ALICE IN PLUNDERLAND

Press, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22518, 28 September 1938, Page 15

ALICE IN PLUNDERLAND

As Alice went on she met the Savage Rabbit, who was carrying a very large bag. He seemed a very pleasant rabbit, so Alice said: “Good morning, Mr Savage Rabbit. May I ask why you are carrying that large bag?” “I have in this bag,” said the Savage Rabbit, opening it as he spoke, “my wonderful Social Security scheme. My own invention. Does it lead the world? I’ll say it doesl” “But I can’t see anything there,” said Alice. The Savage Rabbit ignored her interruption and continued: “It sets out bow I am going to spend millions of money on free gifts to the people. It is the biggest, best and brightest Social Security that ever was.” “You must be very wealthy,” said Alice. “Where do you get all the money from?” “You just talk like all the capitalists,” said the Savage Rabbit severely, “but, of course, I am going to take it from the people first, and, after deducting a few million pounds for expenses, I will give it all back to them. Yes, every penny. I will show the world.”

“I suppose that means you will take it from them in Taxation?" said Alice.

“No,” said the Savage Rabbit, “X have promised to reduce? taxation, and no Government has carried out its promises as my Government has. I will take part of it as contributions,

and the rest comes out of the Consolidated Fund. A very different thing.” “Yes,” said Alice doubtfully, “I suppose it must be different. But when the State takes control of everything, where will you get the taxation, of course I mean the contributions?”' (Published by

“Then I wil|&y jt ou t of the losses on my :M||e undertakings," said the Savage-|pbitv “You mean said Alice. “Now you nonsense," said the Savagefgj bit- “This is a Socialist GovernMpt which does not believe in profi|g-gj- ou will find it all fully the books of the Lee Rabbit. heard of any State making profits?” Alice was admit that this was true; at had never heard of any. “Then,” said the? jav age Rabbit, triumphantly, “it naist be paid out of losses.”

“Yes,” said Alfc* doubtfully, “it seems so, but th* Kjjgb Rabbit has said he can’t inQuigce overseas prices. What if they fcn?” “You must not taUt'of a fall.” said the Savage Rabbit irritably. “I have a magic formula to avert a fall, day

by day in every way—but you will find it all explained in a book by Coue—-and then there is insulation. ’ “What is insulation?" said Alice. “I am sure I don’t know,” said the Savage Rabbit. “No one does. But it sounds a good word. In any case, figures always bore me The Nash Rabbit will fix it all. He can do anything with figures.” “I suppose you must be right,’’ said Alice, “and it must be.a.great scheme if you say so, but it is difficult to understand how ybu are giving the people anything, isn’t it?” “You have been reading the Capitalist Press,” said the Rabbit severely. “You should read the ‘Standard’ and listen to our Broadcasting Stations. They will tell you what a wonderful Government we are.” ‘ ; He stalked off. Alice sighed. After all, he seemed a very well-meaning rabbit, but it did seem very difficult. arrangement.)