Barker, Lecturer of Lowell Institute, Denounces the Rigid Industrial System Used by Mussolini in Italy at Present

"The chief trouble with the world today is that it is theory-ridden," declared Ernest Barker, professor of Political Science at Cambridge University and present lecturer of the Lowell Institute, when interviewed recently. "Italy and Russia, for example, are having industrial systems imposed upon them, a situation which I do not favor. When I regulate my life, I prefer to do it otherwise than by an inflexible economic doctrine stamped upon it.

"Italy's industry is now permeated with syndicalism, and what a paradox it is that such a centrifugal force should be fostered in a country whose theory of government is so intensely nationalistic! It is certainly to Mussolini's credit that he is able to keep an economic plan which makes for individualism running in harmony with a theory of government that is rigidly centered in one figure.

"As a matter of fact, I do not believe Mussolini's syndicalism is at all popular. It was never overjoyously welcomed by the working men; but at first the employers hailed it as favorable to them. Now, however, they also are beginning to feel its sternness. Probably it is more tolerated than approved today. And especially it is endured because the people believe it will help make Italy great and able to assert herself. Here is the difference between the nationalism of Mussolini and that of Matzini. The latter preached for a united Italy, that she might contribute towards Europe. But when unity was finally achieved, these illusions of recognition were shattered.