INDIVIDUALISM  versus  SOCIALISM
 

AN ADDRESS
By Henry Clews, LL.D.
 

Delivered on Sunday Afternoon,  May 12,  1907, at the
Columbia Theatre,  Brooklyn

In order that I may present a clear understanding of my view of the subject, 11
is only fair, in the first place, to state that the system of Individualism which 1
ehall endeavor to uphold is worthy and commendable. I hold it to ibe superior in
every sense to any of the various plans of Socialism offered by its advocates. Bj
this I do not mean Individualism in the extreme sense of the term, for, as we all
know, in no civilized country and under no form of government whatsoever, does,
or can, extreme Individualism exist.

In the world of economics and politics Individualism has a distinct meaning,
as a name given to the theory of government which favors the non-interference of
the State in .the affairs of individuals. It has also been well defined, as the pri¬
vate ownership of the means of production and distribution, where competition is
possible; leaving to public ownership those means of production and distribution
In which competition is practically impossible.

It win, then, be at once apparent that, in the consideration of the forces help¬
ful and necessary to society, the Individualist believes that competition which
encourages merit and develops skill should remain parajmount. And right here the
Issue is made, between Individualism and Socialism, the Socialist denying that
<5ompetition Is beneficial to society, but contending rather that it is a deleterious
and harmful force.

Upon this issue, so Joined, I stand firmly in favor of the principle of competi¬
tion, and that system of Individualism which guards, pi^otects and encourages com¬
petition. It Is that system of government under which we live to-day,—a govern¬
ment of the people, by the people and for the people,—^tbe United States of Amer¬
ica—a free system of government, in the beet and broadest sense of the term.

Under this free system of government, whereby individuals are free to get a liv-