Month: September 2016

Categories
Chicago Placement Salaries

Chicago. Economics Job Offers, Salaries and Teaching Loads, 1971

 

The papers of the economic historian Earl J. Hamilton are a sammelsurium of boxes of folders with labels that are broadly chronologically descriptive but essentially useless. A scholar must plow through item by item, folder by folder as though in the attic of your deceased (messy) uncle who had hoarding issues, hoping to find the one or other family jewel between old receipts and magazine articles.

Today in my photos of a small subset of Hamilton’s papers I came across the following memo from Professor Marc Nerlove to his colleagues in the Department of Economics at the University of Chicago that tabulates the job offers received by people on the “Placement List” in early 1971. Besides naming the institutions, he provides information on the distribution of salary offers and teaching loads.

This memo is such a random find that I figured I should transcribe and post it immediately before forgetting where I found it.

________________________

 

THE UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO

Date March 1, 1971

To       All Members [of the Economics Department]
From Marc Nerlove, Chairman Placement Committee

In re: Job Placement

The following institutions have made offers to people on our Placement List

Bank of Canada

California State College
at Hayward

Eastern Michigan University

Georgia State University

Oberlin College

Princeton University

The RAND Corporation

Southern Methodist University

Trasury Board-Govt. of Canada

University of Maryland

University of Minnesota

University of Pennsylvania

U. Of Rochester (Graduate School of Management)

Vanderbilt

Western Ontario

 California Institute of Technology

Clemson University

Cleveland State University

Federal Reserve Board

McMaster University

Ohio State University

Queen’s University

Rutgers

S.U.N.Y. at Binghamton

University of California, Berkeley

University of Massachusetts

University of Montreal

University of Rochester (Economics Dept)

City College of New York

University of Toronto

Virginia Polytechnic Institute

York University

 

Salaries offered have been:

$11,000** – 2 offers; $11,100 – 1 offer;
$11,400 – 2 offers; $11,500 – 1 offer;
$12,000 – 4 offers; $12,400 – 1 offer;
$12,500 – 7 offers; $13,000 – 6 offers;
$13,500 – 5 offers; $14,000 – 3 offers;
$14,500 – 2 offers; $15,000 – 2 offers;
$16,000* – 1 offer; $16,242* – 1 offer;
$17, 325* – 1 offer

Teaching loads have been:

4 offers – none;
31 offers – 2 courses per term;
1 offer -3 courses per quarter;
2 offers – 4 courses per quarter

Salaries are for the academic year unless noted.

_____________________

* Eleven months
**One offer was for half-time, eleleven months

 

Source: Duke University, Rubenstein Library. Earl J. Hamilton Papers. Box 2, Folder “Correspondence 1960’s-1970’s”.

Image Source: Marc Nerlove in Economics at Chicago (Departmental Brochure, 1971-72), p. 29.  This copy of the brochure found in the Hoover Institution Archives. Papers of Milton Friedman. Box 194, Folder 4.

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Curriculum Exam Questions Harvard Suggested Reading Syllabus

Harvard. Advanced Economic Theory. Franco Modigliani, 1957-8

During the academic year 1957-58 Wassily Leontief was on academic leave from Harvard and Franco Modigliani of the Carnegie Institute of Technology took a leave of absence to accept a visiting professorship filling in for Leontief. From Modigliani’s papers in the Rosenstein Library of Duke University I have been able to piece together outlines and readings for the two semesters of advanced economic theory that he taught.

For the Summer session and Fall semester of 1957 it is possible to construct a topical outline for the first semester of Harvard’s Economics 202 from Modigliani’s own handwritten notes. We see that the outline matches that of the corresponding course “Advanced Economics I” that Modigliani taught in the spring semesters of 1957 and 1959 at his home university, i.e. before and after his year at Harvard. We note some additions and deletions in the readings for Modigliani’s Carnegie Tech courses, but since the outline was not significantly changed, it is reasonable to assume that his Fall Semester reading list at Harvard was some “average” of these two Carnegie Tech courses. A copy of Modigliani’s exam questions for the first semester of Advanced Economic Theory (January 25, 1958) completes the material for the first semester.

For the Spring semester of 1958 we have a cover page to his lecture notes indicating four broad topics to be covered. For three of the topics I found short mimeographed reading lists in another folder in a different box of Modigliani’s papers. For the topic “Money and Keynesian Economics” there is a two page handwritten outline that precedes his lecture notes. I cannot explain why the first semester covers parts I-IV and the second semester apparently begins with part VI.

 

____________________________________

 

Course Enrollment

[Economics] 202. Advanced Economic Theory. Professor Modigliani (Carnegie Institute of Technology). Full Course.

(F)      1 Junior, 1 Senior, 29 Graduates, 4 Radcliffe, 3 Other: Total 38
(S)      1 Junior, 1 Senior, 27 Graduates, 3 Radcliffe, 4 Other: Total 36

 

Source: Harvard University. Report of the President of Harvard College and Reports of Departments, 1957-58, p. 82.

 

____________________________________

Modigliani Outline for Fall Semester, 1957 (Handwritten)

Ec. Analysis I
Summer & Fall 1957 Harvard

Outline

Part I. Methodology.

(A) Subject matter and the areas

(B) The methodology of positive economics and of Welfare economics

(C) Discussion of types of model and sequence of presentation

Part II. Theory of Demand and application

II(a) Partial Equilibrium Analysis-Demand function and application

(A) The law of demand and the description of demand functions

(1) The law of demand
(2) Cournot formulation. The notion of functions and some mathematics
(3) The slope of demand functions and responsiveness
(4) Criticism of slope as measure of responsiveness
(5) The notion of demand elasticity and its computation
(6) The behavior of total outlays and its relation to η

(B) Application to problem of random supply. Price and income variation and stabilization.

(C) Application to the elementary theory of Monopoly.

(1) Nature of the model
(2) The case of no costs. Total curves
(3) Graphical computation of MR
(4) η and MR
(5) Fixed costs. Comp. Statics
(6) Effect of Taxes
(7) Introduction of costs. Equilibrium Analysis
(8) Comparative Statics and Taxation

II (b) Utility Analysis

(A) Introduction

(1) Utility and M.U. The Marshallian approach
(2) Shortcoming. The alternative approach.

(B) Indifference Approach

(1) The fundamental postulates
(2) Graphical Representation of tastes
(3) Indifference map and utility function
(4) Slope of I.C.—m.r. of s. and expression in terms of m.u.
(5) Generalizations and the role of two commodities
(6) Types of indifference maps.
(7) The opportunity set. The case of perfect markets
(8) Pathological cases and the law of d.m.r. of s.
(9) Effect of variation in income. Engel curves
(10) Effect of variations in prices. The demand curve
(11) The case of two commodities; income derived from the commodities. Demand and supply.
(12) Generalization to n commodities; complementarity and substitution

(C) Applications of utility analysis

(1) Consumers surplus
(2) Elements of Index number theory

II (c) General Equilibrium of Exchange.

(A) Nature of Problem and approach.

(1) What we wish to explain
(2) Nature of model’s assumptions.

(B) The two person, two commodity case.

(1) The Edgeworth Box.
(2) The offer curves
(3) The behavior of excess demand as function of p and competitive equilibrium (normal case) [illegible] market
(4) The relation between Ex and Ey. Walras law.
(5) Multiple intersection of offer curves. Stable and unstable equilbria. The correspondence Principle.
(6) The pure monopoly solutions.
(7) Comparison of competitive and monopoly solution. Welfare maximization.
(8) The Pareto locus and the Weak Welfare ordering.
(9) Necessary and sufficient condition for max. welfare under individualistic welfare function. The [illegible word] feasibility function. Every point on Pareto locus achievable by perfect market, lump sum taxes and subsidies.
(10) Comparative statics.
(11) Uses of Edgeworth Diagram in the study of barter and bilateral monopoly

(C) General Equilibrium of Exchange

III. Theory of supply and production

(A) Introduction

(1) Nature of production and relation to consumption and exchange model.
(2) The organization of production and the nature of the firm in the model.
(3) Factors of production; general notions and the classical dichotomy[?]
(4) Profit maximization and the definition of profit.

(B) Production functions and cost functions.

B(I). One output and two inputs.

(1) Three dimensional representation.
(2) A single variable factor. Product curve.
(3) The cost curve

B(II). Two variable inputs

(1) Determination of equilibrium can be broken up into two parts. Cost minimization, and choice of best output along the minimized cost function.
(2) Cost minimization.

[(C) Supply function]

(1) Long run cost functions and returns to scale
(2) The long run supply curve
(3) Short run costs and supply curves

IV. Market Structures.

(A) Classification of Markets

(B) Monopolistic competition.

(1) Equilibrium for the firm
(2) Simultaneous equilibrium of the group.
(3) Essential characteristics of equilibrium in relation to monopoly and perfect competition, welfare aspects.
(4) Relaxation of the pure model.
(5) Forces making for [illegible] higher prices

(C) Oligopoly with homogeneous selling and no free entry

(1) Duopoly, Cournot solution
(2) Oligopoly and the limit solution as n goes to infinity

 

Source: Duke University, Rubenstein Library. Franco Modigliani Papers. Box T6. Folder “Economics 1956-57”

 

____________________________________

Mimeographed Course Outline,
Carnegie Institute of Technology 1957

February, 1957

GI-581—Advanced Economics I
Course Outline and Major References (Provisional)

I. Methodological issues:

(1) Kaufman — Methodology of the Social Sciences
(2) Friedman — Essays in Positive Economics — Part I
(3) Robbins — The Nature and Significance of Economic Science

II. Theory of Demand and Applications

(A) Partial equilibrium approach — Marshallian Demand functions and applications to simple monopoly.

(B) General equilibrium approach — Utility analysis and indifference curves

(C) General equilibrium of exchange: (i) the two person, two commodity case; (ii) the general case

(1) Marshall — Principles of Economics, Book III, Ch. III and IV; Mathematical Appendix, Notes II and III
(2) Cournot — The Mathematical Principles of the Theory of Wealth, Ch. IV, V, VI
(3) Bowley — The Mathematical Groundwork of Economics, Ch. I
(4) Hicks — Value and Capital, Part I (pages 12-52) and Part II, ch. IV and V.
(5) Mosak — General Equilibrium Theory in International Trade, Ch. 1 and 2
(6) Samuelson — Foundations of Economic Analysis, Ch. 1, 5, 6, 7
(7) Slutsky — On the Theory for the Budget of the Consumer, Readings in Price Theory
(8) Hicks — Revision of Demand Theory

III. Theory of supply and costs under competitive conditions

(A) Partial equilibrium approach — theory of Rent

(B) General equilibrium approach — production functions and marginal productivity

(C) General equilibrium of production and exchange

(D) Some welfare implications

(1) Viner — Cost Curves and Supply Curves, Readings in Price Theory
(2) Stigler — The Theory of Prices
(3) Hicks — Value and Capital, Ch. VI and VII
(4) Mosak — Ch. V
(5) Lerner — The Economics of Control

IV. Imperfect Competition Theories and Market Structures

(A) Theory of monopoly

(B) Small numbers and imperfect competition

(1) Cournot — Ch. 7
(2) Chamberlin — Theory of Monopolistic Competition
(3) Robinson — Economics of Imperfect Competition
(4) Readings in Price Theory, Part V, Imperfect Competition
(5) Hall and Hitch — Price Theory and Business Behavior, Oxford Economic Papers, 1939
(6) Stigler — Notes on the Theory of Duopoly, JPE, 1947, page 521
(7) Fellner — Competition among the Few
(8) Bain — A Note on Pricing in Monopoly and Oligopoly, AER, 1949, page 448
(9) Hurwicz — The Theory of Economic Behavior, Readings in Price Theory
(10) Henderson — The Theory of Duopoly, QJE, December, 1954
(11) Harrod — Economic Essays, The Theory of Imperfect Competition revised
(12) Hicks — The Process of Imperfect Competition, Oxford Economic Papers, 1954
(13) Paul — Notes on Excess Capacity, Oxford Economic Papers, 1954
(14) Hahn — Excess Capacity and Imperfect Competition, Oxford Economic Papers, 1955

Source: Duke University, Rubenstein Library. Franco Modigliani Papers. Box T8. Folder “(Notes on Advanced Monetary Theory III , 1953-1960”.

 

____________________________________

 

Mimeographed Course Outline, Carnegie Institute of Technology 1959

February, 1959

GI-581—Advanced Economics I
Course Outline and Major References

I. Methodological issues:

(1) Kaufman — Methodology of the Social Sciences
(2) Friedman — Essays in Positive Economics — Part I
(3) Robbins — The Nature and Significance of Economic Science

II. Theory of Demand and Applications

(A) Partial equilibrium approach — Marshallian Demand functions and applications to simple monopoly.

(B) General equilibrium approach — Utility analysis and indifference curves.

(C) General equilibrium of exchange: (i) the two person, two commodity case; (ii) the general case

(D) Basic concepts of Welfare Economics. Index number theory.

(1) Marshall — Principles of Economics, Book III, Ch. III and IV; Mathematical Appendix, Notes II and III
(2) Cournot — The Mathematical Principles of the Theory of Wealth, Ch. IV, V, VI
(3) Samuelson — Foundations of Economic Analysis, Ch. 1, 2, 3, 5, 6
(4) Hicks — Value and Capital, Part I (pages 12-52) and Part II, ch. IV and V.
(5) Slutsky — On the Theory for the Budget of the Consumer, Readings in Price Theory
(6) Hicks — Revision of Demand Theory Parts I and II
(7) Bowley — The Mathematical Groundwork of Economics, Ch. I
(8) Mosak — General Equilibrium Theory in International Trade, Ch. 1 and 2
(9) Boulding — Welfare Economics in Survey of Contemporary Economics, vol. II.

III. Theory of supply and costs under competitive conditions

(A) Partial equilibrium approach — theory of Rent

(B) General equilibrium approach — production functions and marginal productivity

(C) General equilibrium of production and exchange under competitive conditions

(D) Some welfare implications

(E) Stability of equilibrium — comparative statics and dynamics.

(1) Viner — Cost Curves and Supply Curves, Readings in Price Theory
(2) Stigler — The Theory of Prices
(3) Samuelson — Foundations chs. 4, 9
(4) Lerner — The Economics of Control chs. 15, 16, 17
(5) Hicks — Value and Capital, Ch. VI and VII
(6) Mosak — Ch. V
(7) Cassel — The Theory of Social Economy Vol I. ch. 4, pp. 134-155

IV. Imperfect Competition Theories and Market Structures

(A) Classification of market structures

(B) Theory of monopoly

(C) Monopolistic competition, large group

(D) Oligopolistic competition

(E) The role of the conditions of entry.

(1) Cournot — Ch. 7
(2) Chamberlin — Theory of Monopolistic Competition
(3) Robinson — Economics of Imperfect Competition, Book V.
(4) Readings in Price Theory, Part V, Imperfect Competition
(5) Hall and Hitch — Price Theory and Business Behavior, Oxford Economic Papers, 1939
(6) Stigler — Notes on the Theory of Duopoly, JPE, 1947, page 521
(7) Fellner — Competition among the Few
(8) Hurwicz — The Theory of Economic Behavior, Readings in Price Theory
(9) Henderson — The Theory of Duopoly, QJE, December, 1954
(10) Bain — Barriers to New Competition. Esp. ch. 1, 3, 4, 6.
(11) Modigliani — New Developments on the Oligopoly Front. JPE June 1958, pp. 215-232.
(12) Cyert and March — Organizational Structure and Pricing Behavior in an Oligopolistic Market. AER March 1955, pp. 129-139
(13) Cyert and March — Organizational Factors in the Theory of Oligopoly. QJE Feb. 1956, pp. 44-64

Source: Duke University, Rubenstein Library. Franco Modigliani Papers. Box T8. Folder “(Notes on Advanced Monetary Theory III , 1953-1960”.

Final Examination for GI 581 in 1959 and 1960 has been posted!

 

____________________________________

Final Examination Economics 202, Fall Semester (1957-58)

HARVARD UNIVERSITY
Department of Economics
ECONOMICS 202

Answer questions 1, 2, and two of the remaining three. Question 1 will be given double weight.

  1. Assume that the government fixes by law the price of a commodity and hands out to the public ration coupons equal in number to the number of units of the commodity produced. Assume throughout that the supply is perfectly inelastic.

a) Show graphically the opportunity locus of an individual consumer, in terms of the usual indifference diagram, with one of the axes representing money. Under what condition would a consumer not use all of his coupons?

b) Show that consumers would be better off if they were free to buy or sell their ration coupons in a free market.

c) Supposing now that coupons could be bought and sold in a free market, explain how one could derive an individual consumer’s demand curve for coupons. (Hint: the situation is analogous to the consumer being forced to buy his ration of the good at the legal price and then being allowed to sell it or buy more of it on a free market.)

d) Explain the formation of the equilibrium market price of coupons.

e) What can be said as to the relation between the legal price, the price of coupons, and the price which would prevail in the absence of price control and rationing? Under what condition would the sum of the first two be equal to the third?

  1. Wicksell states two alternative conditions under which entrepreneurial profits would be zero:

“…either that large-scale and small-scale operations are equally productive, so that, when all the factors of production are increased in the same proportion, the total product also increases exactly proportionately; or at least that all productive enterprises have already reached the limit beyond which a further increase in the scale of production will no longer yield any advantage.”

Explain the reasoning behind Wicksell’s statement of these conditions. Is either of them sufficient, or must other conditions be added?

  1. Discuss the significance of free entry to the relation of the long-run equilibrium size of the firm to its optimum size.
  1. A profit maximizing monopolist buys factors of production in a perfect market.

a) Discuss the long-run effect on his demand for each of the factors he uses and on his selling price of a tax on one of the factors. (Give a graphic treatment for the case of two factors.)

b) Suppose that one of the two factors is fixed in the short run. Contrast the change in the long-run and short-run demand for both factors when a tax is placed on either.

  1. Evaluate the methodological positions of Friedman and Koopmans. Would an agreement with one as against the other make any difference as to the direction of economic research?

January 25, 1958

 

Source: Duke University, Rubenstein Library. Franco Modigliani Papers. Box T8. Folder “(Notes on Advanced Monetary Theory III , 1953-1960”.

 

____________________________________

 

[Handwritten cover page to course lecture notes]

 

ECONOMIC ANALYSIS II
Harvard—Spring 1958
Outline

I. Welfare Economics and Critique of Laisser faire

II. Dynamics with Certainty

III. Theory of Choice Under Uncertainty

IV. Money and Keynesian Economics

 

Source: Duke University, Rubenstein Library. Franco Modigliani Papers. Box T6. Folder “Economics 1956-57”.

 

____________________________________

 

[Two mimeographed sheets of course outline and readings]

HARVARD UNIVERSITY
Department of Economics
Economics 202

Spring, 1958

VI. Economics of Welfare

Readings:

Lerner, A. P., The Economics of Control, Chap. 1-14 (as a review)

Hicks, J. R., “The Foundations of Welfare Economics,” Economic Journal, Dec. 1939.

Scitovsky, T., “A Reconsideration of the Theory of Tariffs,” Review of Economic Studies, Volume 9, 1941

Samuelson, P., “Evaluation of Real National Income,” Oxford Economic Papers, Jan. 1950

J. de V. Graaf, Theoretical Welfare Economics

Baumol, William J., Welfare Economics and the Theory of the State (omit Ch. 8)

Ruggles, N., “The Welfare Basis of Marginal Cost Pricing,” Review of Economic Studies, Vol. XVII, 1949-50.

Vickrey, W., “Some Objections to Marginal Cost Pricing,” JPE, June 1948

*Burk (Bergson) A., “A Reformulation of Certain Aspects of Welfare Economics,” Quarterly Journal of Economics, Vol. 52, 1938

*Samuelson, P., Foundations of Economic Analysis, Chapter 8

*Koopmans, T. C., Three Essays on the State of Economic Science, I—Allocation of Resources and the Price System.

VII. Dynamics under Certainty

Temporal theory of consumer choice — the notion of interest — inter-temporal equilibrium without production — temporal theory of production and capital — growth

Readings:

Fisher, The Theory of Interest, Chapters II, X, XI, XVI, XVIII.

Hicks, Value and Capital, Chapters IX, X, XI, XV, XVI, XVII, XVIII.

Lutz and Lutz, The Theory of Investment of the Firm, Chapters I-X, XII, XV, XX.

Lindahl, Studies in the Theory of Money and Capital, Part III, Ch. 2, 3.

Samuelson, “Dynamics, Statics and the Stationary State,” in Clemence, Readings in Economic Analysis, Vol. I

Modigliani and Brumberg, “Utility Analysis and the Consumption Function,” in Kurihara, Post-Keynesian Economics.

*Mosak, General Equilibrium Theory, Ch. VI, VII.

*Koopmans, Three Essays on the State of Economic Science, Essay I, part 4, (Pp. 105-126).

VIII. Some Approaches to the Theory of Choice under Uncertainty.

Readings:

Arrow, “Alternative Approaches to the Theory of Choice under Uncertainty in Risk-taking Situations,” Econo metrica, 1951.

Modigliani, “Liquidity and Uncertainty,” (Discussion paper) AER, May 1949

Hart, Anticipations, Uncertainty and Dynamic Planning

Marschak, “Probability in the Social Sciences,” in Lazarsfeld, Mathematics 1 Thinking in the Social Sciences.

Friedman and Savage, “The Utility Analysis of Choice Involving Risk,” in Readings in Price Theory.

Strotz, “Cardinal Utility,” AER, May 1953.

Hart, “Risk, Uncertainty, and the Unprofitability of Compounding Probabilities,” in Readings in the Theory of Income Distribution.

*Herstein and Miller, “An Axiomatic Approach to Measurable Utility,” Econometrica, April 1953.

 

Source: Duke University, Rubenstein Library. Franco Modigliani Papers. Box T6. Folder “Economics 1956-57”.

 

____________________________________

 

[Handwritten outline preceding notes for fourth part of second semester]

Money and Keynesian Economics
Outline

I. Introduction of uncertainty and money in dynamic general equilibrium framework

II. The supply and demand for money

(A) Supply side. The banking system and bank balance equation

(B) The demand side

(1) The transaction demand. Cambridge and Fisher equations.
(2) The formal closing of system with dichotomy and neutrality. Criticism. No connection between demand for money and demand for anything else. No [illegible] formal money market
(3) The role of interest rate on transaction demand
(4) Liquidity preference and the connection of Money and Bond market. The formal model of these markets in which funds are acquired or disposed of against bonds.
(5) Preservation of dichotomy under certain assumptions: the role of money in real system. Its disappearance with pure bank money and η =1.
(6) Sources of non-transaction or asset demand for money:

(a) Transaction costs on short funds.
(b) The so called speculative demand.

The case of a single short rate [for the supply of money to equal the demand for money] provided r01 >0.
Liquidity trap. No carrying cost, r cannot be negative.
The case of multiple rates. Speculative demand.

(7) The breakdown of the system. The Pigou effect. its implications on extreme fluctuations of price level.
(8) The consequence of price rigidity.

III. The Economics of rigid prices (rigid wages)

(A) Description of labor market and the [illegible]of rigidity.
(B) The emergence [consequence?] of the notion of Income. Capitalism. Property and non-property income
(C) Nature of demand and supply. Consumption and Investment.
(D) Why wage rigidity [illegible]a solution even when r of full employment is negative. Supply falls faster than demand
(E) The four quadrant analysis and its interpretation.

 

Source: Duke University, Rubenstein Library. Franco Modigliani Papers. Box T6. Folder “Economics 1956-57”.

Image Source: Franco Modigliani page at the History of Economic Thought Website.

Categories
Bibliography Chicago

Chicago. Public Policy, Reform and Ethics. Frank Knight, 1940

Slightly over eleven pages of bibliography for two courses offered in the Fall Quarter of 1940 by Frank Knight on Economics and Social Policy (we would probably say “Public Policy” now) and the Ethics of Social Reform are found in an economics department folder in the papers of the University of Chicago President, Robert Maynard Hutchins. There is no cover letter that explains why a copy of Knight’s Economics 304 classified bibliography should have been sent to President Hutchins. 

I just wonder how Knight was able to distill this bibliography into lectures that fit into a single quarter and what was his subset of “required readings” for these courses.

___________________________________

[Course descriptions]

  1. Economic Theory and Social Policy.—A critical examination of the economic system based on property and competition; its strength and weakness as a mechanism for the reconciliation and promotion of individual and social interests, in comparison with possible alternative types of organization. Prerequisite: Economics 301 [Price and Distribution Theory (Viner)] and 302 [History of Economic Thought (Knight)] or consent of the instructor, Autumn, Tu., Th., 3:30:5:30, Knight.
  1. Ethics and Social Reform (identical with Philosophy 424).—Study of the ethical, methodological, and economic problems involved in the formuation of social policy. Prerequisite: Graduate work in economics, or philosophy, or consent of the instructors. Autumn, W., 7:30-9:30 P.M., Knight, [Charner M.] Perry.

Source: The College and the Divisions for 1940-41. Announcements, The University of Chicago, Vol. XL, No. 10 (April 25, 1949), p. 335.

___________________________________

C O P Y

Economics 304
Classified Bibliography
Fall Quarter, 1940

 

I.  Methodology

Cohen, Morris R. “The Social Sciences and the Natural Sciences” in The Social Sciences and Their Interrelations, Edited by Ogburn and Goldenweiser, pp. 437-465.

Ibid. Article “Scientific Method,” in the Encyclopedia of the Social Sciences.

Copeland, Morris A. Psychology and the Natural-Science Point of View. Psychological Review 37-6 (Nov., 1930), pp. 461-487.

Ibid. Economic Theory and Natural Science Theory, AER XXI-1 (March, 1931), pp. 67-79.

Encyclopedia of the Social Sciences. Article on Economics. Sections on approaches, various authors.

Hutchinson, T. W. The Significance and Basic Postulates of Economic Theory. See also Knight, F. H.

Keynes, J. N. The Scope and Method of Political Economy.

Knight, F. H. “Economic Theory and Nationalism”, last essay in Ethics of Competition. Part IV of this essay “Social Sciences and Social Action” was reprinted slightly abridged in Int. Jl. of Ethics, XLVI (October, 1935), pp. 1-33.

Ibid. “Nature of Economic Science in Some Recent Discussion” (review article on Ralph William Souter, Prolegomena to Relativity Economics), q.v., AER, XXIV, pp. 225-38.

Ibid. “’What is Truth’ in Economics” (review article on Hutchison, T.W., JPE, XLVIII (Feb., 1940), pp. 1-32.

Ibid. “Professor Parsons on Economic Motivation”, Canadian Jl. of Ec. and P.S. 6-3, (August, 1940), pp. 460-465.

Lundberg, George A. “Is Sociology too Scientific?” 9 (September, 1933), pp. 298-322. Also other writings.

Mayer, Joseph. “The Techniques, Basic Concepts, and Preconceptions of Science and Their Relation to Social Study.” Philosophy of Science 2 (October, 1935), pp. 431-483. Also by the same author “Social Science Methodology,” (Review of Rice Case Book) Journal of Social Philosophy I-4 (August, 1936), pp. 360-81. “Broader Value Concepts in Economics,” Journal of Social Philosophy, V-3 (April, 1940), pp. 250-69.

Nogaro, Bertrand. Le Méthode de L’Économie Politique, (rev. FHK, Annals A.A., Nov., 1939).

Parsons, T. “Some Reflections on the Nature and Significance of Economics”, QJE, XLVIII, (1938) pp. 511-45. (Rev. article on Robbins and Souter, q.v.)

Ibid. “The Motivation of Economic Activity”, Canadian J. of Ec. and P.S., 6-2 (May, 1940), pp. 187-202. See also “Reply to Professor Knight, Can. J. of Ec. and P.S., 6-3 (August, 1940), pp. 466-472.

Rice, Stuart A. (Ed.) Methods in Social Science, Case Book, 1931.

Robbins Lionel. An Essay on the Nature and Significance of Economic Science. (2nd ed., revised, 1935). (See also Knight rev., Int. Jl. of Ethics, XLIV, pp. 358-61.) (Rev. L. M. Fraser, Ec. J., 42, 1932, pp. 555-570—“How do we want Economists to Behave?”) See also Parsons, Souter.

Souter, Ralph W. Prolegomena to Relativity Economics, 1933. (Cf. Parsons, Knight).

Ibid. “The Nature and Significance of Economic Science” in Recent Discussion, QJE, 47, 1932-3, pp. 377-413.

 

R= on reserve.            PC = private copies at desk.

II. The Modern Economic Order.

See practically any textbook in Principles of Economics.

Clark, J. B. Distribution of Wealth. Especially Chapter I, also Preface.

(R) Knight, F. H. Syllabus for Social Science II, U. of C. (Editions before 1936.) PC

Marshall, Alfred. Principles of Economics. Esp. Bk. I.

(R) Marshall, L. C. The Coordination of Specialists through the Market. (Part 3 of “Industrial Society”)

(R) Roberson, D. H. The Control of Industry.

(R) Slichter, S. H. Modern Economic Society.

Taussig, F.W. Principles of Economics, Vol. 2, Chapters 67 and 68.

(R) Taylor, F. M. Principles of Economics.

 

III. (and IV.) Criticisms of the Economic Order.

See textbooks on Principles of Economics, relevant chapters; books on socialism by advocates; also “Labor” literature; also later heading “Collectivism.”

(R) Carlyle, T. Past and Present.

(R) Cole, G. D. H. The Simple Case for Socialism. Chap. I.

Davenport, Economics of Enterprise, esp. Chapters 7, 9, 11, 26, and 28.

(R) Davis, Jerome. Capitalism and its Culture.

(R) Hobson, Work and Wealth. (Also other works.)

(R) Laidler, H. W. Socialism in Thought and Action. (Especially Chapters I and II, PC)

Morris, William. News from Nowhere. (And other works.)

(R) Ruskin, John. Crown of Wild Olive. (Also other works.)

(R) Veblen, T. Theory of the Leisure Class; Theory of Business Enterprise, also other works.

(R) Ward, H. F. Our Economic Morality and the Ethic of Jesus.

(R) Webb, S. and B. The Decay of Capitalist Civilization.

 

V. Note: For Topic V (Ethics: Economic and Political Ideals),
See reading List for Economics 405. next following.

Economics 405

R = reserve, Harper Ell. PC = private copies at Desk, H.Ell.

Acton, Lord. History of Freedom and other Essays.

(R) Albee, E. History of Utilitarianism.

Anderson, B. M., Jr. Social Value. (Summarized in Value of Money, Chapter I.)

Arnold, Matthew. Prose and Poetry. Ed. A.L.Bouton (Scribner’s)

Essays in Division II, Society; Sweetness and Light, etc. P.C.

Ayres, C. E. The Nature of the Relationship between Ethics and Economics.

Ibid. Moral Confusion in Economics, Int. Jl. of Ethics, Vol. XLV (Jan., 1935) pp. 170-199. Also Knight, F. H. “Intellectual Confusion on Morals and Economics,” Int. J. of Ethics, Vol. XLV (Jan., 1935), pp. 200-220. PC (Bound together).

Bagehot, Walter, Physics and Politics.

Bonar, James. Philosophy and Political Economy.

(R) Bosanquet, B. The Philosophical Theory of the State.

(R) Burns, C. Delisle. Political Ideals. PC

(R) Bye, R. T. and Blodgett, R. H. Getting and Earning. (Rev., FHK in Ethics “Economists on Economic Ethics” (Oct., 1937), pp. 98-108.

Carritt, Edgar F. Morals and Politics.

Clarke, Mary E. A Study in the Logic of Value.

(R) Dewey, John. Liberalism and Social Action.

Ibid. Theory of Valuation (Rev., FHK in Am. J. of Soc.)

(R) Dewey and Tufts. Ethics.

Doob, L. The Plans of Man.

Dunning, Wm. A. Political Theories. (Index: Nature, Natural, etc.)

Eliot, T. S. The Idea of a Christian Society.

Elzbacher, E. Anarchism.

(R) Federal Council of Churches. Our Economic Life in the Light of Christian Ideals.

(R) Fosdick, Dorothy. What is Liberty? (Rev., FHK, JPE XLVIII (August, 1940), 586-589.)

Gooch, G. P. Political Thought in England from Bacon to Halifax.

(R) Gore, Charles, Bishop. Property: Its Rights and Duties.

Green, T. H. Lectures on the Principles of Political Obligation (and other writings).

(R) Halévy, E. The Growth of Philosophic Radicalism.

(R) Ibid. Original French edition (La formation du radicalism philosophique), preferable, account omission of notes in translation.)

(R) Hasbach, Wilhelm. Die Allgemeinen philosophischen Grundlagen der…politischen Ökonomie.

Hayek, F. A. V. (Ed.) Collective Economic Planning.

Ibid. Economics and Knowledge, Economica (Feb., 1937).

Herskowitz, M. W. Anthropology and Economics.

(R) Hetherington, J. W. and Muirhead, J. H. Social Purpose.

(R) Hobhouse, L. T. Elements of Social Justice.

Ibid. Liberalism (Home Univ. Lib.)

Ibid. The Rational Good.

Ibid. The Metaphysical Theory of the State.

(R) Ibid. Morals in Evolution. (On reserve in Psychology Lib.)

(R) Hocking, W. E. The Lasting Elements of Individualism. (Rev., FHK, Int. Jl. of Ethics XLVIII (Oct., 1937) pp. 109-116.

Hook, Sidney. John Dewey.

Huxley, T. H. Evolution and Ethics, etc.

(R) Jodl, Friedrich. Geschichte der Ethik.

(R) Knight, F. H. Ethics of Competition. (Especially first two and last essays). Section 4 “Social Science and Social Action” of final essay “Economic Theory and Nationalism” (PC) reprinted in Int. Jl. of Ethics, 46 (October 1936), pp. 1-33.

(R) Ibid. Ethics and Economic Reform. Economica, 1939. I. The Ethics of Liberalism; II. Idealism and Marxism; III. Christianity, published in the issues for February, August, and November, respectively. PC

Levy, Herman. Economic Liberalism.

(R) Lippman, Walter. The Good Society. (Rev., FHK, JPE XLVI (Dec., 1938) pp. 864-872)

Lyon, L. S. Government in Economic Life.

MacIver, Robert M. Society: a textbook of Sociology.

Mackenzie, F. (Ed.) Planned Society.

Mackenzie, J.S. Outlines of Social Philosophy.

Malinowski, B. The Foundations of Faith and Morals.

Marriot, J. A .R. Economics and Ethics.

May, Mark and Doob, L. Competition and Cooperation.

Mayer, Joseph. “Social Science Methodology.” (Rev., of Rice Case Book) Journal of Social Philosophy I-4 (Augusts, 1936), pp. 360-81.

Ibid. Broader Value Concepts in Economics. Journal of Social Philosophy. V-3 (April, 1940), pp. 250-69.

Ibid. Techniques and Basic Concepts of Science and their Relation to Social Study, Philosophy of Science, Vol. 2-4 (Oct., 1935), pp. 431-83.

Mecklin, John M. Social Ethics.

Mezes, S. E. Ethics, Descriptive and Explanatory.

(R) Mill, J. S. Liberty, Utilitarianism, and Representative Government.

(R) Myrdal, Gunnar. Das politische element in der Nat. Ökon. Doktrinbildung.

(R) Osborne, H. Foundations of the Theory of Value.

Parsons, T. The Structure of Social Action.

(R) Ibid. The Place of Ultimate Values in Sociological Theory. Int. Jl. of Ethics, Vol. XLV (April, 1935), pp. 282-316. PC

Paulsen, Friedrich. A System of Ethics.

Perry, Charner M. “The Arbitrary as Basis for Rational Morality” Int. Jl. of Ethics, Vol. XLIII (Jan., 1933), pp. 127-144. Criticisms by various authors.

(R) Ibid. Knowledge as a Basis for Social Reform, Int. Jl. of Ethics, XLV (April, 1935), pp. 253-281. PC

Perry, R. B. The General Theory of Value. Discussion in Int. Jl. of Ethics, 40 (1930) 465-95. By various critics. Also other writings.

Pipkin, C. W. The Idea of Social Justice.

(R) Pound, R. Law and Morals.

Ibid. Introduction to the Philosophy of Law.

Ibid. The Limits of Legal Action. Int. J. Ethics. PC

Ibid. Articles in Encyclopedia of Social Sciences “Jursprudence”; “Common Law,” “Contract.”

Pribram, Karl. Die Entstehung der individualistischen Sozial-philosophie.

Radcliffe-Brown, A. R. The Functional Approach in Anthropology (?)

Rashdall, Hastings. Theory of Good and Evil.

Ibid. Ethics (Peoples’ books).

(R) Ritchie, D. G. Natural Rights

(R) Russell, Bertrand. Power. (Rev., FHK “Bertrand Russell on Power.” Ethics, XLIX (April, 1939), pp. 253-285 PC)

(R) Sabine, George H. History of Political Theory. (Especially Chapter XXXI on Liberalism, Chs. VIII, XXI on Natural Law; Index, Freedom, Natural Law, Utilitarianism.)

Schiller, F. C. X. Article “Value” in Hastings Encyclopedia of Religion and Ethics.

Schmoller, Gustav. The idea of Justice in Political Economy. Annals of the A.A., Vol. IV-5 (March 1894) pp. 1-41.

Seth, James. Ethical Principles.

Sidgwick, Henry. Methods of Ethics.

Ibid. Elements of Politics.

Spann, O. The History of Economics.

(R) Spencer, H. Man versus the State

(R) Ibid. Data of Ethics.

(R) Stamp, Josiah (Lord). Christianity and Economics. (Rev., FHK Ethics. Vol. L-2 pp. 226-27.

Ibid. Motive and Method in a Christian Social Order.

Stephen, Sir Leslie. The English Utilitarians. Three volumes.

Sutherland, Alexander. Origin and Growth of the Moral Instinct.

Taylor, A. E. The Problem of Conduct.

Thilly, Frank. Ethics.

Urban, W. M. Valuation.

Ibid. Article “Value Theory and Esthetics” in Schaub, Philosophy Today. (Also other articles.)

Wallas, Graham. The Great Society.

(R) Ward, Harry F. Our Economic Morality and the Ethic of Jesus. (For Econ. 304.)

Ward, Leo R. (C. S. C.) Philosophy of Value. (Valuable for Bibliography.)

Westermarck, Edward. Origin and Development of the Moral Ideas.

Wissler, Clark. Man and Culture.

Wootton, B. Plan or no Plan.

 

ECONOMICS 304
VI. CO-OPERATION

Encyclopedia of Social Sciences Article. Sections by various authors. Use for Bibliography.

Fay, C. R. Co-operation at Home and Abroad.

Warbasse, Peter. Various writings. (Leading American apostle of co-operation.)

Woolf, Leonard S. Co-operation and the Future of Industry.

 

VII. POLITICO-LEGAL ACTION; GENERAL THEORY

Encyclopedia of Social Sciences. Articles on “Political Science,” (by Hermann Heller) and on “Politics” (by Lindsay Rogers). See cross references and bibliographies.

Pound, Roscoe. Law and Morals.

Ibid. Introduction to the Philosophy of Law.

Ibid. Limits of Legal Action, Int. Jl. of Ethics. XXVII (Jan., 1917), pp. 150-167. PC

Clark, J. M. Social Control of Business. Part II.

 

VIII. GOVERNMENT REGULATION OF BUSINESS

Backman, Jules. Government Price-Fixing.

Ibid. Articles

Blaisdell, Thomas C. The Federal Trade Commission

Childs, Marquis W. Sweden: The Middle Way.

Clark, J. M. Social Control of Business. Especially Part III.

Ibid. Preface to Social Economics.

Hardy, C. O. (et al) Wartime Control of Prices.

Hawtrey, R. G. The Economic Problem.

Herring, E. Pendleton. Public Administration and the Public Interest.

Lippincott, Benjamin E. (ed.) Government Control of the Economic Order.

Lippmann, Walter. The Good Society.

Lyon, Abramson, and Watkins and Associates. Government in Economic Life.

Lyon, L. S. and Others. The National Recovery Administration.

National Industrial Conference Board. (Myron W. Watkins) Public Regulation of Competitive Practices.

Pigou, A. C. Economics of Welfare. Chaps. in Part III.

Robertson, D. H. Control of Industry.

Soltau, R. H. The Economic Functions of the State.

Salter, Sir Arthur. The Framework of an Ordered Society.

Davis, Joseph S. On Agricultural Policy, 1926-1938. (1939, pp. 494)

Black, John D. Agricultural Reform in the United States. (1929, pp. 511).

 

IX. TAXATION AND RELIEF

Encyclopedia of the Social Sciences Articles on “Public Finance” (by E. R. A. Seligman) and “Taxation” (by R. M. Haig). “Inheritance Taxation” (by Wm. J. Schultz). “Income Tax” (by E. R. A. Seligman). See Cross Reference and Bibliographies.

Ibid. Articles on “Charity” (by K. L. M. Pray); “Institutions, Public” (by S. P. Breckenridge), “Public Welfare” (by E. C. Lindeman). “Poor Laws” (by Ch. W. Pipkin). See Cross References, Bibliographies.

Bastable, C. F. Public Finance.

Brown, Harry G. Economics of Taxation.

Douglas, Paul H. Social Security in the United States. (1936, 384 pages)

Epstein, A. Insecurity, a Challenge to America.

Pigou, A. C. Economics of Welfare. Chaps. in Part IV.

Ibid. A Study in Public Finance.

Seligman, E. R. A. Essays in Taxation.

Simons, H. C. Personal Income Taxation.

Warner, A. G., Queen, S. A., and Harper, E. B. American Charities and Social Work.

Wedgewood, Josiah. The Economics of Inheritance.

Woodbury, R. M. Social Insurance and Economic Analysis.

Commerce Clearing House. Social Security Act as Amended 1939.

 

X. COLLECTIVISM: ECONOMIC PLANNING

Balogh, T. H. The National Economy of Germany. E. J. 48 (1938), pp. 461-497. PC

Cole, G. D. H. Principles of Economic Planning.

Ibid. The Simple Case for Socialism

Dickinson, H. D. The Economics of Socialism.

Ibid. Price Formation in a Socialist Community. Ec. J. 43 (1933) pp. 237-250. PC

Dobb, M. Political Economy and Capitalism: Some Essays in Economic Tradition. (1937, pp. 360). (Rev. A. P. Lerner, JPE, Aug., 1939. Reply and Rejoinder JPE, April, 1940).

Durbin, E. F. M. Economic Calculus in a Planned Economy, Ec. J. 48 (1938) pp. 676-690. PC

Florinsky, M. T. Fascism and National Socialism.

Hall, R. L. The Economic System in a Socialist State. (Rev. F. H. Knight in JPE April, 1938, pp. 241-50—with Pigou.)

Hayek, F. A. v. (Ed.) Collectivist Economic Planning.

Ibid. Freedom and the Economic System. (Pub. Policy Pamph. 29)

Knight, F. H. The Place of Marginal Economics in a Collectivist System. AER, Supp. 36 (March, 1936), pp. 255-266. PC

Ibid. Socialism: The Nature of the Problem. Ethics 50 (April, 1940), pp. 253-289.

Lange, Oskar and Taylor, Fred M. On the Economic Theory of Socialism. (Lange articles previously published Rev. Ec. Studies, Vol. IV.; Taylor, AER, 19 (March, 1929), pp. 1-8.

Loucks, W. N. and Hoot, J.W. (Eds.) Comparative Economic Systems.

Mackenzie, Findlay. Planned Society.

Martin, P. W. “Some Aspects of Economic Planning.” in Economic Essays in Honor of Mitchell, pp. 315-354.

Mises, L. von. Socialism.

Pigou, A. C. Socialism versus Capitalism. (Rev. F. H. Knight, JPE April, 1935.

Robbins, Lionel. Economic Planning and International Order.

Soule, George. A Planned Society.

Speier, Hans. Freedom and Social Planning, Am. Jl. Soc. (Jan., 1937)

Sutton, E. The Relation between Economic Theory and Economic Policy. PC

Sykes, E. R. Contemporary Economic Systems.

Welk, Wm. G. Fascist Economic Policy.

Westmeyer, R. E. Modern Economic and Social Systems.

Wootton, Barbara. Plan or no Plan. (F. H. Knight rev. “Barbara Wootton on Economic Planning,” JPE XLIII (Dec., 1935), pp. 809-14.

Source: University of Chicago Archives. Office of the President. Hutchins Administration Records. Box 72, Folder 9 “Economics Department, 1939-1943”.

Image Source: University of Chicago Photographic Archive, apf1-03515, Special Collections Research Center, University of Chicago Library.

Categories
Harvard Suggested Reading

Harvard. Debate Briefs on Immigration, ca. 1886-96

A few posts ago I provided a short selection from Harvard Professor Thomas Nixon Carver’s autobiography that reminded me of the current Republican U.S. Presidential candidate’s immigration policy. I must still have had Donald Trump on the mind when I stumbled upon a book of model debate briefs for issues of the late 19th/early 20th century. One might want to first watch the speech Donald Trump gave on immigration policy last night (August 31, 2016) in Phoenix, Arizona and then examine the debate briefs below for the following three resolutions:

Resolved, That immigration should be further restricted by law.

Resolved, That a high tax should be laid on all immigrants to the United States.

Resolved, That the policy excluding Chinese laborers from the United States should be maintained and rigorously enforced.

Zombie ideas are everywhere. 

 _______________________

Briefs for Debate on Current Political, Economic, and Social Topics.

Edited by
W. Du Bois Brookings, A.B. of the Harvard Law School
And
Ralph Curtis Ringwalt, A.B.
Assistant in Rhetoric in Columbia University

With an introduction by Albert Bushnell Hart, Ph.D.
Professor of Harvard University.

[Rerpinted in 1908]

[From the Preface:]

“The basis of the work has been a collection of some two hundred briefs prepared during the past ten years [ca. 1886-96] by students in Harvard University, under the direction of instructors. Of these briefs the most useful and interesting have been selected; the material has been carefully worked over, and the bibliographies enlarged and verified….

…” the brief is a steady training in the most difficult part of reasoning; in putting together things that belong together; in discovering connections and relations; in subordinating the less important matters. The making of a brief is an intellectual exercise like the study of a disease by a physician, of a case by a lawyer, of a sermon by a minister, of a financial report by a president of a corporation. It is a bit of the practical work of life.

 

RESTRICTION OF IMMIGRATION.

Question: ‘Resolved, That immigration should be further restricted by law.’

Brief for the Affirmative.

General references:

New-York Tribune (May 17, 1891);
Congressional Record, 1890-1891, p. 2955 (February 19, 1891);
Political Science Quarterly, III., 46 (March, 1888), 197 (June, 1888); IV., 480-489 (September, 1889);
J. A. Riis, How the Other Half Lives;
Richmond Mayo-Smith, Emigration and Immigration;
North American Review, Vol. 152, p. 27 (January, 1891);
Atlantic Monthly, LXXI., 646 (May, 1893);
Public Opinion, XVI., 122 (November 9, 1893);
F. L. Dingley on European Emigration, United States Special Consular Reports, 1890, II., 211.

I. There is no longer any necessity for immigration:

Congressional Record, 1890-1891, p. 2955.

II. Immigration has led to many bad effects.

(a) Political.

(1) Large proportion of adults gives too great voting power:

Emigration and Immigration, p. 79.

(2) Our degraded municipal administration due to it:

Emigration and Immigration, p. 87.

(b) Economic.

(1) Immigrants offset what they produce by remittances home.

(2) Nearly half the immigrants are without occupation and this ratio is still increasing:

Congressional Record, 1890-1891, p. 2955.

(3) There is already a large unemployed class of native laborers:

Emigration and Immigration, p. 127.

(4) Displacement of American labor:

Congressional Record, 1890-1891, p. 2955.

(5) By classes used to a lower standard of living.

(6) Introduction of the system:

How the Other Half Lives, pp. 121-123.

(c) Social effects.

(1) Our high rates of mortality, vice, and crime are due to immigration:

Emigration and Immigration, p. 150.

(2) Immigration the prevailing cause of illiteracy in the United States:

Emigration and Immigration, p. 161.

III. The present laws are insufficient.

(a) Diseased persons are allowed entrance:

Congressional Record, 1890-1891, p. 2955.

(b) Agents for steamship lines induce men to emigrate.

(c) Pauper laws admit immigrants possessing less than the average wealth of residents:

Emigration and Immigration, p. 101.

 

Brief for the Negative.

General references:

North American Review, Vol. 134, p. 347 (April, 1882); Vol. 154, p. 424 (April, 1892); Vol. 158, p. 494 (April, 1894);
Journal of Social Science, 1870, No. 2;
Forum, XIII., 360 (May, 1892).

I. The policy of the United States in regard to immigration has been successful and its continuance is necessary to develop the resources of the country:

Lalor’s Cyclopaedia, II., 85-94.

II. Immigration is an advantage to the country:

North American Review, Vol. 134, pp. 364-367.

(a) The prosperity brought by immigrants.

(b) The addition to the national power of production.

(c) The money value of the immigrants as laborers.

III. The interests of American labor do not suffer by immigration:

Westminster Review, Vol. 130, p. 474 (October, 1888);
J. L. Laughlin in International Review, XI., 88 (July, 1881).

(a) Immigrants form ‘non–competing groups.’

(b) Are ultimately Americanized.

IV. The present immigration laws are satisfactory:

Supplement to the Revised Statutes of the United States, 1874-1891, I., Chap. 551;
Nation, XLV., 518 (December 29, 1887).

(a) The worst class of immigrants is excluded.

(b) The interests of American labor are fully protected.

(c) More stringent regulations, even if desirable, could not be enforced.

 

 _______________________

 

A TAX ON IMMIGRANTS.

Question: ‘Resolved, That a high tax should be laid on all immigrants to the United States.’

Brief for the Affirmative.

General references:

Richmond Mayo-Smith, Emigration and Immigration;
Forum, XI., 635 (August, 1891); XIV., 110 (September, 1892);
Andover Review, IX., 251 (March, 1888);
Yale Review, I., 125 (August, 1892);
Congressional Record, 1890-1891, p. 2955 (February 19, 1891);
Political Science Quarterly, III., 46 (March, 1888), 197 (June, 1888); IV., 480-489 (September, 1889);
North American Review, Vol. 152, p. 27 (January, 1891);
J. A. Riis, How the Other Half Lives;
F. L. Dingley on European Emigration, in United States Special Consular Reports, 1890, II., 211;
House Miscellaneous Documents, 1887-1888, No. 572, part 2, Report on Importation of Contract Labor.

I. Immigration should be further restricted.

(a) On social grounds.

(1) The proportion of paupers, diseased, and criminal, is great.

(b) On economic grounds.

(1) No longer needed to develop the country:

Popular Science Monthly, XLI., 762 (October, 1892).

(2) The lower wages and the standard of living:

Forum, XIV., 113 (September, 1892).

(3) Unskilled occupations are already overcrowded:

Emigration and Immigration, pp. 117-122.

(c) On political grounds.

(1) The immigrants do not understand our institutions.

(2) They become tools of machine politicians:

Emigration and Immigration, pp. 79-88.

(3) They form communities by themselves.

(d) The dangers are increasing.

(1) The immigrants congregate in cities more than formerly:

Emigration and Immigration, pp. 69-70.

(2) The character of the immigrants is deteriorating:

Yale Review, I., 132.

II. A high tax would stop undesirable immigration.

(a) It would make impossible the sending of undesirable classes.

(1) Paupers.
(2) Convicts.
(3) Contract laborers.
(4) Shiftless and ignorant persons whom agents of steamship companies induce to come:

Yale Review, I., 132.

(b) The Italians and Slavs can barely raise the passage money, and they could not raise the tax.

(c) Tax would not keep out the desirable immigrants, such as Germans, Swedes, and Irish.

(1) They bring enough money to pay the tax.

III. A tax is the simplest effective restriction.

(a) It cannot be evaded.

(b) It is the surest practical guarantee of the qualities desired:

Yale Review, I., 141.

(c) It is a just means.

(1) One immigrant is worth to the country one hundred dollars:

Political Science Quarterly, III., 204-207 (June, 1888).

(2) Per capita wealth of the United States is one thousand dollars.

(3) The immigrant should pay to be admitted to the wealth and privileges of this country.

 

Brief for the Negative.

General references:

Westminster Review, Vol. 130, p. 474 (October, 1888);
North American Review, Vol. 134, p. 347 (April, 1882); Vol. 154, p. 424 (April, 1892); Vol. 156, p. 220 (February, 1893);
Forum, XIII., 360 (May, 1892);
Lalor’s Cyclopedia, II., 85;
Friedrich Kapp, ‘Immigration,’ in Journal of Social Science, 1870, No. 2, pp.21-30.

I. A continuance of immigration is desirable:

Forum, XIV., 601 (January, 1893);
Public Opinion, III., 251 (July 2, 1887); XIV., 297 (December 31, 1892).

(a) There is need of laborers in the South and West:

North American Review, Vol. 134, p. 350 (April, 1882).

(b) Voluntary immigrants are thrifty and active:

Political Science Quarterly, III., 61 (March, 1888).

(c) The troublesome and mischievous immigrants are a small part of the whole:

Nation. XLV., 519 (December 29, 1887);
Forum, XIV., 605-606.

II. The present immigration laws are sufficient:

Public Opinion, III., 249;
Supplement to the Revised Statutes of the United States, 1874-1891, I., Chap. 551.

(a) Laws now exclude paupers, criminals, insane people, and persons liable to become a public charge, as well as imported labor.

(b) Immigration is practically self-regulating:

Forum, XIV., 606.

III. The proposed measure of a high tax is undesirable.

(a) It would literally mean prohibition, which is a complete reversal of American policy.

(b) It would be unjust.

(1) It would debar families from emigrating.

(2) It would discriminate against the peasant class, women and the younger men, who are often the most desirable immigrants.

(c) It is impracticable:

Political Science Quarterly, III., 420.

(1) It would be difficult to collect the tax:

Forum, XIII., 366 (May, 1892).

(2) Our extensive frontiers would make the law perfectly useless.

(d) It would create an undesirable class of immigrants.

(1) Those who evaded the laws would be an adventurous, restless element.

(2) Those who paid the tax would be embittered by our narrow policy.

 

 _______________________

THE EXCLUSION OF THE CHINESE.

Question: ‘Resolved, That the policy excluding Chinese laborers from the United States should be maintained and rigorously enforced.’

Brief for the Affirmative.

General references:

Forum, VI., 196 (October, 1888);
North American Review, Vol. 139, p. 256 (September, 1884); Vol. 157, p. 59 (July, 1893);
Overland Monthly, VII., 428 (April, 1886);
Scribner’s Monthly, XII., 862 (October, 1876);
J. A. Whitney, The Chinese and the Chinese Question.

 

I. The Chinese are a source of danger to American civilization.

(a) Morally.

(1) Barbarity of Chinese character:

The Chinese and the Chinese Question, p. 21.

(2) Inhuman treatment of women.

(3) Practice of gambling.

(4) Degraded religion:

Forum, VI., 201.

(5) Utter disregard for oaths.

(6) Criminality:

Scribner’s Monthly, XII., 862.

(b) Socially.

(1) Unhealthy mode of living.

(2) Impossibility of amalgamation:

Overland Monthly, VII., 429.

(3) Contamination through opium smoking, leprosy, and small-

pox.

(4) Dangers to American youth of both sexes.

(c) Politically.

(1) Inability and unwillingness to become citizens:

Senate Reports, 1876-1877, No. 689.

(2) Refusal to obey our laws.

(3) Secret system of slavery:

Scribner’s Monthly, XII., 860-865.

(d) Economically.

(1) Impossibility of competition with Chinese.

(2) Gradual encroachment on all occupations.

(3) Does away with the Middle class of artisans and results in the concentration of capital:

Forum, VI., 198;
North American Review, Vol. 139, pp. 257, 260-273.

II. Exclusion furnishes-the best remedy.

(a) It is constitutional under decision of Supreme Court:

Fong Yue Ting v. U. S., 149 U. S., 698.

(b) It will not materially affect our commercial relations with China.

(c) It is beneficial to the Chinamen who are legally in the United States.

(d) It is practicable.

(1) Rules are simple and can be readily complied with or enforced.

 

Brief for the Negative.

General references:

Nation, LVI., 358 (May 18, 1893);
Forum, XIV., 85 (September, 1892); XV., 407 (June, 1893);
North American Review, Vol. 148, p. 476 (April, 1889); Vol. 154, p. 596 (May, 1892); Vol. 157, p. 52 (July, 1893);
Nation, XXVIII., 145 (February 27, 1879);
Scribner’s Monthly, XIII., 687 (March, 1887);
Nation, XXXIV., 222 (March 16, 1882);
Overland Monthly, VII., 414 (April, 1886); XXIII., 518 (May, 1894);
Richmond Mayo-Smith, Emigration and Immigration, Chap. xi.

I. The exclusion of the Chinese is at variance with fundamental American principles:

Nation, XXXIV., 222.

(a) It is contrary to the spirit of the Constitution:

Constitution of the United States, Amend. XV.

(b) It is founded on race prejudice.

(c) It violates our treaty obligations and good faith between nations:

Forum, XV., 407; XIV., 85-90.

II. Chinese immigration is no menace to American interests.

(a) The Chinese do not immigrate in large numbers.

(b) They do not multiply after their arrival.

(c) They take only money—and little of that—out of the country, and leave finished products.

(d) They compete with unskilled labor and do not affect the wages of skilled labor.

(e) They are honest, industrious, peaceable, and frugal.

(f) They form but a small element in political life, and the fact that they are not citizens makes them less dangerous than other immigrants.

III. The policy of exclusion is harmful.

(a) It injures good feeling between the two countries.

(b) It menaces commerce:

Forum, XIV., 87-88.

(1) China may retaliate any time.

(c) It discourages missionary work.

(d) It deprives the United States of effective labor suitable for large enterprises.

(1) Work on transcontinental railroads.

(2) In mines.

(3) Farming.

(4) Construction of irrigation works.

IV. The difficulty in enforcing the legislation makes it impracticable.

(a) The penalty for violation has no terrors for the Chinese immigrant:

Popular Science Monthly, XXXVI.,185 (December, 1889).

(b) Many citizens oppose the legislation.

(c) It has failed thus far.

 

 

Source: W. Du Bois Brookings and Ralph Curtis Ringwalt, eds., Briefs for Debate on Current Political, Economic, and Social Topics. New York: Longmans, Green, and Co., 1908, pp. 68-75.

Image Source:  F. Victor Gillam, “The immigrant. Is he an acquisition or a detriment?” Illustration in Judge (September 19, 1903). Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division, Washington, D.C. 20540 USA.