NORTHERN ADVOCATE DAILY. MONDAY, JUNE 15, 1931. CAPITALISM’S OPPORTUNITIES

Northern Advocate, 15 June 1931, Page 4

NORTHERN ADVOCATE DAILY.

MONDAY, JUNE 15, 1931. CAPITALISM’S OPPORTUNITIES

Registered for Transmission Through the Post as a Newspaper.

In a recent issue, the Springfield (Mass.) ‘‘ Weekly _ Republican” devoted an editorial to the subject of capitalism’sopportuni-

ties. It is very interesting, in view of the world-wide discussion of this important matter, to hear the opinion of an important American newspaper. It is pointed out that. for the first time since capitalism emerged from the Middle Ages, a radically different economic system is giving a rival show that commands world-wide attention and receives enormous publicity. This fact should be remembered, says the “Springfield Republican,” as one attempts to evaluate and interpret current reactions in Western Europe and America to the vast Russian adventure in socialism. “That something like a scare has developed in some circles is [not surprising. The situation is I unprecedented. ” Our American contemporary says the fact that capitalism is now under comparison with the collectivist system while hard times puts it on its worst behaviour does not make the situation more agreeable. The paper warns its hearers against distorted views regarding Russia, and says that while the present rulers, able men developed to an unexpected and astonishing degree, have maintained in the Russian nation a Avar psychology over a prolonged period even at the cost of widespread suffering and sacrifice, sooner or later the price of all this must be paid in the weaknesses of individual administrators, in the jealousies and rivalries of ambitious men in poAver, in practical defects of loss of popular enthusiasm under everlasting strain, and in the disillusionment that always and inevitably attends the leakage of idealism in great reform or revolutionary movements. “At the same time,” says the “Springheld Republican,” “the Avorld will- never be the same after Soviet Russia has run its course. It does not folloAV. hoAvever, that the rest of the Avorld Avill be radically transformed by Soviet Russia.'Certainly not. in ease the Communist state is finally ditched in its demoniac fury to do in a single generation to a vast peasant population Avdiat in other countries centuries have been required to accomplish. The spectacle is not Avithout its useful lessons for ourselves and our capitalistic order. AVestern individualism Avill rise to its opportunities by seeking to strengthen itself Avhere it is Aveak. especially to meet the challenge of a social system dedicated above all to the Avelfare of the poor, the oppressed and the loavlv.” It may be that socialists deviate from the path to Avhich the moA'Cment is dedicated, but. as our American contemporary suggests, the j individualistic system must take! such steps as Avill demonstrate its j superiority. [