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BOLSHEVIK POLITICAL ECONOMY 93
Of course capitalism, which is one of the mainstays of
modern economic progress and the chief cause of the
difference in the wealth of individuals, will always exist,
but its function will be mainly carried out by co-operative
societies, federative associations, municipalities, and the
State, thus mitigating the marked and glaring contrast
which has hitherto existed in the economic position of
individuals.
Although no country can at present exist without it, it
would be rash to assume that capitalism unconditionally
works for the happiness of the people. It is, however, a
system which ensures efficiency more than any other form
of economic organisation. The last phase of the Russian
Revolution, in attempting to destroy capitalism, has resulted
in Russia losing her international credit, trade, and industry,
and involving the country in a terrible famine. Here is
indeed an object-lesson. Up to the present no system has
been found which as a practical working proposition could
take the place of capitalism.
But there is still great scope for improvement in the
conditions of human life moving towards the greater
development of personal freedom. Owing to the exigencies of war,
the whole course of existence has been subjected to a
bureaucratic regime which will be looked upon as intolerable
as soon as peace is re-established. It is especially irritating
and burdensome to be dependent on those who, being
responsible for the production of the necessities of life, take
advantage of the shortage of commodities by raising the
market prices. Moreover, a rigid centralisation of the
economic and social mechanism to promote the efficiency
and fighting value of the nation has interfered with
individual discrimination, curtailed personal enterprise, and
introduced a sort of modern slavery which is but an example
of what the application of collectivism on the whole gamut
of life may mean to the freedom of the individual.
In order to secure a greater measure of personal liberty
it is necessary to extend the limits of activity by enabling
the producer to be the consumer as well, so far as the cir-
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