232 The Morality of Nature 



rivalry. The truth that cooperation is a progressive and 

 moral power for activity, runs parallel v^ith the other truth, 

 often forgotten, that it is power resting upon justice and 

 unselfish tolerance; a power brought into being by these 

 qualities, and utterly impossible in a system of oppression 

 and coercion. Therefore, cooperative organizations which 

 take advantage of a civilization which has given them being, 

 and strength, and a free field ; and then proceed to use that 

 strength to coerce others, are retrogressive. Such putting 

 of the immediate benefits in the way of the remoter greater 

 benefits is evidently sordid and immoral, and consequently 

 we see that it still rests with the governing power to assert 

 the common law and statutes against coercion by combina- 

 tions and unions. Differences which formerly arose between 

 individuals, now arise also between corporations and indi- 

 viduals in regard to the old rights. Justice, and freedom 

 from oppression, and enjoyment of property, and citizenship, 

 and common liberties in the community, are therefore newly 

 defined by the legislative branch of the government in laws, 

 which are interpreted by the judicial branch, and adminis- 

 tered by the executive branch. But the social and industrial 

 organization proceeds to seek efficiency in emancipated ac- 

 tivities under a government, not controlling them, but secur- 

 ing to them liberty to control themselves, with due regard for 

 others, under the law common to all. Thus paternal govern- 

 ment is properly left to the parent, and social activity to the 

 societies which create it, and commercial and industrial 

 organization and initiative to the units arising out of the 

 necessities. But each and every one of these units remain 

 subject willingly and beneficially to the higher interests of 



