CHAPTER XVI

THE CASE AGAINST SOCIALISM


155. ADMINISTRATIVE DIFFICULTIES CONFRONTING SOCIALISM.--Under
socialism the work of government would be greatly increased. Thousands
of intricate administrative rules would have to be drawn up for the
control and direction of activities now attended to by individuals
animated by personal interest.

Now, it is seriously to be questioned whether the most highly
centralized government could effectively administer the innumerable
activities of our complex industrial life. Upon what basis would land
be distributed? How would individuals be apportioned among the various
employments? Upon what basis would the wages of millions of workmen be
determined? Could so mechanical an agency as government foresee future
business conditions expertly enough to direct the productive forces of
the nation effectively? If prices are no longer to be fixed by
competition, how, and by means of what agency, are they to be
determined?

These are only a few of the vital questions which would arise in
connection with the administration of a socialist state. Various
suggestions have been made with regard to some of these difficulties,
but there is among socialists no general agreement as to the answer of
any one of these questions. They continue to constitute, in the eyes
of practical men, a grave obstacle to socialism.