BEGGING THE QUESTION.

Waikato Times, Volume 117, Issue 19600, 12 June 1935, Page 9

BEGGING THE QUESTION.

(To the Editor.) Sir, —Those Avho have studied a little logic are acquainted with Avhat is meant by “petitio principii," or “begging the question." This is, supposing A and B to be arguing, when A says to >B “You grant me so and so and I shall prove that I am right," immediately advancing some absolutely unproved propositions to be granted on his say so. If B does not see the nigger in the Avoodpile lie is done. A splendid example of this method of arguing is given by a letter in your Monday's issue under the heading, “Financial Revolution,” where four propositions are presented as axioms, each of Avhich is, however, a question beggar.

1, Monetary reformers may be convinced that it Is absurd to issue new money as a debt. —If the Issuing authority expects to get the money hack it cannot be anything but a debt; if the money is not to be repaid it is a gift. Now, 1 ask monetary reformers what authority can issue money indefinitely and give it away? If they answer, “The Slate,” can they tell us the value of such money? The Soviet Government issues money. What is IHo value inside Russia of a rouble? 1 road in Current History two or three years back an article by a Soviet Commissar who .candidly confessed that lie did not know. 2. The substitution of real wealth for gold has been effected in Russia, where money is issued to meet demands. Query: Find value of rouble? y. issue must be cheeked Lo prevent in nation. —Who is to check it? If politicians, as suggested in the llrsl principle, the issue of money will be used as a vole-buying agent. 'The issue of credit and money by the Stale would result in the absolute dictatorship of the political parly in power at the time the plan was adopted.—See Edmund Burke’s “Hcllcctions on the French Revolution.” a. Purchasing power is to be distributed lo nun-producers. —There is no mention of the result of such a wholesale pauperisation of a large section of the community. The only historical parallel I can call to mind just now is the degradation of the sturdy peasants and workers of ancient Rome by the carrying out of a like policy. I have said enough lo show Unit, except for the faithful, each of “Truth Searcher’s" so-called theorems is a “question beggar.”—l am, etc., ITIIURIAL. N’garuawahia, .lime 10, 1 !>35.