There is no doubt that there are men to-day who are in official positions of power and influence in our national, state and city administrations throughout the United States and who are more or less openly using the present crisis of unusual and war conditions in order to precipitate the country into a complete Socialistic organization.  It may be that we shall come to Socialism as a final political and economic development.  Personally, I for one do not believe that we will, or that even a small part of the real thinking American people, either native or foreign born, would desire this.  Even if we did enter upon such a policy it would only be temporary in duration, and be followed by a terrible struggle of readjustment to the old conditions.  But if we do undertake Socialism, let us at least do it with our eyes open.  Let us realize that we are entering upon an entirely new and untried policy which is diametrically opposed to all the ideas and ideals, the history, the fundamental thought and theory upon which this country was founded and has prospered and developed so marvellously up to the present time.  Those officials, no matter where placed as regards power and responsibility, who by underhand means would throw us into this entirely new method of life without due thought and consideration, are politically dishonest, no matter how sincere they may be, and are as traitorous to American life and thought as are the pro-German or the pacifist.

The reaction against measures of government ownership and control which have been made necessary by the exigencies of a great war crisis already has appeared in Great Britain.  The English papers contain open criticism of the government operation of the railways, of shipbuilding and of production in general.  The London Times said editorially last year:  “The railways are certainly short of labor, but is it established that all the officials are putting their very best efforts into the solution of the present problems?  The railways are now Government controlled institutions and competition has diminished where it has not vanished.  It seems to be a question whether quite the same amount of thought and work is being put into the efficient management of the companies as in the days before the war when the lines were keenly competing against each other.  This question which has been raised of a slackening of effort directly in consequence of the nationalization of the railways is a serious one and evidently deserves inquiry....  The public is entitled to know if the railways are now using what remains to them (of labor and capital) with the utmost efficiency.”  Also the best authorities, and even the government investigators themselves, are urging a speedy return to private ownership and operation at the earliest possible moment after the war.  The same undercurrent of feeling, or rather conviction, is rapidly spreading among our own people in the United States.