Question: - "Resolved. That the State ought to organize and conduct Manufactures and Commerce"

Brief for the Affirmative:

P. L. HORNE and J. E. YOUNG.

General References: Andover Review, II, 455 (Nov. 1884); Forum, X, 174 (Oct. 1890); L. P. Banks, "White Slaves"; Quar. Jour. Econ. I, 28 (Oct. '86); New Nation, Dec. '91, Jan. and Feb. '92. Pol. Sci. Monthly XIX, 400 (July 1881); Nation XXXVII 90 and 1' 5 (Aug. 2, 1883), also XXXVIII 136 (Feb. 14, 1884); Harper's LXXIII 250, 450, 571 (July, Aug., Sept., 1886); Fortnightly XX, 562 (Nov. '73) and XLVI, 683 (Dec. 1886).

I. The system of unrestricted competition is unsatisfactory as shown by - (a) Poor condition of laboring classes; "White Slaves" - (b) Tendency toward private monopolies; Quar. Jour. Econ. I, 28; Andover Rev. II, 455 - (c) Unnecessary waste of national resources; Fraser XXII 767, and Rev. 462; New Nation, Dec. 12, 1891.

II. The system of corporate ownership is unsatisfactory. - (a) It is used for political purposes.- (b) It fosters trusts. - (c) It takes the control from the State.

III. State ownership will have the advantages of combination without its disadvantages by giving, - (a) A fairer division of fruits of labor - (b) A better and more economical management; New Nation II, 39.: Pop. Sci. Mo. XIX 402; Nation XXXVII 90 and 105; XXXVIII 136 - (c) Control of business interests to the masses; Bellamy "Looking Backward."

IV. State ownership is constitutional; Constitution, Art. 1, & 8; Hamilton's Works IV, 109-111; - (a) It is the natural right of a State to protect itself. - (b) Precedents prove this, e.g., Subsidizing of Railways, canal and steamship lines, Interstate Commerce, post office, Prison manufactures, etc., etc.

V. State ownership is practicable in the United States. - (a) It can be easily brought about. - (I) It is the result of natural growth; New Nation, Dec. '91. - It is the growing tendency in water-works, railways, telegraphs and telephones, etc.; New Nation, Jan. '92; Hadley, "R. R. Transportation" 140; Harpers LXXVIII, 571, Fortnightly XX, 562; also XLVI, 683 - (b) It is in successful operation in other countries - England, France and Germany.

Brief for the Negative.

E. S. TOWNSEND, and J. B. LEWIS. General References. Means in North Amer. Review, vol. 139, p 51; Chas. Francis Adams in Atlan. Mon. vol. 37, p. 360; Hadley R. R. Transportation, especially chap. 10 and 13; Hudson: Railways and the Republic; J. S. Mill: Principles of Pol. Econ. Bk. v. ch. 11; Dr. Green in No. Amer. Rev. vol. 137, p. 422; Henry C. Adams in Amer. Econ. Asso. vol. 1, no. 6, Jan. '87.

I. Private ownership accomplishes good results, (a) It has brought about low rates and efficient service in railways; Quart. Jour. Econ: IV, 158. (b) It has given room for personal enterprise and freedom of competition; Hudson, p. 327-28. (c) It has developed the country; Quart. Jour. Econ. II: 162.

II. State management has failed in other countries under more favorable conditions; Illus. from (a) France, (b) Germany, (c) Italy; Atlan. Mon. vol. 37, p. 360; Hadley: pp. 214, 217,228, 246; Hudson: p. 326.

III. State management would be inefficient. Because of (a) Division of responsibility; Mill: II, p. 565. (b) Establishment of useless offices; Hadley: p. 252-53. (c) Best men not chosen for service as party lines would be drawn; Hudson: p. 327-28 - (d) Delay in meeting existing needs; Hadley: p. 251-52 - (e) Impossibility of reducing commerce and manufactures to a simple system; Hadley: p. 247-50.

IV. State management would be dangerous. - (a) It would create a monopoly obstruct the advancement of civilization; Mill II, p. 567. - (1) This would check public enterprise' - (b) The whole system would result in practical enslavement of the working class, as force would be required to compel men to work, and to distribute them among industries.