human
It is up to us to decide what measures to adopt.
gpt
Would it not be a saving of time to provoke violence, in one way or another, and thus form a pretext for disposing of the entire lot?
human
I admire your bluntness, remarked the former chairman across the table,
gpt
That is clear enough, spoke the shock-headed man.
human
What are the conditions, Powart?
gpt
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.
human
What is his contention?
gpt
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.
human
And what does he propose?
gpt
Democratic control of industry. You know--that old line of talk.
human
Does he deny that the commission has abolished poverty and war?
gpt
No; but he points out that our present standard of living has not changed for generations, and argues that degeneration must result. Of course, he is right in his fact but wrong in his conclusion.
human
Doesn't he admit the necessity of some sort of an international governing body?
gpt
Yes; but he claims that the commission should be elected by direct vote of the people!
human
There must be a slip somewhere, Powart. Isn't there a heavy fine and imprisonment for teaching such stuff? How did Ernol ever get hold of the notion?
gpt
Probably through tradition. We can't keep people from talking to their own children; perhaps Ernol's great-grandparents told him of the days when every one was allowed to vote.
human
What has the man to say against our system of voting in proportion to property interests?
gpt
Says it's all right in principle; but he claims that the earth belongs to one and all, equally, and therefore each should have an equal voice in its disposition and government.
human
We cannot allow such ideas to gain headway, Powart! Have you a plan?
gpt
We must keep a close watch upon Calastia, and allow no one to leave its borders. As for Ernol, I have concluded that the best thing will be--turn him loose!