“"IF WE CAN CONSCRIPT MEN WE CAN CONSCRIPT WEALTH",” Toronto Star. March 1, 1933. Page 18. ---- But Capt. Philpott Prefers Alternative of Issuing Dominion Money ---- SEES NEW WORLD --- Bronte, March 1. - A new social order, based on the inherent right of man to work for a living, and incorporating the best features of the present capitalistic system, but with a "new deal" for the working classes, is the only hope for defeating the depression in Canada, Capt. E. M. Philpott told a meeting of the Men's Community club here last night.
"In the last 23 years there have been more changes in the world than ever in history before," Capt. Philpott stated. "And in the next 23 years I predict there will be even greater changes. As it stands now, the world has learned to produce as much with as it needs, but it is so selfish it has not learned how to distribute it.
"The present political machinery is outworn, and there is graft and corruption, not in one party, but in all parties. If I could see 50 years ahead, I think I could see the present antiquated form of abolished, and party new politics order a established. The world is facing an unprecedented crisis in the near future, and unless we can get together as Canadians and rebuild the whole structure from the ground, many will be buried in the ruins.
Capitalism Unfair "The war and the depression have shown the unfairness of cut-throat capitalism. I don't pretend to have at solution, but I can suggest that we compare the manner in which we wage war, but yet fail to do anything. about the depression. For 100 years. we have kept military experts at the nation's capital ready for war, but during that time we have bad ten depressions and no one did anything. about it. Those depressions did more to harm Canada than ever war did during that time.
"Seeing men lined up before soup kitchens, as we can in any city to-day, reminds me of the signs we used to see during the war, pro- claiming Your King and country need you.' I think that now they should have a sign, 'Your King and country don't need you now.' Surely, if the country can tell a man he must fight and die in time of war, a man has a right to say to his country. that in peace he has a right to live and work. The cornerstone of a new social system is the right to work. If the present system cannot provide work. the sooner it collapses the exist.
"Even in good times, how can the farmer get a fair price for his products, when, for example, the stock in dairies has been watered. 1,600 per cent., and similarly with other farm products? This exploitation is not confined to persons of any one political party, and all parties are responsible for letting them exist.
"In the new order, any private concern operating against public interest would either be put out of business or taken over by the state.”
Farmer Must Control "The farmer must control the distribution of his basic products.
"Canada is much too over-governed. Why should we need ten parliaments when England gets along with one? This waste cannot go on. In future trade competition is going to be much keener, and the government will either have to cut down the fixed charges of the farmer or bring farm produce prices back to normal. Financial interests would be ill-advised to attempt to prevent the restoration of balance between farmers' income and expenditure. They would lose far more in the crash that will come.
"The trouble now is not with external trade but with selfishness within the country. You cannot blame world conditions for Canadians starving and going half clad when wheat rots in storage and factories are cluttered up with goods. they cannot dispose of.
"If private enterprise cannot find men work, public enterprise must do it. There should be set up a national employment board to find work for those who cannot find it themselves. They could be employed in making and improving highways, clearing up slums and building central heating plants.
"Hours of labor could be cut down in proportion to the increasing efficiency of machinery. Objectors say we cannot afford to put these projects into operation, but I maintain that we cannot afford not to.
"We cannot succeed if the Liberals alone undertake it, nor the C.C.F., nor the Conservatives. Everyone in every party must pull together."
