It is our
duty to keep everybody contented; we cannot do any public
weeding-out until the others are satisfied that the malcontents are
really weeds."
"That is clear enough," spoke the shock-headed man. "What are the
conditions, Powart?"
"Nearly normal. The percentage of overhead is only slightly higher
than average. Until Ernol moved into the locality every one seemed
contented with the regular arrangements."
"What is his contention?"
"The usual democratic nonsense. He claims that the commission is
autocratic, down to its last deputy. Denies that we have the right
to apportion one-half the earnings to the workers and the other half
to the owners. States that our system is wasteful, unjust, and
demoralizing."
"And what does he propose?"
"Democratic control of industry. You know--that old line of talk."
"Does he deny that the commission has abolished poverty and war?"
"No; but he points out that our present standard of living has not
changed for generations, and argues that degeneration must result.
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