Page:The International Socialist Review (1900-1918), Vol. 1, Issue 1.pdf/9

Rh entered or are entering upon a stage of the intellectual progress of thee race and are just on the threshold of an era of ethical consciousness which make desirable and necessary the cessation of some of the processes which have been operative hitherto. Are we not beginning to feel that plutocracy is getting in the way of that progress which seems now to be due? It was doubtless necessary that the animal man should be physically powerful―fleet of foot, strong of arm and jaw, clear and sure of vision―in order to hold his own and survive in the animal struggle for existence. With the dawn of mind these qualities of physical strength became unnecessary. Cunning, strategy, invention took their place. Besides, the physical man had practically reached perfection. It is impossible to suggest any improvements in the physical organism of man. It was likewise necessary that the dawning mind should be stimulated to its greatest possible growth, as mind.

In like manner, it was necessary for the preparation of the earth for man's higher uses that the struggle for material gain should take place. But are we sure that this fierce struggle is any longer necessary? Does it not seem as if something were likely to take its place? Are there not interests at stake which imperatively demand the operation of a totally different set of impulses? I find myself obliged to answer these questions in the affirmative. While plutocracy has been potent in the development of resources of the earth and in sharpening the human mind in certain directions, it is evident that many lines of human development are impossible under a plutocratic regime. I think we are all agreed that scientific progress is a good thing. We believe that the pursuit of the truth respecting the world we live in is a very important factor in civilization. We shall agree that whatever impedes or hampers the freest possible investigation of any and all subjects of thought is hostile to the best interests of the race. We shall also agree that we can discover the truth only as we are perfectly free to investigate and to publish the results of our investigation. Freedom of thinking and freedom of speaking are fundamental to the higher progress of man.

Right here is the severest indictment of plutocracy as a system of government. It is even now doing all in its power to discourage the pursuit of truth, and to stifle freedom of thought and speech. Do you doubt my word? Consider, then, the fact that men are being dismissed from colleges and universities on every side on the ground that their teachings are offensive to the men whose wealth has built and endowed these institutions. It is a principle in our universities that the economic teaching shall be in harmony with the interests of capitalism. Our faculties are in the absolute power of plutocracy. These institutions cannot exist except by the will of plutocrats. Their sup-