Dan Sullivan / Why Henry George Charged Herbert Spencer With Abandoning Moral Principles

Louis F. Post: An Unyielding Advocate for Progressive Change

When Henry George passed away, his torch was picked up by Louis F. Post who established The Public, a weekly newspaper in Chicago. Over the following fifteen years, Post used the paper to delve into the critical issues of the day, often challenging conventional political and economic doctrines. What distinguished The Public was Post's unwavering commitment to moral principles over plutocratic interests—a testament to the legacy of Henry George.

Moral Principles vs. Plutocratic Influences

Post's editorial pursuits were launched with fervor, taking aim not just at the wealthy elite but also at a press that he viewed as pandering to the dominant classes. He emphasized the need for a publication that could offer unbiased real news, free from the influence of plutocracy, advocating relentlessly for social reform.

Progress and Poverty: The Positive and Negative Aftermath

Post's admiration for George's work, particularly Progress and Poverty, was evident in his elaborate editorial homage. He recognized the widespread influence the book had on public consciousness, even as it faced resistance in academic spheres. George’s work had compelled economic academics to reconsider their theories, prompting a transformation in political economy, noted Post.

Branching Out: A Broad Spectrum of Social Issues

The scope of Post's editorial interests was not limited to land reform. His intellectual curiosity and progressive stance included advocacy for municipal ownership, anti-imperialism, education, racial equality, feminists’ issues, and more. Carefully weaving these themes into the single-tax framework of George's philosophy, Post contributed to various social causes through many channels, including public speaking and authoring books.

The Public’s Influence and Post's Expanding Horizons

While maintaining a select readership, The Public exerted influence well beyond its subscription list, impacting thinkers and leaders in social reform. Post's editorials and his international experiences, especially in England, reinforced his conviction in land reform and its compatibility with electoral politics.

From the Editor's Chair to the Heart of Government

Post ultimately left the editorship of The Public to serve as Assistant Secretary of Labor under President Woodrow Wilson. His tenure in government would be marked by a staunch defense of constitutional liberties during the fervor of the post-war “Red Scare,” where he became a formidable figure against indiscriminate deportations.

An Oath to Constitutional Law and Public Service

The witch-hunt atmosphere of the time put many at risk of unjust deportation. Post took a principled stand in defense of the rule of law, despite public hysteria and political pressure. His commitment to upholding due process won public acclaim and swayed opinion in his favor, demonstrating his allegiance to George's perspectives on justice and ethical governance.

Legacy: A Lifelong Pursuit of Social Service

Post’s dedication to the "central law of human development" remained steadfast throughout his life. Viewing every economic interaction as an exchange of service and ingrained in his belief in social service, Post's singular path exemplified the notion that work should always serve the higher purpose of societal progress.

Traveling Through History and Principle

Today's social-minded travelers, inspired by the lives of individuals such as Louis F. Post and Henry George, seek destinations and experiences enriching their understanding of history and principle. As they traverse the globe, from the comforts of contemporary hotels to the halls of historic sites, they carry with them the aspirations of those who believed in the betterment of society, continuing a journey not only across the world but through time and ethos as well.