof., and I thought I detected a ·would have been for the English language if that new note of respect in his voice. "No, I'm afraid man had been elected President!" that would be a little over their heads. Though I "Perhaps in '56," I suggested. do teach them about Nehru and his Middle Way The Prof.'s eyes gleamed. "By that time 'many of between the warmongers of the East and the West. my pupils-and there are hundreds of teachers like How does this-er-Tonto stand on Nehru?" myself over the country-will be eighteen. What

DECEMBER 1954 211 a superb bit of poetic justice it would be if Eisen­ about the Scotch; Adlai never mentions them, ex­ hower's proposed legislation for giving the vote to cept for a passing jest; you never see a Nation eighteen-year-olds elected Stevenson! Jove, I think editorial demanding that the Scotch be integrated I'll mention that in my speech before the ADA into the rest of the American community. No! But tonight. Say, if you're not doing anything this the Scotch will one day rise and ask that they be evening-" he suggested wistfully. accepted as first-class citizens. When that day comes, where will you be? Lined up with the forces Mali.gned Minority of fascism or in the vanguard of the hosts of free­ dom?" I thought fast again. "Dragnet," Danny Thomas For one blessed moment the Prof. was speechless. and David Niven were coming up on TV, and then Then he said tremblingly, "One of my grandfathers there was that now long-postponed drink. "Sorry," was Scotch. If there's anything lean do-" I said, shaking my head ruefully, "I'd love to, but I whipped a blank piece of paper and a fountain I have a date with a minority group." pen from my pocket. "Will you join the Committee "Minority group?" He was impressed. "Mexicans, of Ten Thousand?" Jews, Negroes?" "You can count on 'me," said the Prof. with the I cannot tell a lie. "Scotch," I said. fervor of the convert. Without any hesitation, he He weighed that a moment. "Scotch? You know, rested the paper on his brief case and signed. I've never· thought of them as a minority group. "Good," I said, as I took the paper and pen back. But then I suppose they are, aren't they?" "I'll let you know what happens." And as we shook "Minority?" I ,echoed bitterly. "I'll say they are. hands, I whispered to him, "The password is 'Scots The Jews 'make up 4 per cent of Americans; the wha hae wi' Wallace bled.' Kilts are optional." Negroes have risen to 10 per cent; but the Scotch I left him and headed for the Scotch in the comprise only (I made a rapid calculation) 2.3 per kitchen. In the interests of accuracy, I glanced at cent." (I felt pretty safe because the Prof. is the label and noted that it is 86.8 per cent and not always quoting me figures about how 2 per cent of 2.3. But the principle remains. Americans own 98 per cent of the wealth, and I And, as the drink mellowed me, I thought how never ask him where he gets those figures from.) lucky I was to have two such neighbors, so different "Yes," I continued, "only 2.3 per cent. And what and so startlingly alike. The outlaws still held up has the ADA ever done about that?" trains and rustled cattle in Beverly Hills, but Joey, "Well," he stumbled, "I'm not sure-" the Lone Ranger, was at my right hand to protect "N'o," I thundered. "You're not sure because me from them; and, at my left hand, stood the you've never taken the time to study these matters. quixotic Professor Jamison, holding at bay the even A small 2.3 per cent of the population has 97.7 per more dangerous windmills of reaction. With neigh­ cent of all the jokes told about its stinginess-pure bors like these, a man could sleep 0' nights. racism, modeled on the Nazi plan. They're good There was only one real difference, I realized as enough to fight in your wars, but you only sneer I poured a second drink, between them. Joey would at them in peace time. Schuman doesn't bother grow up some day.

Will Rogers on Marxism Communis,m will never get anywhere till they get that basic idea of Propaganda out of their head and replace it with some work. If they plowed as much as they Propagandered they would be richer than the Principality of Monaco. The trouble is they all got their theory's out of a book instead of any of them ever going to work and practicing them. I read the same books these Birds learned from, and that's the books of that guy Marx.... I read his life history. He never did a tap of work only write Propaganda, according to his own history. He couldent even make his own writings pay, much less his theories.... He always wants to figure out where he and his friends can get something for nothing. 'They even suggest somebody dividing with them. You could take those 600,000 Communists over in Russia and take 600,000 rich Americans and you could put them all together and make the Americans divide up with them equally, and in six months the 600,000 Communists wouldent have a thing left but some long hair and a scheme to try to get back the half that the Americans was smart enough to take from them. WILL ROGERS, The1'e's Not a Bathing Suit in Russia, 1927

212 THE FREEMAN For Whom the N. C. C. Speaks

An interlocking directorate, consisting oj a By REV. EDMUND A. OPITZ few churchmen out to achieve social uplift through political action, purports to speak for 35,000,000 Protestant church members.

A century ago an English wit said that his was the pronouncements declare that "as soon as all religion of every sensible man. "And what," a people are well-housed, clothed and fed---by polit­ friend asked him, "is that?" "That," replied the ical means-then we can talk to them about the wit, "is what every sensible man keeps to him­ needs of the soul." This, of course, is question­ self." This self-imposed restraint once applied also able religion, but it is also poor economics and to a man's politics. But, now that some prominent bad politics. Good economics and good politics churchmen feel impelled to make pronouncements rest on a spiritual base, and unless a man is on political subjects for religious reasons, and the siquared away in this area---1Which is the province pulpi:t in some quarters tends to approximate the of religion-he will not better himself by direct soapbox in purpose, there seems to be no action aimed at material ends. reason why polite conversation should bar either This point-that moral and spiritual understand­ subject. ingmust precede a sound approach to political and The current religious scene is full of controversy. economic matters-needs investigation. A noted The controversy, however, is no longer confined British theologian, Christopher Dawson, put it this to theologieal differences, but centers more around way: "The true social function of religion is not social and political questions. In fact, the theo­ to busy itself with economic or political reforms, logical differences have been so submerged as to but to save civilization from itself by revealing permit leaders of a number of denominations to to men the true end of life and the true na­ join forces for effecting what they consider their ture of reality." An equally noted economist, common religious obligation, the solution of the Ludwig von Mises, writing on the conditions of world's social and economic problems. That is a material progress, says, "The material changes are major purpos,e of the Na,tional Council of the the outcome of spiritual changes." Churches of Christ in the U.S.A. (N.C.C.), purporting to speak for 35,000,000 church members. An Aura of Authenticity In the name of religion, the field in which these churoh leaders have been trained and in which they But the ecclesiastical vocal cords in the National are presumed to have some competence, they issue Council proclaim a contrary opinion. Out of the resolutions and pronouncements on matters that are depths of this ,conspiracy to make of Christianity theological only because the imagination and arro­ an instrument for improving man's material condi­ gance of these leaders make them so. And they tion by political means, comes the cry, "The Church claim to speak for 35,000,000. Do they? must speak." And when it speaks, it speaks of Presumably, the intent of these socio-economic "social action"-which is an euphemism for polit­ religious leaders is to bring Christianity up to ical action. Not that these pronouncements from date. There are still some unsolved questions in a presumably religious body make much sense, polit­ the field of theology, and millions of persons are ically or religiously, but because the Council pur­ still troubled because they lack a framework for ports to speak for 35,000,000 church members, human values, because the human spirit goes un­ an aura of authenticity settles on them. Many fed, because a life which they feel ought to be of the members are, of course, utterly indifferent an adventure in destiny seems to be devoid of to the doings of the National Council; some may meaning. It is to find the answers to such questions agree with the sentiments expressed, while many, that they go to church. The historic faith of perhaps a majority, are as resolutely oppos,ed to Christendom has not failed to provide answers to the sentiments as they are to the highly dubious the millions who have asked for them, and if the procedure of issuing statements in the name of contemporary church does not do likewise it simply people who have not even been consulted. fails in its appointed duty. Why has this irregular and questionable pro­ But what, in their effort to make the faith cedure been adopted in ecclesiastical circles? The contemporary, does the church leadership, as rep­ tactic is inexplicable unless it be assumed that, resented by the N.e.C., offer its constituents in in the thinking of the men who use it, three their quest for spiritual solace? In effect, their premises have been accepted. First, prophetic

DECEMBER 1954 213 r,eligion is reduced to one of its ingredients, This conference passed a resolution condemning social uplift. Second, it is decided that social the Bricker Amendment in the name of the 35,000,­ uplift depends on political action. Third, polit­ 000, although Protestantism is as divided on this ical action needs the guidance which can come issue as it is on others. The action was engineered only if the Church is whipped into a political by a few men playing close to the v,est, but the power bloc. The single-minded pursuit of these headlines which resulted may have played a part in aims is hampered by any dissension over theo­ the political calculations which helped defeat the logical issues. It is difficult in these days to con­ Bricker Amendment by so narrow a margin. This ceive a theological position so far out of line that was undoubtedly the result hoped for by the hier­ anyone embracing it would be ousted from his archy. Thus, when it is urged that "The Church church, but on political and economic questions the must speak," it is understood that the accents will lines are much more sharply drawn. A libertarian be those of the interlocking directorate aimed at an in eertain ecclesiastical circles is as unthinkable audience of politicians. This kind of an audience as an intelligent man at a faro table. This is cannot be expected to attach much weight to the not to say it does not happen, but if it does intellectual substance of a pronouncement; but it doesn't happen long. A rough map of these 35,000,000 potential votes-that it can understand. circles would include the expensive seminaries, the In this way the Church, as a corporate entity, seeks editorial offices and the bureaucracies of denomina­ to become a moving force in power politics, and tional and interdenominational agencies. Most of falls into the temptation which has beset the the men who staff the positions in these circles Church in every age and against which its wisest are "committed to the position that Christianity minds have issued warning. This is the temptation demands drastic changes in the structure of social to render unto Caesar the things that are God's. life." Such is the boast of one of their number, Two such warnings come from the two best and common observation bears him out. The polit­ minds the Church of England has produced in the ical pronouncements issuing from these quarters last generation. The late Dean of St. Paul's, the go right down the line for the Welfare State. Very Reverend W. R. Inge, declared: A handful of men in these strategic positions :constitute what is, in effect, an illiterlocking No Church ever goes into politics without coming out badly smirched.... We have seen the English directorat,e of American Protestantism. There are Church in the eighteenth and part of nineteenth about 180 persons on the General Board of the centuries identifying itself too much with the landed National Council of Churches. It might be risky interest, and showing small sympathy with the to designate the pivot men who call the signals, efforts of landworkers to secure conditions of civil­ ized life. And now, when power has definitely passed but it is safe to say that they number few,er then into the hands of the masses, we see large numbers one hundred and eighty. The names on this board of churchmen repeating the same mistake under turn up elsewhere as denominational officials, edi­ color of rectifying it.... It is notorious that political tors, professors, and officers in related organizations Christianity excites bitter hatred against the Church. and foundations of the social uplift varity. Thus ... The choice for the Church is between political power and moral influence. We cannot doubt on there is a tightly organized little group of people which side a true follower of Christ should range dedicated to a drastic refor,m of the social order, himself. strategically placed so that they can mold religious opinion, help or hinder the advancement of a min­ The late Archbishop of Canterbury, William ister, and use the church members as a sounding Temple, was an outstanding leader of the social gos­ board for ,their political views. pel forces and friendly to Britain's Labor Party. Nevertheless, he stated categorically: Pronouncements on World Affairs It is of crucial importance that the Church, acting corporately, should not commit itself to any partic­ Here is a typical example of how they work. ular policy.... The Church is committed to the About a year ago the National Council sponsored a everlasting Gospel and to the Creeds which formu­ late it; it must never commit itself to an ephemeral Study Conference on the Churches and World program of detailed action. Order. Materials prepared in advance by a depart­ ment of the National Council came to the confer­ ;The interlocking directorate which seeks, through ence as ordinary lucubrations on foreign affairs. the medium of the N.C.C., to convey the im­ As far as content goes, they were changed little by pression that it can deliver a large Ibloc of votes, passing through the conference, which attracted may believe ever so sincerely that it is !Working only about four hundred people; but the ratifying for righteous purposes. But there are heady sensa­ action transformed the resolutions and messages tions that accompany power. The ordinary practice into an expression of the mind of 35,000,000 church of gilding self-interested motives with altruistic members-if one were to beUeve the press releases. labels is stepped up with every increment of There is an ulterior motive in the passage of politi­ power, and raised to the nth degree in those who cal resolutions-it is to use 35,000,000 church mem­ are able to convince themselves that they exercise bers as a lever to move politicians. power as vi'ce regents of the Almighty.

214 THE FREEMAN Most men believe that religion cannot turn its National Council and the Nartional Lay Committee. back on the com'mon concerns of life. God is a God The Lay Committee numbers 171 men and women of righteousness, and churchmen cannot ignore the from all walks of life. It has pr,epared an "Affirma­ issues of freedom, justice and mercy, nor allow tion ... on the Subject of Corporate Pronounce­ evil to go unrebuked. There is little significant dif­ ,ments of Denominational or Interdenominational ference of opinion on the point that wherever Agencies." This was presented to the same session human values are involved, religion is likewise im­ of the General Board of the N'ational Council which plicated. 'The real criticism of the directorate's considered the "Christian Principles" statement. political activity does not come from those who The latter statement was accepted by an overwhelm­ deny the relevance of religion to social and political ing vote, 77 to 4. The proposal that the Lay Com­ questions. The real criticism is two-pronged; the mittee's "Affirmation" be printed in pamphlet to­ National Council makes pronouncements on ques­ gether with the "Christian Principles" statement tions which are primarily technical and without was defeated by the same overwhelming vote. signUicant ethical or religious content, and then it 'The Christian Century editorial calls the Nation· compounds this evil by attributing to 35,000,000 al Council's s'tatement "a landmark for Christian church members views they do not hold. thinking." 'The editorial goes on to say, "The first hurdle, and almost the last, which had to be Partisan Collectivism surmounted was the conviction on the part of some tha:teconomic life should lie outside the scope Whoever attempts to raise questions about these of church and National Council 'concerns." But the pronouncements is ac'cused of holding to the pie­ editorial writer apparently had not even read that tist position that religion has nothing to do with portion of the Lay Committee's "Affirmation" which the relations among men. This may be the case in he reprinted, for it says: "We believe the pervading some instances; but a far larger number of religion­ purpose of God's will extends to every aspect of life ists believe that religion does have a social applica­ and suggest no limitation on its applica'tion to the tion, but not the partisan collectivist application affairs of 'men.... However, our Committee believes represented in the thinking of the inrberlocking the National Council of Churches impairs its directorate. The directorate believes that a social ability to meet its prime responsibility when, si,tting application of religion is some degr,ee of socialism; in judgment on current secular affairs, it becomes they are collectivists. O\thers believe that each man's involved in economic or political controversy, hav­ freedom under ,God is inconsistent with a society ing no moral or ,ethical 'content." stratified into thos,e with political control and those To say tha,t technical questions in economics and controlled; they are libertarians. politics lie outside the domain of religion, as does Collectivists and libertarians alike believe that the "Affirmation" of the Lay Committee, is one there is a social application of the Gospels, but thing; to say that the whole of economic and they differ as to what it is. Collectivists have not political life is beyond reach of religious and moral yet come around to the admission that there can considerations is something else again. The distinc­ be any honest answer but their own-the old claim tion seems to escape the Christian Century. of infallibility. 'The effort of a few churchmen to play theocratic ,An example of this occurred in a recent Christian politics and use the Church as a means of effecting Century ,editorial on the National Council state­ their own outmoded social reforms could, if it met ment, entitled "Christian Principles and Assump­ with any success, inflict permanent damage on the tions for Economic Life." 'This statement has been religious life of America. Fortunately, their actions in the works for a number of years and is based have roused opposition among men who have been on earlier statements in a similar vein from the old brought to a renewed interest in the things of Federal Council days. Its more moderate tone is religion. The Church will continue to speak, but due in part to the exchange of ideas that has been instead of speaking to politicians it will speak to going on for the last several years between the the deepest human needs. Which is as it should be.

Republicanism permits the individual to persuade himself that the State is his creation, that State action is his action, that when it expresses itself it expresses him, and when it is glorified he is glorified. The republican State encourages this persuasion with all its power, aware that it is the most efficient instrument for enhancing its own prestige. Lincoln's phrase, "of the people, by the people, for the people," was probably the most effective single stroke of propaganda ever made in behalf of republican State prestige. ALBERT JAY NOCK, Our Enemy the State

DECEMBER 1954 215 Progressive Education Undermined China

How China's new educational policy, adopted in By DR. KAO CHIEN 1922 through the influence of Western-trained intellectuals, helped the Communists take over.

The fall of China to the Communists startled from scientific progress and industrialization. They many who know that country. "How is it possible," attacked traditional Chinese culture in books, it is asked, "that the Chinese people, with their pamphlets and periodicals. They made speeches, culture and tradition based on the Golden Code held conferences, sponsored mass rallies and moral phHosophy of Confucius, can accept the agitated. immoral, unnatural system caned communism1" This new culture comprised the experimentalism To answer this question, two factors must be of John Dewey, the socialism of Harold Laski, the considered. The first was the physical weakness materialistic immoralism of Bertrand Russell and of the nation brought on by the long Japanese other theories prevalent in the Western world at aggression. The second was the mental confusion that time. Its leaders glorified these new "thinkers" created by Chinese intellectuals during the years and propagandized their theories and blueprints preceding the fall of the country. This second for the reformation of China. To strengthen this factor contributed more to the disaster than the movement, John Dewey was invited in 1919 to first, although it was not as apparent. To ap­ lecture in China. He lectured for many months preciate this, one must revie.w the elements of at the University of Peking and other institutions education in China in respect to the traditional of learning all over China, spreading his theory of Chinese culture, which has maintained a high pragmatism. Everywhere he went, the new in­ standard for more than twenty centuries. [In the tellectuals enthusiastically welcomed him as a box on the opposite page,Dr. Kao outlines the fun­ saviour of China. Later, Bertrand Russell was also damentals of ,the teachings of Confucius and Men­ invited to China. His radical views on moral and cius which shaped this culture.] religious issues had great influence ,and did serious Following the Opium War with the British in harm to the thinking of Chinese intellectuals. 1842, China lost one war after another to the Western powers, suffering heavy damages and New System Made Obligatory costly indemnities each time. Chinese inferiority in scientific development and heavy industry was Under the strong influence of this movement, blamed. Consequently, the country',s patriotic leaders the N'ational Ministry of Education in 1922 adopted decided that if China is to take a rightful place a new educational policy for all schools, public among the nations of the world, she must first and private, throughout the country. The policy, modernize the nation in science and industry. called "the new school system," abolished the For that purpose many students were sent to traditional aim of educ,ation in China and replaced Europe and America to study. it with a program of "progressive education." The In 1917, students graduated from Columbia and program was obligatory. Harvard universities returned to China. A large As a result of progressive education, young number of these graduates, instead of learning people were trained in the spirit of revolution the scientific know-how expected of them, had been and reform. They learned to ridicule the tradi­ thoroughly indoctrinated in pragmatism, 'experi­ tional Chinese moral principles as impediments of 'mentalism, economic socialism and, above all, progress. At home they had no respect for their atheism. They organized a movement called "the parents or elders, whom they considered the victims new culture movement of May Fourth," to which of old Chinese tr'aditions. In the schools they universities and schools all over China responded. learned to call student strikes against the author­ This movement emphasized first, liberation of ities. When this generation graduated from the individual and social life from Chinese culture schools, a serious social problem was created; and tradition; second, promotion of liberal thinking besides being unprepared for making a living, as ag,ainst the traditions of Chinese absolutism. these youngsters lacked the proper social graces Its leaders maintained that the traditional con­ needed for mingling with their f'ellow-men. The trol of the mind on a moral basis held China older educators and leader,s of China protested

216 THE FREEMAN strongly against the system; the Nationalist gov­ could be adapted to the character of the Chinese ernment, in view of the results, abolished it in people. The "great introducers of new theories" 1928 and substituted the "new school system," with revelled in their glory. an educational program patterned after the "three Because these new ideologies are doctrines of principles of the people" advocated by Dr. Sun change, in which there is no absolute truth and Yat-Sen, founder of the Republic of China. Un­ no reality, they offer no philosophy of life, with­ fortunately, the spirit of progressive education out which one's life is incomplete. The new move­ could not be banished and it continued to dominate ment destroyed the old Chinese design for living the intellectual, educational and cultural circles. and did not provide another; the people were tThe new culture movement very successfully led to the crossroads and abandoned there. They undermined Chinese culture and traditions, but it were lost. Even the leaders of the new culture had no philosophy to guide the individual and movement ,began to lose confidence in the ideologies social life of the people. The advocates and fol­ they had introduced. lowers of the movement brought to China the This tremendous vacuum in the minds of the Western ideologies of pragmatism, experimentalism, Chinese made them easy prey for communism. The positivism, naturalism, evolutionism, materialism, people were told by the underground Communists socialism and atheis'm. But they never stopped to that communism is the only cure-all for the ills consider whether or not these theories could satisfy of China. The underground Communists introduced the needs or solve the problems of China, or the doctrine of class struggle and underlined the

China's Educational Heritage

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Traditional education in China is based on mutual assistance between brothers and sisters. the philosophy of Confucius. In Great Learning In society, fidelity among friends is greatly (one of the Four Confucian Books, written by encouraged. In the State administration, justice Tseng-'Tse, a well-known disciple of Con­ between the ruler and his officials must always fucius), one reads: be maintained. "The way of great learning is to under­ In Annals, book of King Yao (2375 B.C.), stand bright virtues, to improve the people one reads that Chi was appointed Minister of and to rest in the Supreme Good." To attain the Department of Education to teach the this goal one should "gain knowledge through people Five Relationships, as follows: the investigation of things, train a sincere will, "Love and piety between father and son; rectify one's heart, cultivate one's personality, justice between the king and his officials; manage one's family, administrate the affairs harmony between husband and wife; mutual of the State and promote universal brother­ assistance among brothers; fidelity among hood." [Dr. Kao has transcribed this quotation friends." in Chinese characters, shown above.] Confucius and his followers adopted this 'This is called the Triple Purpose and Eight teaching and developed it. Programs of Education. The method of educa­ In the field of universal brotherhood, the tion starts with the perfection of the in­ principle of Wang Tao, meaning to conquer by dividual through intellectual and moral teach­ winning the hearts of the people, is emphasized; ings. It is then extended to the family, society, Pa Tao, which means to conquer by force, is the State and the world. Family management is frowned upon. This principle was expounded best promoted by harmonious cooperation be­ by Mencius, great philosopher and follower of tween husband and wife, parental love and Confucius, as indicated in his book Mencius, filial piety between parents and children, and the last of the Four Confucian Books.

DECEMBER 1954 217 necessity of creating a classless society. They gave theology in the supernatural order, lacking in new interpretations to the whole history of the Confucianism, will fill the glap in the Chine~e development of Chinese society to prove that com­ people's way of life. After their experiences with munism is the only course 'to' follow. Gradually the Communists, only Christianity can satisfy the the bewildered people gave communism a favored needs of their·minds and souls. place in their thinking, not because they liked communism, but because they had nothing better to follow. A Lesson in Socialism A Harsh Awakening As a teacher in the public schools, I find that the Thus, the path for the swift taking over of sociaHslt-communist idea of taking "from each ac­ China by the Communists in 1948-49 was prepared ording to his ability," and giving "to each accord­ by the materialistic philosophy introduced by the ing to his need" is now generally accepted without "progressives." But the Communists seem lacking question by most of our pupils. In an effort to in gratitude, for they have treated these intel­ explain the fallacy in this theory, I sometimes try lectuals as shameful opportunists and have sub.. this approach with my pupils: jected them to extr,emely harsh brain-washing. When one of the brighter or harder-working They are forced to condemn themselves as reaction­ pupils makes a grade of 95 on a test, I suggest aries, remnants of feudaliS'm, exploiters of the that I take away 20 points and give them to a people and running-dogs of Western imperialis'm. student who has made only 55 points on his test. These intellectuals awoke in horror from their Thus each would contribut'e according to his ability rosy dream, but too late. Countless were liquidated. and-since both would have a passing mark-each A few fortunate ones escaped to the free world. would receive according to his need. After I have Those who could come to the United States are juggled the grades of all the other pupils in this fighting Communists, not because the Communists fashion, the r'esul1t is usually a "common owner':' enslave the people, but because they treated these ship" grade of between 75 and 80-the minimum intellectuals badly. Often they declare themselves needed for passing, or for survival. Then I spec­ liberals and protectors of freedom, but few have ulate with the pupils as to the probable results if repented or even admitted that they were largely I actually used the socialistic theory for grading responsible for the loss of freedom for 450,000,000 papers. Chinese. They have not abandoned dialectical mate­ First, the highly productive pupils-and they are rialism, nor have they eeased trying to propagandize always a minority in school as well as in life-would this deadly doctrine. Strangely and sadly, many of 'soon lose all incentive for producing. Why strive them are still considered by some Americans to be to make a high grade if part of it is taken from you prototypes of the "modern Confucius" or "fore­ tby "authority" and given to someone else? most Chinese scholars." Second, the less productive pupils-a majori1ty Almost all Chinese living abroad are dedicated in school as elsewhere-would, for a time, be re­ to the struggle against the Communists. Unfor­ lieved of the necessity to study or to produce. This tunate'ly, the line of attack is not clear. Many of socialist-communist system would continue until the the intellectuals are opposed only to the cruelty high producers had sunk-or had been driven down and inhumanity of the Communists, not to the --Jto the level 'of the low producers. At that point, philosophy of commun'ism, sjmply because this in order for anyone to survive, the "authority" philosophy is in keeping with their thinking. would have no alternative but to begin a system of They do not realize that the inhumanity of the compulsory labor and punishments ag'ainsteven Com,munists is the logical conclusion of communist the low producers. They, of ,course, would then com­ premises. Fighting Communists without fighting plain bit1terly, but without understanding. communism is meaningless and ridiculous. Finally, I return the discussion to the ideas of ,As to the Chines'e on the mainland, they have freedom and enterprise-the market economy­ been rudely and brutally awakened. They now where each person has freedom of choice, and is see the worthlessness and evil of the alien ideology responsible for his own decisions and welfare. of communism, and not only seek to free them­ Gratifyingly enough, most of my pupils then under­ selves from this viselike control over mind and stand what I mean when I explain that socialism­ body, but also feel the need for a sound philosophy even in a democracy-will eventually result in a of life. Undoubtedly many will return to the living death for all except the "authorities" and a familiar ways of Confucianism, but many others few of their favorite lackeys. will seek a higher and more inspiring plan for THOMASJ. SHELLY Hfe. Christianity embodies all the virtues of Con­ (Printed copies of this letter may be obtained/rom The Foundation for Econorrdc Education, Inc., Irvington­ fucian teachings plus a well-developed and thorough on-Huds,on, N.Y. Five copies free, then one cent each. program for living. More important, its complete Ask for Clipping of Note, Number 36.)

218 ,THE FREEMAN The Soviet Psychosis

By JEROME LANDFIELD

At the time of the Bolshevik Revolution I came into contact with a number of its most outspoken supporters. What struck me about them was an ,attitude ··similar to that of the Greenwich Village variety of artists-people who, unable to face their lack of talent squarely, ,soothed their ego by in­ veighing against the classics and praising "the primitive." Similarly, the Bolsheviks seemed pos­ sessed of a fear of economic progress and inveighed against "capitalism." At bottom it was envy of the successful; the envy led to hatred. At the time my interest was in individuals, and it did not occur to .me to g,eneralize. Since then, however; the successive developments of the Soviet regi,me have convinced me that this is but a large­ scale example of the inferiority complex I had ob­ served in its original leadership. Lenin believed that communism could succeed in Russia only if there were world revolution. He reasoned that Russia was chiefly an agricultural countrY,and that communism would fail if it were not supported by an industrial class. Hence, all­ tramway or a bus line would have answered every out efforts were made to bring about revolution purpoS'e, but New York, London and Paris had sub­ in other countries. ways, so the Soviet Union had to have one. Magnitogorsk is another example. In southwest­ Forcible Industrialization ern Siberia there is an extensive deposit of iron ore. The are is high grade, as I can testify, for I ex­ But these efforts failed, and with the death of amined it myself. This suggested to the Communists Lenin and the rise to power of Stalin, there came the idea of building a rival of Gary, Indiana. a chang,e of policy better suited to satisfy the The coking coal to slmelt the ore was brought in inferiority complex. This was the forcible in­ over a ramshackle railroad from a deposit 600 dustrialization of Russia. Stalin drov'e toward this miles distant, and then the product was thousands goal with an iron will. The remaking of a society of miles from where it could be used. Besides by force is an impossible task, has never succeeded this, it was estimated that there was ore for only when tr,ied, and results in dangerous dislocations. ten years in sight. It would take too long to recount the blunders ,The latest absurdity is the thirty-four-story that wrecked the Russian economy, but a few University of Moscow. Although the plain around indicative examples may be cited. Moscow lent itself beautifully to building a use­ One is the Dnieperstroi, the dam intended to ful institution of learning with every convenience, utilize the rapids of the Dnieper River for hydro­ the Soviet leaders had to build this structure electric power. Several years before the Revolu­ because they had heard of a similar one in Pitts­ tion, plans for this project were worked out. But burgh. Symptomatic also are the preposterous competent engineers turned it down on two grounds. claims of Russian priority in all manner of dis­ The first was that the hydroelectric plant would ·coveries and inventions. have to be supplemented by a steam plant at low Envy of the successful frequently breeds hate, level time, and coal for this plant would have to be and this by constant stimulationm.ay become an hauled 200 miles by rail; the other was that there idee fixe. The Soviet government, in order to was no industry within reach to use the power. justify its tremendous armament program, has The plans wer'e 'buried in the Interior Department stimulated this manufactured hate of America by until dug up by the Bolsheviks, who undertook the such absurd charges as "germ warfare," "!War­ construction at a staggering cost. Of course, it mongering," "Wall Street imperialism," and "racial was a gigantic flop. discrimination." 'Then ther,e was the absurd subway for Moscow.. A 'The answer to this mass inferiority complex

DECEMBER 1954 219 is not a policy of containment, which simply ag­ supplies would limit the Soviet air force to forty­ gravates the diseas-e. The really feasible and eight hours in the air. effective method is the infiltration of truth, con­ Finally, there is an important aspect of the vincing truth, among the peoples behind the Iron whole problem that has been shamefully mis­ Curtain. The convincing exposure of just one represented in current literature concerning the propaganda falsehood throws doubt on all the rest, Russian people. Most of these writers never knew and if this exposure makes the authorities ridicu­ Russia before the Revolution and have swallowed, lous, it is doubly effective. A dozen of Lichty's hook, line and sinker, the picture of pre-Revolu­ devastating cartoons would be worth more than tionary Russia given in violently partisan and millions of military expenditure. entirely superficial and inaccurate descriptions. In such a campaign we have two favorable These have described the Russian people as igno­ factors. One is that, except for Soviet officials and rant, as natural slaves of autocratic government, the group of indoctrinated fanatics, the Russian and as a mingling of racial stocks with a large people and those of the satellite states hate com­ admixtur'e of the Asiatic. munism. The other is that even the officials suspect For a score of years prior to the Revolution each other and most of them long for a different I spent much time in Russia. I learned the language life. and read and spoke it fluently. At one time I With these conditions in view, let us make a lived for months in a peasant cottag'e as a member brief realistic appraisal of Soviet power. It would of the family. I spent four seasons in various be foolish to underestimate the development of parts of Siberia and employed scores of peasants air power and the advance in atomic research­ in mining explorations. I visited many of the two fields in which the U.S.S.R. owes much to industrial plants and knew their managers. I was foreign experts-or the threat those hold for us, entertained in the homes of all classes of Rus­ for there is always the danger of a Soviet dictator sian society. It is on the basis of this experience running amok. This danger has probably been les­ that I wish to correct certain grave misinformation sened with the death of Stalin and the struggle for concerning the Russian people. power that followed it. Likewise, the disturbances First, let me expos,e the myth of Mongolian and in East Ge~many and unrest in the satellite states Tatar racial mixture. The mass of the Russian would appear to have lessened the danger. people, at least a hundred million of them, are of pure Indo-European origin. These were the Slavs Soviet Resources Limited who migrated northward from the Carpathians into the vast plains of Russia, drove back the Finns Now let us look at the other side. The resources and other nomads, cleared the forests and settled of Russia have been greatly exaggerated. European down as farmers. The 'Tatar invasion held them Russia is a vast alluvial plain; the highest ele­ under tribute for two centuries, but the Tatars vation is nine hundred feet. Hydroelectric power never occupied the country, and there was no in­ in any· signi,ficant amount is out of the question. termixture. I well remember a summer spent in the Climatic conditions hamper all transportation six town of Elatma, on the Oka River some two hundred months in the year. Coal and iron resources in miles south of Moscow. It was 'located between southern Russia are noiW negligible, and the oil Kassimov and Riazan, two Tatar settlements that wells of Baku and Grozny have been depleted. Re­ dated from the thirteenth century, but as far as liance for fuel and metals is entirely on Siberia, I could learn there had never been a case of inter­ and here their usefulness is limited by distance marriage. and climate. As to the political instincts and capabilities of The agricultural situation is appalling. Evidence the Russ'ian people, many writers apparently share of this is to be found in recent decrees and the belief that the Russians were so influenced bureaucratic shifts. Before the Revolution the by the Tatar invasion and Byzantium Christianity southeastern part of Russia produced a surplus as to be naturally adapted to autocratic rule. I which made up for the deficiency in the north­ know from personal experience that this is not western part, ,where soil and climate were unfavor­ the case. ~ble.The liquidation of the more prosperous Here is an example. I spent the summer of farmers and the dragooning of the peasants into 1899 in the Ural on a mining exploration on the cooperatives proved disastrous. Everywhere there Serebrianaia River. The object was to determine is a food shortag,e; famine is always imminent. whether the gravels along the river where suit­ Except for the threat of the atomic bomb, the able for profitable dredging operations. For this danger of an attack on western Europe would ap­ it was necessary to obtain an option from the vil­ pear to be entirely unfounded. Supplies and trans­ lage that owned this land. I drew up a contract portation for a land attack are lacking. At the by which we agreed to pay a certain amount for first sign of such an attack there would be such the option and a large amount per acr,e if we outbreaks and sabotage in the satellite states as decided to use the land for dredging. A town meet­ to hamstring it. Likewise, it is estimated that fuel ing was called, and I addressed it. A vigorous dis-

220 THE FREEMAN cussion, pro and con, ensued and the proposed of the Palkova astronomical observatory. He ex­ contract was turned down. A s,econd meeting gave plained that he happened to be near my apartment the same result. At a third meeting, I convinced because he was serving on a jury in a neighboring the townspeople that it was to their advantage, and court, and that he considered this to be his civic approval of the contract was voted. It was just duty. like a New England town meeting and was typical There are two points that I would like to drive of other experiences I had in Russia. home. The first is that the Russian people are Another incident on an entirely different plane fundamentally democratic in our sense of the will serve to illustrate the point. One day I word, thanks to their ancient traditions of demo­ received a call from Prince Boris Golitsin. He cratic self-government. Second, it is my firm belief was a man of great cultur'e and scientific achieve­ that the present Communist regime carries within ments, an explorer of note, and a member of the itself the seeds of its own destruction, and that Academy of Science, who later became director of eventually we shall find harmonious cooperation the bureau of engraving and printing, and dir,ector with the Russian people. A Note on the Oppenheimer Case

Why have some eminent scientists proved ,naively By ROBERT R. LENT susceptible to communism's promises 0/ security for all? Here is an analysis 0/ several reasons-

In a letter to the Atomic Energy Commission, in mentality of the person whose existence is sheltered reply to charges placed against him by the Person­ by the State. nel Security Board, Dr. J. Robert Oppenheimer When I read this letter, in the record of the said: Oppenheimer hearings, my mind rev,erted to my "My friends, both in Pasadena and in B·erkeley, experiences in the research and development work were mostly faculty people, scientists, classicists of the United States Air Force. From 1950 to 1954, and artists. I studied and read Sanskrit. I read as a commissioned officer, I served as personnel something of other parts of science. I was not adviser to the Deputy Chief of Staff, Development. interested in and did not read about economics and Translated, this means that I was a personnel officer politics. I never read a newspaper or current assigned to the procurement, training and utiliza­ magazine; I had no radio; no telephone; I learned tion of scientists for the Air Force. My work of the stock market crash in 1929 only long after brought me in daily contact with ,many of the the event; the first time I ever voted was in the eminent scientists in industry, government and Presidental election of 1936. To many of my educational circles. I met many to whom the self­ friends, my indifference to contemporary affairs portrayal of Dr. Oppenheimer is applicable. seemed bizarre, and they often chided me for being Let me tell the story of one brilliant young man too much of a highbrow.... I was deeply interested who came to my attention. He was the son of a in my science, but I had no understanding of the weaUhy man who had given his offspring every­ relations of man to his society." thing but parental attention. His early years were guarded and guided by servants and tutors. At the The Religion of Science age of twenty-three he had acquired his Ph.D. at one of our major technical institutes, but despite If you analyze this self-portrayal (and I have this equipment he was reluctant to go out into the reason to believe it to be hones't), you get an ink­ world. He decided to prolong the charm of in­ ling of the reason why the occasional top-flight stitutional life by studying law. Two y,ears later, scientist, or even one of lesser degree, falls prey with an LL~B added to his other degrees, he was to the seductive promise of communism. And you still reluctant to meet the discipline of the market begin to understand why the scientists of Germany place, and planned to work for a degree in business were entranced by Hitler and became his dupes. administration. A friend dissuaded him from so For the letter reveals the deplorable deterioration doing, and he entered the lfield of patent law. He of the man who becomes completely immersed in was a dis'mal failure. An intellectual robot, he was the religion of science and thus loses touch with the without the imagination needed to apply his the­ realities of life. It shows, too, what happens to the oretical knowledge to practical situations, and quite

DECEMBER 1954 221 incapable of coping with the attitudes of prospec­ promise appeals to him. He has no criteria by which tive clients. to examine that promise; his training has not fur­ So he fled from society and re-entered the sanc­ nished him with any. tuary of institutional life; he became an assistant The product of the larger technical institution, professor at the college which had made him what I found, is far more characterized by this naivete, he was. Eventually he transferred to another sanc­ which easily turns to emotional instability under tuary, the government. Here he is ,content. H·ere he the impact of social contacts, than is the graduate is a "doctor," not a "mister," and, above all, he is of the smaller college. This is probably due to the relieved of all concern about the source of his difference in curricula. Most small colleges insist sustenance. He has found the warmth, comfort and that the student take some cultural courses, while security of his prenatal state; that is what all his the larger technical schools concentrate on science study had prepared him for. to the exclusion of everything else. Furthermore, the student in a large institution loses his sense of Social Progress by F'or,mula individuality the mom,ent he is enrolled, merely because he is lost in the immense student body; one W,ith some variation in details, this is the story technical school actually prides itself on its indif­ of the lives of a number of ,eminent scientists. Their ference to the individual student. After having lost common characteristic is an addiction to science his identity for four impresS'ionable years, it is that :amounts to a mania; in all other matters, their easy for the graduate to accept the basic premise naivete is almost childlike. Being utterly without of communism that the individual does not count. guile, they ,can fall easy prey to the shrewd and Among the scientists with whom I came in con­ unscrupulous com'munist agent. tact, the majority were cognizant of the limitations 'The promise of communism-security for all of science, and realized that the ,finite mind of man people-makes sense to the scientist who has could not penetrate the mystery of the laws of always enjoyed institutional securlty. If the State nature. Whether they came to that realization can provide for him, why cannot it provIde for the because of their early religious training or because butcher, the haker and the candlestick maker? Since their scientific thinking had taken a philosophical he has never had need for exercising freedom of turn, I do not know. But I do know that thos,e who choice, he puts no importance on it. His formula­ believed in a God of the 'Universe were more stable ridden mind 'easily accepts the concept of a society and showed greater strength of character than run by a formula. Sci,ence, which has shown him those 'who had swallowed the materialistic philos­ how to fathom every materialistic problem pre­ ophy whole. The former were certainly considered sented to him, can surely come up with a math­ less of a security risk than the latter. ematical equation that will solve all social problems. I do not know whether Dr. Oppenheimer was or All one needs to do is to submit man to environ­ is a Communist. But I do know that those who mental conditioning, such as he employs in his worship at the shrine of science are apt to lose all laboratory, and the right answer will be found. sense of moral values and thus become susceptible That is what communism holds, and therefore its to the lure of communism~

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~ ,".2 THE FREEMAN Prosperity by Procreation

An economist points out fallacies in the popular theory that a boom in the birth ByF.A.HARPER rate is a weapon against depression and brings an upswing in national prosperity.

Economies and obst:etrics must have engaged in as prosperous-well, much more prosperous at least. adultery to beget the new theory of baby prosperity. But since one town's gain is another's loss, the A quarter of a century ago, when we were being claim can be made that babies bring prosperity plagued w,ith imagined surpluses, many economists without provinciality and selfishness. The stork wer,e concerned with what they called the nation's doesn't use any moving van and disadvantage some propensity to consume. N'ow this is being replaced other town; everybody gains. with concern over the nation's propensity to pro­ That iis the idea in brief. The ar,ticle already crHate, and belief in baby prosperity is sweeping m,entioned concludes with this beautiful economic the land through publiC'ations ranging all the way rainbow: "The blueprint for tomorrow is clear-the from light reading for the layman's Sunday after­ Children's Decade is unques:tionahly America's noon to technical business forecasts. wealtthiest as.set for a depress,ion-proof future." Here are a few samples: A popular magazine, having a thous,and readers to the FREEMAN'S one, The Appeal to Patriotism re'0ently published an article entitled "Our New Weapon Against Depression : The Baby Boom." A 'The idea of baby prosperity adds another appeal bankers' bulletin heaped more dirt on Malthus' Ito the natural emotional urge toward parenthood. bones by asserting: "It's hard to see much de­ Every procreator a patriot! The prospecHve sire pression coming up if the pr,esent population is to of even a moron can believe that in adding another increase two and two-thirds millions yearly through child he is adding umpteen dollars to the national 1960." A renowned Harvard economist, speaking income. All countrymen should tender to him their of an "extraordinarily bright" prospect for the thanks. The sleep of long-suffering parents may be economy, ,says: "In part, these bright prospects are disturbed in the process, but thait sacrifice is for the result of the rapid rate at which population has the national welfar'e. been increasing." It is perhaps not an accident that a popular 'The baby prosperity argument goes like this: A theory of baby prosperity came just at this time. click every twelve seconds on a machine in the It came in the wake of a gloomy business forecast Washington Census Bureau announces the birth of which threw quite a selare into business cireles another consumer for the market in America. As a few months ago. Dr. Colin Clark, the noted every storekeeper knows, new consumersme,an new Austr,alian and British economist, flatly predicted business, and new business means prosperity. Stock that the United States faced a major economic which the merchant has sold must be replaced. This setback. Coming from such a source, it frightened sets in motion a new wave of business all the way the fearsome and most of their complacent cousins. back to the manufacturer and the producer of raw Its influence as a gloomy forecast was so great materials---'not overlooking all the rela'ted services. that it received the distinction of inducing a Or, to express the idea another way: The national counterprediction from Washington. But even that income this year is said to be about $1,750 per was not enough to allay economic fears in a nation person. Since ther'e would have been no demand and that has come to treat the Statue of Liberty as no national income without any population, this though it were a symbol of Mammon. amount is what the average person added to the More persuasive than the official pronouncements market dem,and. Every newborn baby, then, adds of bus'iness he~alth, I believe, has been the growing $1,750 (plus or minus) to the national income; he faith in baby prosperity. Its power lies in its plau­ is precious not only to his parents but also to the sibility, since it is so much eas;ier to understand general economy. than the complex curves and depression curatives This concept that babies g~ve birth to prosperity usually found in the economist's kit. calls to mind the traditional Chamber of Commerce In self-defense against misguided busines,s ad­ program of 'enticing new businesses and more vice, it behooves us to take a .critical look at the people to come to the town. In promoting these theory. I do not believe that the baby boom and programs, it is often i,mplied that if the population increasing population assures prosperity. We may of the town can be doubled, everyone will be twice have prosperity during a period of increasing pop-

DECEMBER 1954 223 ulation, but without the one being the cause of the means of buying them, or have them given to us other. by someone who has produced them. In challenging the theory I do not mean to pre­ The level of living we now enjoy in the United diet,either, that an increasing population will States is in large degree due to the increased pro­ bring a depression. I am merely s,aying that to duction made possible by the use of tools operated predict the business future one must consult sources by electrical and other nonhuman sources of power. other than the stork and the mortician. These tools have been accumul'ated for our use by In challenging the theory of baby prosperity I persons who have saved and invested in them. I am not presuming to advise parents about having would slay that perhaps 95 per cent of our level of offspring. That is for them to decide on their own living in the United States is due to the aid they responsihility. I only suggest they omit this na­ have given to human hands. If we lacked most of tional welfare buncombe from their precalculations, these tools, as does the person in China or India, le'aving it entirely to the Socialists for use as one we would be producing little if any more-per of their political nostrums. person-than he does. If the theory of baby prosperity were correct, why do we not find China among the most prosper­ Baby Brings No Tool Kit ous nations of the world? And India? They have a plenitude of offspring. 'They have great concentra­ The newborn baby has neither goods nor real tions of population per square mile. If these make buying power attached to him when he comes. We welfare in a nation, it should be rampant in such are all born nude, economically :as well as physically. places. Yet they are among the least prosperous in And neither does he bring with hi,ma kit of tools the world. By looking' at the matter in this w,ay­ like those m,aking possible some 9-5 per cent of what simple ohservat,ion and deductive reasoning-the we are able to produce. So when he attains a theory is exposed as not only false, but false with a productive age, others must share with hi.m the use vengeance. of tools already there. Everyone then has fewer tools to use and less can be produced-per person. A Matter of Proauction The result is that the level of living must go down, not up. Its falseness, if we look beneath this surface Let us presume that the population were to evidence, lies in the simple fact that low production double, due to a friendly invasion from M'ars. If the per person is what really causes the low level of Martians brought with them no tools and we were living in ,any nation. Another baby does not raise to share our tools with them, the production and the production per person automatically. After the level of living of those already here would have to baby has grown to a product1ive age, special condi­ decline by half, plus or minus. Our economic wel­ tions might result in increased production per fare would go down. person; but these conditions do not prevail in any When the population increases faster than the nation already rather fully populated, where more tools with which to work, the use of tools will have babies will almost certainly have the effect of re­ to be spread thinner and thinner. And since tools ducing the level of living. give productive leverage to hand and brawn, there Every baby is born full of wants, and this adds would then be less production and a lower level of to the pile of wants within the living, as surely as four divided by nation, to ibe sure. But it is produc­ two is two. tion and not these wants which makes He who projects his business plans eeonomic welf;are. I have never known on a false premise, such as the as­ a person whose wants as a whole sumption that more babies assure seemed to have any limit. One's want prosperity, will some day come out of for a thing like salt is limited, but not his economic stupor on the sheriff's his total wants for everything, includ­ doorstep, broke. ing vacation trips and services and But a false basis for predicting the like. If wants alone assured pros­ business prospects is not the only perity, there could never have been danger in the idea of 'baby prosperity. anything but unlimited prosperity The concept is dangerously close to anywhere in the world. denying the right of man to be free, So the error in the theory of baby and that is perhaps its most serious prosperity really lies in confus'ing aspect. wants with the things which satisfy The idea that babies are valuable these wants; in confusion between is not new. In the Homeric period of wants and effective market demand, ancient ,Greece parents sometimes .gold or the means of buying. You and I their children into slavery. Like goats, want things but cannot have them un­ children had a price in the market less we produce them, or produce the place. Anyone trying to promote

224 THE FREEMAN Planned Parenthood in that day would have been laughed out of home and goat-yard alike. Malthus' Mistake Then a new idea came to dominate people's think­ ing. lit was the belief in the dignity of each in­ Dr. Harper discusses in the preceding article the dividual under God, under rights and responsibil­ new economic theory that babies make for prosper­ ities of self-ownership. The child was not for sale, ity. But, even as this theory is bandied about, we nor was he thought of as an economic asset of any hear repeated murmurings of the Malthusian the­ other person or any collective of persons, like a ory: namely, that population tends to increase faster nation. He was not a digit of national wealth or than the means of subsistence, and that nature's income, for the calcula'tions of some bureaucrat. So cure for this inevitable overpopulation is pestilence, it came to pass that a child, in growing up to be a famine and war. The theory of "prosperUy by free moan, was considered free from the day he was procreation" (or Malthusianism [in reverse) is born and this new theological concept came to rather new and has not, as far as we know, achieved dominate the economic practices of mankind. And textbook standing. But ·Malthusianism is still child slavery faded. taught in some college courses, while every so often ,Over the intervening centuries the dominant cul­ we read in the newspapers that the troubles of ture of the Western world left the -matter of the Japan and India are due only to overpopulation. birth rate to the family, where it belongs-no long­ The food situation in the United States is a er weighing its children as economic assets. To do conundrum for neo-Malthusians. Here a teen-age so has become a sacrilege. We love them, and that is baby-si,tter earns the lequivalent of a pound of that. chicken in only an hour. And here we have a corn "surplus" large enough to fill a freight train An Old Concep~ Reappears extending from Los Angeles to Atlantic City. The reason for the food abundance here, ad­ And now the reactionary concept that babies are vanced by neo....Malthusians, is that we are the lucky economic assets is again rearing its ugly head. To descendants of ancestors who happened to come say that a baby is worth something to the market to this land of abundant resources. of America is dangerously close to saying that a This easy explanation needs scrutiny. When baby has worth in the market as a direct object of Columbus arrived on this hemisphere the sparse sale. For a thing of worth is an asset, and an asset native population lived on the verge of starvation. is saleable in the market. They hunted the buffalo that roamed over what 'The concept which made child slavery tolerable has become the corn belt. They evaded diamond­ to ancient Greece is thus reappearing in respected backed rattlers as they hunted over lands now lush intellectuall circles, in the form of this idea of baby with citrus groves. prosperity. It is a symptom of the collectivized Since Columbus' day the population has increased thinking embodied in modern socialist-communist some four hundred times, and the diet has improved doctrine. We first accept the idea that our economic from one of poverty to one of luxury. And this welfare is the respons1ibility of government rather fine fare takes only one fifth of the income of the than ourselves. Then we discover that babies are average family. national economic assets, assuring prosperity. It is What brought albout the abundane:e? What factor a perfectly logieal derivative of this to say that the did Malthus leave out of his calculations? (He died government may claim control of the means of just before that great era in Britain when this welfare for which it has been acclaimed factor was allowed a trial for a half century.) responsible. That factor is freedom. More exactly, it is the And the government then becomes the logical partial removal of political interference with the manager of procreativity-perhaps, one day, under right of the individual to own, save and invest a new Department of Genopropagationempowered what he produces. When a baby is born it has two to select for you your mate and to control all your hands with which to feed one mouth; and when family affairs. The government in its new role, of it is able to do so, the baby will see to it that an course, must make the children work and produce abundance reaches i,ts mouth, provided no police­ when they are old enough. man filches from the handful. But, if the police­ Such steps into collectivis,m do not entail any man takes too much, the grown-up baby will stop disharmony of logic, and in that sense may not be trying. In short, production increases, other things as fantastic as they may at first appear. Children being equal, as the right of private property is need not be auctioned off in a market place, as in respected. ancient Greece. Enslavement to government is as The fascinating story of the history of food truly servitude as if children are sold to private and its relation to freedom will be found in a owners on the auction block. scholarly book by a lifetime student of the sub­ lIt is never too early to destroy seed-thoughts ject: E. Parmelee Prentice's Hunger and History which can grow into colossal destroyers of human (published by The Caxton Printers, Ltd., Caldwell, dignity and freedom, like belief in baby proSIPerity. Idaho, $5.00).

DECEMBER 1954 225 Jefferson Revisits America

The framer of the Declaration of Independence By THADDEUS ASHBY comes back via Time Machine and ta'kes a look at liberty and individualism in America today.

An -inventor in our town built a funny-looking con­ He listened a moment. "That is quite enough," traption which he called a Time Machine. I watched he said. "Can you explain the principle on which it him demonstrate it. He pressed a row of buttons functions ?" and turned a dial until the number 1776 popped up. "Well, a man talks into a microphone, and the A cloud of smoke swirled around the machine. sound is transmitted through the alr, and uh, it The inventor spun a wheel, a heavy door swung open comes out here. It's really very..." and there inside a cell, surrounded by wires and "Simple," said Jefferson. tubes, stood a fellow wearing a white wig and "Mr. Jefferson," I said, "I know you were an dressed in a Colonial suit; a handsome, aristo­ architect, scientist, inventor, farmer, lawyer, jack­ cratic sort of a man. He blinked,extracted a of-alI-trades. Well, I'm not. ~verything is special­ laee handkerchief from his brocaded sleeve, and ized today. A mechanic can tell you how our engines dabbed the smoke out of his eyes. run. All I can tell you about is politics." He said: "My name is Thomas Jefferson' of ",Politics. Good," said Jefferson. "My interest, Monticello. I don't believe I have had the honor." too. I have written some short opinions on the We introduced ourselves. "You're in the twentieth subject. I daresay the imperfections and errors century," the inventor told him. "Wait, I want which we encountered in my day must all have been thQ reporters and photographers to record this!" resolved by now." "What do you know I" he whispered to me. "It "ISir," I told him, "I'm afraid those imperfections works I Watch him for me!" And he rushed off. and errors have only been aggravated." I stared at Mr. Jeff,erson. He smiled back. "IncredibleI" said Jefferson. "You speed through "Could we take some air? I am bound to confess I space, throw your voice through the air. I marvel find it somewhat stifling here."· at your mechanical progress. Have you not shown "But you can't go out in the streets like that. similar progress in government?" Come home with me and I'll lend you a suit of "In my opinion, we've gone backwards," I said. clothes." "I cannot believe it." "I should like some tea," said Thomas J'efferson. "Here we are, Sir," I said. "We've got plenty of tea," I said. "Let's go." "What is the price of tea in this country?" Jefferson looked around, at the electric light Jefferson asked. switches, the gas furnace, the plumbing fixtures, "This country is America," I said. "And tea is the radio-phonograph. He said "HmmmI" several $1.50 per pound." times. We had some tea. After a moment Jefferson ":Outrageous I" said Jefferson. "If Samuel Adams sa-id: were here, he would throw it overboard!" "But to the quick 0' the ulcer! The specialists "Here's my car," I said. shall explain these miracles to·me. I request now "Strange ... Perhaps we could have our tea while instruction concerning the political degeneration they are hitching up." which you allege has occurred." "Hitching up? Look, Mr. Jefferson, this isn't a I pointed to my library. "You can read all these eoach. It's ready to go as is. It has an engine under things .for yourself, Mr. Jefferson," I said. I showed the hood. It's a-horseless ,carriage." him my hooks. "I have here just a few of the "AmazingI And on what principle does this books, magazines and pamphlets which prove in engine run, :Sir?" detail, naming names, facts and figures, that "Well, it ... just runs. You put in gasoline here, Americans have been bargaining away the rights see. And then it burns and, well, it's really very which you described in the Declaration of Inde­ simple." pendence. Look at these pamphlets." I handed him "Indeed." Jefferson scowled at me. a lapful of literature. "You'll get to talk to an engineer," I assured "Here's a book that tells how one Supre,me him. All the way out to the house Jefferson kept Court decision after another transferred more asking me embarrassing questions. "What's that?" power to the federal government," I said. He pointed to the instrument panel. "Why didn't the Legislative branch impeach the "That's a radio. Like to hear it?" jurists responsible?" demanded Jefferson.

226 THE FREEMAN "This pamphlet tells how Congress abdicated its "The men who intend to revolt and overthrow powers to the Executive," I said. He scanned the the tyrannical government you have described to pages, open-mouthed, wide-eyed. me." "Here's one that shows how the Reconstruction "Oh, you mean the Communists. I don't know period violated the rights of the States," I said, any, ,personally." heaping another pamphlet on the pile. "Here's one "Communists? Did you not tell me," asked J effer­ that shows how the government got into the busi­ son, "that Communists advocate extension of the ness of subsidizing private citizens, beginning power of the federal government? If so, I shall not vvith the Post 'Office, which you Founders provided address myself to them. I refer to the revolution­ for, then the railroads, ending with the airlines aries who seek to restore the principles of the and government ownership of more than eighty Declaration of Independence." corporations operating in competition with private "Oh," I said. "They're called Conservatives and corporations." Reactionaries." "Why were the people not educated to stand "Names signify little," said Jefferson. "I myself their ground against these usurpations?" asked vIas called a Democrat. Take me to these Reaction­ Jefferson. aries. I intend to help them foment their revolu­ "'This book tells how the income tax destroyed tion." the power of the states, how the draft law de­ "Well Mr. Jefferson," I said, "I'll take you to stroyed the power of the militias to resist the them. But if you start talking about revolt, they'll central government, how the United Nations has think you're some kind of a dangerous radical." been given the power to commit this country to "I was," said Jefferson. "Shall we start?" 'police action' anywhere in the world and use drafted men to further ,entangle us in foreign Since most of the signers of the Declaration expeditions. Here's one. . ." were lawyers or farmers, I thought I'd take J effer­ "Stop!" cried Jefferson. "Stab my eyes! I've had son to a lawyer and a farmer, both conservatives. enough! Take me to the revolutionaries!" "I'll take you to the best lawyer in town," I "Who?" I asked, not sure I had heard correctly. said. "But first, do you mind chang-ing out of those knee breeches and taking off that wig?" I phoned for an appointment with the lawyer. "We have time," I said, "to visit Farmer Gimmey." "Is he a rebel?" asked Jefferson. "Oh, no," I said. "He's a good Republican." 'The good farmer quieted his barking dogs and sauntered over to the car. "Farmer Gimmey," I said, "here's a friend of mine, name of Jefferson." "Stay a while," said Gimmey. "I thought you were the man from Soil Conservation. They're going to pay me for putting in a big dam." "Mr. Jefferson wants you to sign a Declaration of Independence," I explained. "He wants you to revolt against controls, restrictions and high taxes." "Sounds like a Red plot to me," said Gimmey. "Revolts and all." "This is just the opposite," I said. "Mr. J,effer- son wants to restore constitutional government." "Would I lose my wheat support checks ?" "Yes," I said. "Milk support checks?" "Yes." "Butter?" " ':fraid so." "Conservation dam checks?" "All your dam checks," I said. "But you'll keep every cent you earn." "Are you crazy?" asked Farmer Gimmey. "Com­ ing out here butting into my business!" "John Hart was, as you say, 'crazy,'" broke in Jefferson. "Who was John Hart?" asked Gimmey. "Just a simple farmer," said Jefferson. "He sign­ ed the Declaration of Independence. The British

DECEMBER 1954 227 burned his farmhouse and sawmill and blackened We drove back to town without speaking. To his acres. He died in 17'79 without ever knowing take the gloom out of the silence, I turned on the whether the Americans would win the war for In­ radio. dependence which he helped start with his signa­ And, ladies a'nd gentlemen, while we seek federal ture." aid to education, we do not seek federal control. "Why bring him up?" asked Gimmey. Education is the most precious part of our national "You were asking just now, whether you would heritage, a'nd those who would deny us our share of lose your government checks," explained Jefferson. the national wealth stand guilty of depriving the "John Hart would sign the Declaration again, leaders of the future of their right to knowledge and the free access thereto. If education is to be free, though he knew it meant he would lose everything." then those who stand in the way of federal aid, when "How do you know he would?" demanded Gim­ local resources have dried up, are attacking free­ mey. dom of education, freedom of the mind, academic "I know," said Jefferson, "that Farmer John freedom. We can go forward to new heights only by establishing a United States Department of Educa­ Hart loved America and the liberty it stood for tion with cabinet rank, a'nd the privilege of sharing more than all the things he lost." in the golden bounty of the federal income tax. "Do you think I don't love America?" Farmer To what nobler purpose could our national treasure Gimmey bristled. be put? (applause) "Not more than your stipends from government, Ladies and Gentlemen, You have just heard all address entitled, "How to Preserve Free Enterprise." obviously," said Jefferson. "Wait a minute," said Gimmey. "Those subsi­ I turned it off. "See what you started with tax­ dies promote the general welfare-otherwise the supported education?" I said. farmers would go out of business and the nation Jefferson stroked his chin. "There numbered would starve to death..." but one university president among the signers," he said. "I wonder if that gentleman would sign Jefferson turned to me. "lOur host would find nOMT• ••" There was gentle irony in his eyes. my reasoning too tedious to follow," he said, "and I fear that my continued presence here will only We arrived in town, and I slowed down so that weary him and keep him from his task of feeding Jefferson could see the tall buildings. He did not the nation." He turned back to Farmer iGimmey. seem interested. After waiting an ,impressive "You will forgive me, Sir," said Jefferson, "if I amount of time we were admitted to the law of­ tear myself away. I have the honor to be your fices of Wiley, Craft and Schuyster. most obedient servant." "Mr. Schuyster, Mr. Jefferson," I ,said. Never having been insulted ,before 'in such an "'Mr. Jefferson?" said Schuyster, laughing. elegant manner, Farmer Gimmey's feet took roots "Name's familiar. Any relation to the Thomas in his sod; his tongue seemed to have stuck in Jefferson?" his mouth, and his cheeks reddened under the tan "I am the son of Peter Jefferson of Shadwell, leather of his skin. Albemarle County." As we pulled away, he cried: "Wait! I'll sign." Schuyster was not impressed. I stopped the car. "On one condition," he said. "I should like to know," said Jefferson, "what "Condition?" asked Jefferson, perplexed. "action you aim to take about the income tax?" "That all the others getting subsidies, the labor "Certainly, Mr. Jefferson." Schuyster lowered his union man, the businessman with his tariffs, the voice. "Now, we could offer to settle for twenty­ rest of them, sign it first, and agree to give up their five cents on the donar if the amount comes to subsidies, too I" much, and if your voting record will hold up. Or "We should still be in Philadelphia," said J effer­ we could get a hearing before a tax court." son, "if the delegates there had each made the same "No," said Jefferson. "I want to go to the heart stipulation." of the matter. Tell me what you would be inter­ "What do I get out of it?" demanded Gimmey, ested in doing about this infernal income tax." visualizing the loss of his checks. "I'd have to know the facts first, Mr. Jefferson. "'Perhaps no more than Lewis Morris," said J ef­ But I can tell you right now that no firm carries ferson. "A rich farmer, Morris stood to gain more weight with the right people than ours. Just nothing by signing. By refusing, he would have last year we arranged for one of our clients to lost nothing but his self-respect. The British. avoid payment of $100,000. A great many solu­ learning that he had signed, desecrated his manor tions may be found if the amount is imposing." house and fired his thousand-acre stand of 'excellent "You misunderstand me, Sir," said Jefferson. tel trees. His family endured seven years of hand-to­ want to know if you would participate in a move­ mouth living." ment aiming at the abolition of the ,income tax. As Farmer Gimmey contemplated this fate for his a lawyer, interested in justice, would you join an famHy and found little to recommend it. "'Times ag-gregation of patriots assembled for the purpose have changed," he said. of declaring their independence from taxation with­ "'The issues have not changed," said Jefferson. out limitation1"

228 THE FREEMAN "Are you serious?" sa'id Schuyster. "How could Jefferson. "After the Declaration was signed and the government meet its huge expenditures with­ transported to King 'George, more than a year out the income tax?" passed before the Americans could raise and equip "It couldn't," said Jefferson. "So you believe in a substantial army. In the meantime King George the income tax, Mr. Schuyster?" gave the order which doomed the signers to be "Of course," said Schuyster. hunted down and hung. Many fled their estates, "You believe in it," said J,efferson, "but you will saw their croplands and trees fired by British do anything to circumvent the law?" torches. They lost everything and never regained "Well, not exactly anything," said Schuyster. their fortunes. They pledged their lives, their "We have never done anything really illegal. If fortunes and their sacred honor. Would you?" you're thinking of those allegations made last year, Schuyster smiled and said, "Would you, your­ they were never proved!" self?" "Mr. :Schuyster, many of those who signed the "You wouldn't believe me if I told you, Mr. Declaration of Independence were lawyers like Schuyster," said Jefferson. yourself," said Jefferson. "One of them, John Adams, vigorously aroused himself over something We stopped off at my house so Jefferson could called the stamp tax. He said the American col­ change back into the brocaded suit. When we ar­ onies should revolt against it because it was an rived back at the Time Machine, the laboratory was encroachment by the state on the rights of the in­ deserted. dividual. You are, of course, familiar with the "Won't you wait until my friend the inventor stamp tax, Mr. Schuyster?" can get the photographers to come back? They "Why, ah, you tell me about it, Mr. Jefferson." won't believe this without pictures." "It was a small tax on all legal documents, not at "N0," said Jefferson. "I will leave you to work all burdensome, by some standards, on anyone," out your own destiny. This is not my country." said Jefferson, smiling frostily. "Wait," I said. "There are some people, not here, "But they refused to pay it?" asked Schuyster. perhaps, but scattered in distant places all over "They refused with enthusiasm," said Jefferson. America, just a few, called Individualists. I met "And the law was repealed. Lawyer John Adam;;; some of them at the Congress of Freedom in Omaha. was instrumental in removing this plague." They signed a policy statement which quoted from "What does that have to do with the income tax?" the Declaration. There are others, some of them asked Schuyster. just waking up to the necessity of making a strong­ "Just this. The stamp tax fails to compare even stand for liberty. If you would stay we could find distantly with the income tax. Yet lawyer John them." Adams preferred to revolt rather than pay it. He "N0," said Jefferson. "I have battles to win in was the strongest speaker in favor of signing the my own time. I envy you your automobiles, your Declaration. Would you have signed it, Mr. electric lights. I shall tell Ben Franklin about Schuyster, believing as you confess that you do, in these things. But I prefer to live among freemen, a much worse form of tax-yoke than that which and watch young spirits flower in the air of free­ prompted the Declaration1" dom. For that I would give up anything else. If "I'm a patriotic American, Mr. Jefferson. Cer­ you assemble sufficient patriots, and succeed in re­ tainly, 1-" storing freedom in America, you will then know "'Think before you speak," said Jefferson. "Do that to which I refer, and which now calls me you know what happened to the signers?" back." "Why, I assume they made out all right. We won "I hope some day to know it," I said. the war, didn't we?" And I counted up the number of those I knew "The majority of them suffered deeply," said would sign the Declaration today. Would you sign?

When we consider that this governlnent is charged with the external and mutual relations only of these sta1tes; that the states themselves have principal care of our persons., our property and our reputation., con­ stituting the great field of human concerns., we may well doubt whether our organizaltion is not too complicated., too expensive; whether offices and officers have not been multiplied unnecessarily., and sometimes in­ juriously to the service they were meant to promote. THOMAS JIEF,FER80N., First Annual Mes@age to Congress, ,December 8., 1801

DECEMBER 1954 229 A Reviewer's Notebook By JOHN CHAMBERLAIN ~ ~__-.aI

"How many of us really would want f'ace by Professor F. A.· Hayek), sober, censorious, and sad; prodi­ to be John Stuart Mill? Who would Michael St. John Packe takes us gious and at the same time somehow not rather be Scott, or Hawthorne, deep into the personal hell of Mill's awful, a kind of moral,Great Agrip­ or Disraeli or even Byron?" 80 private life. As a child, John Stuart pa. Above all, dryas dust." Russell Kirk asks in a rhetorical Mill had the misfortune of serving 8 urely no one in his senses would flourish in his recently published as a guinea pig for the insanely one­ choose to live the life of John Stuart A Program for Conservatives [re­ sided educational theories of his Mill. But the writings of Mill are viewed on page 233 of this issue]. father, James Mill. John Stuart Mill something else again. His On Lib­ Mr. Kirk's question, which breathes played no games and had no child­ erty, which, as Mr. Packe says, is a deep personal contempt for the hood or adolescent friends; he was less of a philosophical textbook than whole subject of economics, is un­ the supreme and absolute opposite it is "a hymn or incantation," is fairly posed for the simple reason to Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry one of the great essays of the that it attempts to compare the in­ Finn. language. The words ring out more comparable. Given a choice of being vi,brantly than ever in our own a genius like Hawthorne or a man of Then, having survived his up­ debilitated time: "The demand that purely logical intellect like Mill, most bringing, he had the misfortune to all other people shall resemble our­ people would naturally choose to be fall in love with a married woman. selves grows by what it feeds on. the genius. So, too, in the world of Apparently he lived for years in ... Its ideal of character is to be muscular activity would most people completely celibate attendance upon without any marked character; to rather be Joe DiMaggio than a his "Platonica," a Mrs. Harriet m·aim by compression, like a Chinese plain blacksmith. But just as there Taylor who took it upon herself to lady's foot, every part of human is plenty of room in the world for remake the very content of Mill's nature which stands out prominent­ ballplayers and iron workers, so is mind. The deliberately enforced ly." Or: "The only purpose for there need for both imaginative ar­ celibacy, a tribute to the Victorian which power can be rightfully ex­ tists and men of logic. It makes little conventions that seems strange in a ercised over any member of a civil­ practical sense to start a pogrom so-called "rationalist," could not izedcommunity, against his will, is against economists merely because have been easy, for the supposedly to prevent harm to others. His own they aren't poets or novelists or "dessicated" John Stuart Mill, as good, either physical or moral, is dramatists, or even social prophets Mr. Packe brings out, was a genu­ not a suffcient warrant." (Italics on the order of Carlyle. inely passionate human being. What ours.) But if Mr. Kirk asks an inadmis­ the celibacy amounted to must have sible question in his vigorous plea been self-torture in the highest de­ These words, flung in the teeth for a return to conservatism, he does gree. Eventually Mr. Taylor died, of the collectivists of the eighteen manage to raise a point about John but by this time Mill had been seri­ fifties and si:~ties, failed to prevent Stuart Mill. The real question is: ously smitten with tuberculosis. His the "iage of darkness" that was even Who would want to be Mill under marriage to his "Platonica" passed then setting in. As Mr. Packe says, any circumstances? Mill was a great the disease along-with the result "the era of the beehive state was English worthy;. his essays in de­ that Mrs. Mill died one of those dawning, and the freedom of the in­ fense of liberty and individuality dreadful' nineteenth-century deaths, dividual was going out of fashion." will live forever in a world that will with Mill an agonized watcher. Mill Yet Mill's doctrine, that society is a}ways have desperate need for co­ himself managed to survive his not an organism ("when the finger gent anti-Statist, anti-authoritarian disease for many years, but his old is cut, the whole body bleeds, but thinking to counter the recurrent age as the "saint of rationalism" when a man dies ... society at original sin of tyranny. But the w·as grey and sad. Says Mr. P,acke: large is unaware"), must sooner price that Mill paid for living his "Gone is the slender figure reclin­ or later live again in the popular own peculiar life was just about as ing in an armchair by the fire, with consciousness of men who instinc­ high as could be exacted from any­ the cat Placidia purring at his feet, tively insist on justice, for the op­ one. who rose and cordially gree1ted the posing organismic concept of society In a splendid biography, The reporter from the Chicago Tribune. must, as Packe cogently puts it, Life of John Stuart Mill (565 pp., ... In its place remains the legend "either baldly assert that might is New York: Mac-milIan, $6.50, pre- . . . a name erudite and respectable; right, or else seek refuge in the

230 THE FREEMAN sophistry of the general will." distribution, taxation, which is the soning. Mrs. Taylor, long before she But if Mill's words on Uberty will great modern tool of redistribution, became Mrs. Mill, was an incipient live as long as hum·an beings refuse was not very onerous. But today it do-gooder. Her sympathetic re­ to be ants or bees,.it cannot be said scarcely takes a technical economist action to the revolutionary up­ that he did not make his own con­ to see taxation has a very definite risings of 1848 sent her off on a tribution to the "age of darkness" impact on production. The laws of theory that, to quote Packe, "a lot that was to overtake England. The one are interconnected with the laws of the objections to the communal trouble with Mill was that his pow­ of the other. Everybody knows of ex­ ownership of property were nothing ers of analysis failed him at a cer­ amples of people who cease to put more than humbug." She ordered tain point in his economics. In writ­ forth a certain type of effort once Mill to abolish, in the second edition ing about production, Mill was con­ the income tax reaches into the of his Principles of Political Econ­ tent to follow the laws set forth upper brackets. A writer like Jan omy, all of his original objections by an older generation of economists. Struther, author of Mrs. Miniver, against socialism and communism. Since "scarce means" are a fact of gives up a lecture tour because it Strange to tell, Mill, at the cost of nature, the necess-ary choice between promises to yield her only fifty some worry, followed her commands scarce alternatives gives rise to cents on the dollar after taxes; a to the letter. He did not turn his measurable productive activity. But lawyer like Bernard Knolleniberg back in so many words on the pri­ Mill went on to say that production practices at his profession for only vate system, or on the classical and distribution, in economics, had three months of the year and then theory of competitive economics, but no necessary hard-and-fast, or devotes himself for nine months to the changes in his text, particularly "scientific," relationship. With pro­ amateur scholarly pursuits in the in the third edition of his book, were duction, you could get only what the field of the American Revolution of such that the reader could comfort­ earth and the human beings thereon 1776. ably regard communism and capital­ were capruble of yielding. But once These are outstanding individ­ ism as systems with equal possibil­ the product was in hand, so Mill ual examples known personally to me ities for satisfying the economic said, it could he distributed in any of how interference with the dis­ wants of man. Thus "coexistence," manner that society was agreed upon tribution of wealth can change the -at the behest of Harriet Taylor, was as fitting. It could he expropriated, pattern of production, for better or implicit in Mill's Principles of Polit­ or redistributed by a "progressive" worse. But the impact of inter­ ical Economy a full century before income tax, or left in the hands of ference is general and pervasive as Clem Attlee and Ny,e Bevan set off the original producers to consume or well as individual. When, for ex­ for Moscow and Peiping to observe to sell or to give away in charity ample, the State steps in to dis­ the workings of an "alternative" to others. tribute housing by the control of economy. rents, as in France, there is a very This "discovery" by Mill that the profound impact on the supply of What Mr. Packe has to tell about "laws of economics have nothing new houses and even upon the re­ Harriet Taylor's influence on Mill is to do with distribution" (the words pair of old houses. New houses fail extremely enlightening. Yet Mill's 'are from Robert L. Heilbroner's to come into existence,and the old vulnerability, far from being a mere The Worldly Philosophers) has been houses fall apart. matter of cherchez la femme, actually hailed as a "profound contribution" Mill did not live to see the dire went back to the upbringing which to social science. But those who hail results of his theory-or, rather, his father forc.ed upon him. Mill was it as such are inv,ariably the very his lack of theory-regarding dis­ compelled by paternal fiat to be a sort of people who distrust Mill on tribution. If he had, he would cer­ logician at an age when most boys the subject of liberty. While the tainly have changed his mind, for are ranging the creek bottoms, or "profundity" of the contribution is as the great champion of inductive playing soldier. He grew up in a extremely questionable, it has cer­ reasoning he was never one to over­ household dominated by the utili­ tainly had its effects on the theoriz­ look the facts. Yet it is strange that tarian theories of Jeremy Bentham. ing of Keynesians, Fabians, Beve­ such a devotee of strict logic should But boys aren't natural utilitarians; ridgeans, neo-Marxians, technocrats, have made such a thundering mis­ they are natural romantics. With N'elW Dealers, Fair Dealers, social take. Henry George, among others, his romanticism suppressed from the democrats, Socialists, Communists caught the drift of Mill's error long cradle to his late teens, Mill revolted and Fascists. One and all, these ad­ before there were any Keynesians against "logic" in his twenties. He vocates of arbitrary redistribution around to build their cloud-castles came to exalt f,eeling and sentiment of the economic product have seized on the illusory foundations of Mill's simply because his father had never upon Mill's words to justify their words. given way to a single emotional im­ own antiliberal and organismic pulse. The blame for John Mill's theories of the State as the proper How did Mill happen to go off aberrations in middle life should arbiter of consumption. the track in his economics ?Mr. properly be laid upon Jam,es Mill, When Mill was speculating on the ,Packe has much to say about the the stern sehoolmaster armed with a supposed difference between the effect of Harriet T,aylor, Mill's theory of child psychology that al­ laws ofproduCition and the laws of "Platonica," on Mill's economic rea- lowed nothing for simple fun.

DECEMBER 1954 231 ism was to the nineteenth century Preface to a New Politics what liberalis'm had 'been earlier­ the virile main stream of social Government: An Ideal Concept, by its own way. Among these is the thought. Leonard E. Read. 150 pp. Irving­ problem of men in society, the draw­ The nineteenth-century scheme ton-on-Hudson: The Foundation ing of a distinction between what is had no place for the limited govern­ for Economic Education. Cloth individual and wha1t is social. Each ment concept. It did not occur to $2.00, paper $1.50 age attempts to work out its own men to limit government on moral answers, and some succeed rather grounds until it had first occurred This is something of a "man bit·es· well. The eighteenth-century answer to them that the individual is a per­ dog" book. Leonard Read is. certainly to social questions was quite an son pf worth and dignity and thus among those responsible for the con­ achievement in its day and contains ought to be free from arbitrary temporary libertarian renaissance in much that is still redeemable; but legal invasions of his privacy. The America that has produced a grow­ a century later it was an answer to religious idea of man laid the ing body of thought in which gov­ questions no one was asking. The groundwork for the political idea of ernment is strictly limited to neg­ mid-twentieth century is a time of limited government; but when men ative functions. And now he writes a such rapid transition that all efforts came to be regarded by the mate­ book in defense of government! in the field of political theory seem rialists as little more than mere The paradox is easily resolved. It to boil down to an attempt to fit fragments of the natural landscape, is Mr. Read's contention that the ·eighteenth-century answers to nine­ the idea of limited government made best way to insure a principled lim­ teenth-century questions! We make no sense. itation of government is to have a impossible demands for controlled We are now living in the post­ thorough grasp of the principles liberty, while within reach there are materialist era. This means that we which justify the existence of gov­ sufficient materials to effect a new are also living in the post-socialist ernment. Without an understanding synthesis in political theory. era. Intellectually, socialism is dead; of why we need government, we will The significant political thought practically, the beheaded corpse still not know how to limit it. W,e cannot of the rationalistic and pre-evolu­ shows vitality of a sort. The evidence know when government is out-of­ tionary eighteenth century was pre­ for the demise is the fact that bounds unless we know what con­ mised on the conception of man as a neither Marxist nor other socialistic stitutes in...bounds. This is not a creature who had arrived on the schemes are now defended as con­ wholly novel problem, and Mr. Read planet with all his faculties and sistent theoretical systems; instead, is not the first to tackle it. But his powers as standard ,equipment. they are relied upon merely as prac­ answers are, in important respects, Among other things, he had a built­ tical politics or devices of sabotage. answers in a new key. For me, the in set of natural rights. Classic lib­ The fountainhead of even these ac­ book is best understood when I put eralism erected an impressive struc­ tivities is now gone, so it is only a it within my own fr'amework of in­ ture on this picture of man, but the matter of time before the news terpretation. What follo'ws, then, is picture gradually faded ·away. catches up with those who still man one way of looking at the book, and the outposts. When they realize that Mr. Read is responsible only as the By the middle of the nineteenth their faith is gone, their fight will initiator of a train of thought. century the conception of man as a vanish also. Two centuries ago man was re­ largely static late-comer upon the 'The materialistic picture of man garded as a static creature, and upon earth was giving way to the idea has gone, taking its typical social this premise was erected a theory that he was related to other living theory, socialism, with it. It is being for the ordering of society. Last stuff and had developed his faculties replaced by a new picture of man century the picture was extended by interaction with his environment which does not yet have an accepted backward to produce the concept of over an immense period of time. Of label, but which might be called the man as a creature deposited upon his the several theories of evolution concept of emergence. Man is re­ present eminence, like the ark on offered to account for the new facts garded neither as a static creature Ararat, by the thrust of material of biology, the nineteenth-century nor as solely the product of material forces of which he was the end prod­ chose to embrace the materialistic factors. His history is seen to be one uct. This picture, in its turn, led to one associated with the name of of development in response to a non­ a theory of society. Just now the dim Darwin. The idea of man as a being material as well as to the material outlines of a more comprehensive having inherent rights derived from environment. His energy is still un­ picture of man are becoming visible. his Creator did not fit into this pic­ spent, and he is able to cooperate He is seen as increasingly a partner ture. Classic liberalism responded to with the forces of life to further his in his own evolution, a process in this challenge by evaporating and own creation by rising to higher which the forces are mainly psy­ then condensing as the new toryism. grades of consciousness. In order chical rather than physical, a process The real exploiter of the evolution­ for the individual to realize his own which is continuing in man and ary picture of man was Marxism. potential he needs to be free, as free offers him a way ahead-not just a The dogma that all history is the as he was conceived by liberalism. way out. This new concept of man history of class struggle is the direct But his emergence is premised on has not yet produced much in the counterpart of the idea that struggle his understanding of his own inter­ way of political theory. for existence and natural selection dependent relation to his fellows; There are perennial human prob­ are the forces that have hewn out that sense of community which older lems which each age encounters in living forms, including man. Social- societies had and which some SociaI- 232 THE FREEMAN ists may have thought they could a ridiculously misinformed genera­ that "the U. S., throughout most of regain by coercion. The concept of tion of liberals, came as a stunning our history, has been a nation sub­ e'mergence has room for religion blow: they had been taught, for stantially conservative." This is sim­ because it depicts individual life as several decades and in all the best ply not so; and no amount of skillful an adventure in destiny. universities, that conservatism was eloquence can alter the manifest fact. This newer conception of man and the pellagra of our mentally under­ As human being, the American is his place in the seheme of things will nourished-and here, plainly visible just as capable as anyone else of eventually produce a body of social to anyone who can read, a young preferring a reverent (i.e., conserv­ theory based upon it. Mr. Read, Midwesterner was presenting a con­ ative) to a hustling (i.e., "progres­ while he has not made a conscious servative statement whose erudition sive") attitude-which is all Mr. effort to write such a social theory, and elegance made the liberal .col­ Kirk needs to claim. The moment he nevertheless has written a book leges of the Eastern Seaboard look tries to c1aimmore, so that he may which is, at the very least, a preface like intellectual slums. Even Yale contend a special American affinity to a new politics. and Harvard had to take notice; but, for the conservative position, he en­ Others will take an entirely dif­ having come out from under the gages in fiction. The specifically ferent slant on the book, and like or shock, their final response was: "Ah American experience of life, dislike it for their own reasons. yes, but the conservative Mr. Kirk "throughout most of our history," They will find plenty of material for offers no program for action!" is indisputably a fierce yen for in­ heated discussion in Mr. Read's Which, of course, was like the stitutionalized "progress" by utopian treatment of the vexing problems of heathen holding it against a Chris­ legislation and industrial gadgetery. taxation, education, conscription tian 'missionary that he had no good Individual Americans, like Calhoun and the like. In his earlier writings, voodoo prescriptions on him. For, and Adams, may have known better; Mr. Read has shown a unique ability just as the Christian denies the very the American species (to the extent to start the ball rolling. This time reality of voodoo, the conservative that there really is such a thing) is, he sends it flying. denies the very idea of "programs." of course, populist rather than con­ REV. EDMUND A. OPITZ And Mr. Kirk, I take it, meant the servative-and for a very forceful title of his new book, A Program reason: America happens to be the for Conservatives, to be sheer irony. only society in creation built by For, naturally, he offers here no pro­ conscious human intent; and the in­ Civilized Conversation gram for conservatives or anybody tent was "improvement." This con­ else. What he does offer is a forceful, tinent was settled, and developed, by A Program for Conservatives, by penetrating and witty discussion of Europeans tired of Europe's ancient Russell Kirk. 325 pp. Chicago: the pathetic, and often terrifying, commitments, and determined,each Henry Regnery Company. $4.00 results of liberal programs. Like a of them and each in his own way, This book, quite aside from its in­ true conservative, Mr. Kirk consid­ on a "new beginning."There just is tellectual importance, is an aesthetic ers the organic reality of life; and no point, and certainly no possible delight. Reading it, one experiences his point is precisely that the Social gain of wisdom, in denying this fact that sublime joy of a true literary Engineers, those restless blueprint­ of American history. gourmet-to see a well-built mind ers, of progress, not only do ugly But that very same fact, inter­ perform magnificently. And it is violence to life but, thank God, are preted correctly, may fortify the anything but preciousness that made not even efficient. conservative position considerably the author (and this reviewer) pay :Not that Mr. Kirk refuses to see better than its willful negation could such emphatic attention to form. the obvious need for a constant re­ ever do: the historic reality of This, after all, is a book on the con­ form of the many social provocations America proves that men's will and servative attitude; and there is per­ to our sense of justice and beauty. men's preferences are socially crea­ haps no more reliwble test of a con­ He enumerates these provocations, tive. The conservative attitude has a servative's authenticity than his from inadequate housing to even chance to instruct future American sense of form. A liberal "ideologist," more inadequate journalism; and preferences, not because it owns an when the going gets rough, and his then contemplat,es in this prudent historic mortgage on America's so­ style even rougher, can always plead book what can be done about that cial real estate, but because it may the alleged power of the nostrum he malaise without our ending up in persuade searching men of its moral sells. But a conservative sells no Le Corbusier's "planned" ant-heaps and aesthetic superiority. For Hege­ nostrum. He recommends neither a of homes and the horrors of an ulti­ lians, everything that exists is good prescription nor even a theory. The mately conformist press. He does by virtue of its existing. But true conservative recommends noth­ not postulate like a liberal. Rather, true conservatives linsist on a ing but reverence for the accumu­ like a genuine conservative, he en­ hierarchy of values from which man, lated wisdom of the human race­ circles his subject with civilized con­ who was granted free will, can which, one will notice, is precisely versation. choose according to his moral in­ the meaning of what we call "for'm." struction and his sensitive taste. For Mr. Kirk's preceding book, The And since the hallmark of civil­ instance, FREEMAN subscribers can Conservative Mind, became a ized conversation is that it invites choose (and are herewith urged) to literary event mainly because it participants, I should like to cut in. read Mr. Kirk's books. If they do, I proved that the conservative posi­ Mr. Kirk, it seems to me, unneces­ dare say there is more future than tion can be stated with unmistakable sarily weakens his case with several past in an American conservative learning and even with wit. This, to almost desperate attempts to prove position. WILLIAM S. SCHLAMM DECEMBER 1954 233 strategy, MacArthur says: "New MacArthur: New American Saga conditions require for solution, and new weapons require for maximunl application, new and imaginative History has a way of lifting heroes out of the ruck of their methods. Wars are not won in the contemporary mediocrities. It seems that this process of past." selection is already working in the case of Doug!.as Mac­ The "new conditions" in Japan in­ A.rthur; public ac~eptanc~Cof the fi~~t two boaks dealing spired the successful use of the with this unusual figureo/.three w~rswould so indicate. "new, imaginative weapons" during The FREEMAN is glad to c ;review and reconlmend both. the Occupation years when Mac­ Arthur was Supreme Commander of the Allied Powers. But no weap­ Glorious Decade Willoughby was G-2 (Intelligence) ons, new or old, could prevail against at MacArthur's headquarters for ten the conditions set up in Korea. Mac­ MacArthur: 1941-1951, by Maj. years. He had an opportunity, close Arthur had fifty years of military Gen. Charles A. Willoughby and up, to watch the planning and de­ service and achievement behind him John Chamberlain. 441 pp. New velopment of all the MacArthur when he was named Commander of York: McGraw-Hill. $5.75 campaigns from Bataan to the battle the U.N. Forces. He was a soldier for North Korea. He had the ad­ who knew only one way to fight a Into the comparatively young life ditional postwar advantage of study war---1win it. He could not under­ of this Republic there came in her of the documents of all the other stand U.N. inconsistencies, contra­ 1940'S a ti,me of trial unparalleled elements in the campaigns. These dictions and evasions that culminated in her experience. It was a decade of included contributions of military lfinally in a cowardly .diplomatic disaster, from the sneak attack on and civil staff officers, extracts from coercion of the United States. This Pearl Harbor to the Korean debacle. unpublished wartime manuscripts was pressure exerted with brutal Paradoxically, it was America's most ranging from captured J ap diaries force on America's sensitive nerve glorious period of military victories, to depositions made by officers who of international responsibility. It as well as her most shameful era of were cloak-and-dagger men on dan­ was suggested subtly, then boldly, political cowardice and diplomatic gerous missions deep into the heart that, somehow, the United States defeat. of enemy-held territory. would bring on the calamity of a One figure-that of General Doug­ This came about because all major "third world war" if she did not las MaeArthur----..stands out beyond military headquarters maintain small agree to appease the Communists. all others in any chronicle of this research groups that prepare the his­ It was a slick scheme, and it worked. period; and this absorbing book is tory of the 'commands; and at Mac­ The "police action" undertaken the complete account of the most Arthur's headquarters in Tokyo, G-2 with such glorious impetuosity by momentous decade of his life and was given the task in 1946. Willough­ President Truman in June 1950, and ours. by waseditor-in-chief of the myriad supported only half-heartedly by the Fortunately for Americans, the projects which grew to a total of U.N., had become embarrassing to true story of this crucial period in 30,000 pages of text, nearly nine that body with its Soviet and satel­ our national history is at last un­ million words. lite m,embers. As for MacArthur----­ folding. Some of its villains and well, he was a bloody nuisance. He heroes are silenced in death, but This book, then, on which Gen­ actually interpreted literally his many are alive and vigorous, able eral Willoughby and writer-editor original orders to restore peace, and wining to give testimony. And John Chamberlain have colla1borated order and unity to the entire Korean while the picture is still obscured so brilliantly, deals less with the peninsula. The evidence is here that by the smoke of blazing controversy, movement of wrmies than with what even after the Chinese Communists its outlines are now clear and its the authors describe as "the con­ had secretly joined the N'orth Korean details are emerging in sharper and siderations of 'high command,' the forces in massive numbers, Mac­ sharper focus all the time. Douglas analysis of the political, strategic Arthur could still have won the war, MacArthur, like Herbert Hoover, and economic factors that influenced crippled communism in China, even will live to see his life's work General MacArthur's major deci­ destroyed it in Asia. crowned with the understanding ap­ sions in the Pacific, in Japan and Smallpox, typhus and typhoid were probation of all the American in Korea, during the period, 1941­ raging among the Chinese troops. people-not just the passionately 1951." They did not know how to control partisan and the intellectually honest It must be noted that this is the the dis,eases, and the Russian vac­ informed minority, but all of them. first book to make plain the nature cines were no good. In order to ex­ When that day com,es, it will be of the MacArthur strategy which plain their medical failures to their because men like Charles Willoughby was in conflict with the Navy's con­ own troops and to a frightened, and John Chamberlain, with patient cept of the Pacific war. The battle restless population, the Chinese skill, examined a mountain of evi,;. is the payoff, and we won that war. launched their charges of "germ dence, read all the record and, bit But MacArthur himself would be warfare" against the U.N. Captured by bit, in a chronology as fascinat­ the first to discourage post-mortenls Chinese documents containing their ing as a "whodunit," built the case on the human mistakes that were own front-line m,edical warnings for MacArthur so that America may made by men operating under the proved the epidemics, so far, were read and judge for itself. terrible stress of battle. Of his local, but the Eighth Army's medical 234 THE FREEMAN experts had to be sure of the kind valor were almost beyond one's to dole out choice assignments. As and extent of the diseases. Brigadier imagination. Hunt reveals, nothing could be far­ General Crawford F. Sams, Mac­ World War One found them both ther from fact. MacArthur always Arthur's health officer, volunteered in Europe. MacArthur was a combat earned his choice assignments, de­ for a "medical raid." He infiltrated Brigadier General of the Rainbow spite seemingly insuperable obsta­ communist lines and his report clear­ Division, while war correspondent cles. His rapid promotion engendered ly established that the Red troops Hunt covered the Rainbow's battles. bitter and lasting jealousy among were sick and dying like flies. If Hunt was the first American to officers who had formerly been his then, MaeArthur had been allowed to enter Russia after the revolution. He seniors. But these obstacles were as follow through on his attack, we could joined General Graves' expedition to nothing compared to another fight have won, because the Red army Siberia and returned to the United which was to be directed against in Korea was out on its feet. But States by way of the Philippines, him. the Communists were calling for an India and Europe. On this trip he The first great fight against Mac­ armistice, and the evidence is plain endorsed Philippine independence Arthur's leadership developed during that someone in the U.N. pushed it and established a warm friendship the episode of the bonus march in through. with Manuel Quezon. After a tour as Washington in 1932. Hunt makes it MacArthur was relieved, the war Superintendent at West Point, Mac­ clear that the 'marchers were in­ was lost, America's heavy casualties Arthur was sent in 1922 to the spired, led and financed by Com­ were for nothing. American prestige Philippines. And there he, too, esta,b­ munists, and this event marked the in the Far East has gone from an lished a warm lifelong friendship beginning of the Communists' bit­ all-time high in '45 to an all-ti'me ter and constantly increasing hate of low in '54. MacArthur got a bad MacArthur. From this time forward deal, but the United States got a he was to get in their way, and they worse one. were to spare no means to destroy No American can afford to miss him. Usually the Communists spoke this book. It is the bloodstained text through others who oftentimes were of the American conscience. And it innocent of the real forces against is superb reading. John Chamber­ MacArthur. But this struggle-its lain's art guarantees that. true import long unrecognized even IRENE CORBALLY KUHN by MacArthur himself-grew into a thunderous storm of battle.

The crescendo finally broke over Living History Korea. And in this temporary defeat MacArthur rose to great stature. The Untold Story of Douglas Mac­ His address before the Joint Session Arthur, by Frazier Hunt. 522 pp. of the Congress may stand among New York: Devin-Adai~. $5.00 the great speeches of all time. The Untold Story of Douglas Mac­ MacArthur's 'eventual separation Arthur is a brilliant achievement by with Quezon. It was this common from the Korean war had to come. a master craftsman. In it more than friendship, together with a realiza­ Once the Washington decision was a half-century of history is superbly tion of The Rising Temper of the made not to wi'll the war, his relief put together, coordinated, evaluated, East (as disclosed in Hunt's book by ,;as inevitable. He could not long dramatized, given motion and per­ that name) which cemented the Mac­ have fought a war of attrition. He spective by a talented technician Arthur-Hunt friendship. Both have had a passion for avoiding casualties. whose passion is truth. Frazier Hunt had a clear grasp of Asia for more As MacArthur told President Roose­ interviewed almost everyone who than a third of a century. velt at Pearl Harbor, July 27, 1944, could throw light on MacArthur and While MacArthur was Chief of "Your good commanders do not turn the MacArthur family. The book is Staff, in 1930-35, his burning con­ in heavy losses." packed with new material, startling cern was to hold his tiny defense The Untold Story of Douglas Mac­ disclosures, revealing episodes. Hunt establishment against economy Arthur is pro-MacArthur, Jut it is worked prodigiously for three years drives, misunderstanding and down­ objective. Except for the narrative on the actual story. But his entire right apathy. At the same time, on early life and parents, the Gen~ life had prepared him for the task. Frazier Hunt was writing and broad­ eral never saw the manuscript before Frazier Hunt and Douglas Mac­ casting, urging preparedness and publication. This reviewer served six Arthur are nearly the same age. warning of the dangerous turmoil he years directly under General Mac­ Each has played a role in the tur­ had pictured in his revealing book, Arthur; the account of events dur­ bulent events during the first half of This Bewildered World. In World ing this period appears absolutely this century. After Hunt was grad­ War Two, Hunt joined MacArthur accurate. uated from college, he operated a in Australia and accompanied him Much criticism has been directed plantation in Mexico and was driven on the Hollandia operation. against MacArthur to the effect that out by the revolutionists. A few Legend and fiction have more or he was selfishly and unreasonably years later MaclAlrthur was sent to less fixed it that MacArthur was a ambitious. Hunt goes a long way Mexico during the Vera Cruz inci­ darling of the gods to whom Pres­ toward clarification of this criticism. dent. There his exploits of personal idents and senior officials were eager Invariably, what was best for his DECEMBER 1954 235 country-and on this MacArthur has the bomb could be m,ade, but also been consistently right-----was to be­ that it should be made. He acted on Student in Red China come MacArthur's own guiding prin­ an elementary commonsense view The Umbrella Garden, by Maria ciple. This dedication was so in­ which some very erudite men of Yen. 268 pp. New York: The Mac­ grained that it became part of his science seemed unable to grasp. millan Company. $4.00 very being-a personal, inner ambi­ America has no monopoly of tion. scientific brains and technical re­ Although this book modestly pur­ Hunt firmly establishes Mac­ sources. If the United States could ports by its subtitle to be just "A Arthur's genius as a commander and make the hydrogen bomb, so could Picture of Student Life in Red as a statesman. Certainly no com­ the Soviet Union. The best hope that China," it is more than that, for mander ever faced greater obstacles this horrible instrument of destruc­ it takes little im!agination to guess and did more with less means. Few tion would never be used, directly that the process of regimentation can read this biography without or as an instrument of blackmail, extended through every avenue and feeling resentment that our govern­ was to see to it that the United walk of life in the "N;ew China." ment is not now profiting by the States kept ahead of Russia in this University students in general, services of this tested leader. formidable field. and those of progressive Peita It is doubtful whether there is a (Northern University) in particular, better biography in existence. And Teller and the few men in high awaited the People's Liberation certainly there will never be a better office, among whom the authors Army with eager exci1tement: com­ biography of MacArthur. But this single out Admiral Lewis Strauss munism promised a new life, with an book is more than a biography; it is and the late Senator Brien McMahon end to the food shortages, inflation, living, throbbing history. for honorable mention, had to com­ politieal chaos, stringencies of local BONNER FELLERS bat much opposition from various government unable to cope with the sources, involving precious years of postwar problems following Japanese avoidable delay before the hydrogen occupation and the subsequent civil bomb project received official sanc­ war. Maria Yen was not a member Our Delayed H-Bomb tion and support. There was, after of the communist underground, nor The Hydrogen Bomb, by James the war, apathy about new develop­ even of such procommunist fronts Shepley and Clay Blair, Jr. 244 ment of nuclear weapons; this was as the Youth League and the N'orth pp. New York:' David McKay partly a result of sadly misplaced Star Athletic Club. But she was a Company. $3.00 confidence that the Soviet Union liberal, in rebellion against restric­ would not be able, over a long period tions, against the scarcity of food, This attempt by two Time corre­ of time, to produce the atomic bomb. against old-fashioned professors and spondents to piece together the story Actually, the Soviet government, hackneyed literature and drama, of how the United States constructed with assistance from Klaus Fuchs against the austerity of the post­ the hydrog,en bomb, after years of and other atom spies in the West and war years. neglect and opposition, has been al­ from captured German scientists, I have no doubt that Richard Mc­ most as explosive in its impact as was able to explode an atomic bomb Carthy was of great help in adapting the bomb itself. Its publication has in 1949 and claimed mastery of the the original Chinese story into a excited a storm of criticism from hydrogen bomb in 1953. form suitable for Western readers, scientists who arerepresiented as There was military conservatism for the craftsmanship is good. But 'dragging their heels on the hydrogen even in the relatively young arm of the ability to recall (or more likely bomb and by a well-known pair of the service, the Air Forc,e. There to reconstruct) dialogue, student dis­ columnists, high,·in self-esteem and was the strongest opposition on the cussions, dialectic lectures of the deficient in tolerance, who consti­ part of many atomic scientists, in­ party workers, must be Maria Y,en's tuted themselves passionate defend­ cluding J. Robert Oppenheimer and contribution. And it is this, plus her ersof Dr. Oppenheimer when his James B. Conant. As late as the independent and logical thinking, security clearance was with(~rawn. autumn of 1949 a meeting of the even when she dared not voice her The abusive language of men of General' Advisory Committee of thoughts and was parroting the science would be more impressive scientists attached to the Atomic jargon of the party perfectly, that if and when it is backed up by Energy Commission voted almost makes this book of great int

devoted to the single topic of the

UNITED NATIONS and ONE WORLDISM

The Ph ilosophy The Promise The Performance

to be published in MARCH 1955 Professor Edmund P. Learned Harvard Graduate School of Business Administration--writes on The Truth About Gasoline Prices

n these days of high prices it seems as if every­ be included in the price paid by consumers. Never­ I thing we buy costs at least twice as much as it theless, management ingenuity contrived to keep used to. That's whyit's encouraging to tell you about the actual advance in price to consumers down to a commodity which, outside of increased taxes, 3Y2 cents. This is an outstanding record in view of actually costs little more than it did in 1925. I'm the general increases in wages and higher costs of talking about today's gasoline. crude oil. It is very important to note that the consumer This same competitive force among oil companies owes this favorable price situation to one basic fac­ has resulted in the 50% gasoline improvement since tor-the healthy struggle for competitive advantage 1925. The research and·engineering efforts of the among all U. S. oil companies and gasoline dealers. oil companies supported by the illlproved designs I can demonstrate how this competition works by of automobile engines, have produced gasoline so a study made of a typical midwestern oil company. powerful that today 2 gallons do the work that 3 This company was considered a price leader because used to do in 1925. of its dominant market position. Yet in Ohio alone its products were in active competition with the brands of 7 large national companies, 5 smaller but well established regional companies and the private brands of jobbers and large retailers. The company's retail prices were the result of keen local competition. Except for differences in customer services or unusual locations, prices out of line with competition caused loss of trade. From the social point of view, retail prices in Ohio were sound. Consumers had ample opportunity to choose between varying elements of price, service and qual­ ity. Their choice determined the volume of business for the dealer and the supplying company. New or old firms were free to try anycombination of appeals to attract new business. Even the biggest marketer had to meet competitive prices. And price leader­ ship-in the sense of ability to set prices at will-was impossible. If, as rarely happened, a price was estab­ lished that was not justified by economic forces, some competitor always brought it down. Consider the effect of this competition since gaso­ Edmund P. Learned, professor of Business Adnlinistration line taxes were first introduced. The first state gaso­ at the Harvard Graduate School of Business Administration line tax was enacted in 1919. Last year, in 50 repre­ is the author of a study on the pricing of gasoline by a midwestern oil cOlupany. This study, considered to be a sentative American cities, federal, state, and local classic on the gasoline price question, was published in the gasoline taxes amounted to 7Y2 cents that had to Harvard Business Review and is the basis for this article.

This is one of a series of reports by outstanding Americans who were invited by The American Petroleum Institute to examine the job being done by the U.S. oil industry. This page is presented for your information by Sun Oil Company, Philadelphia 3, Pennsylvania.