`Element of moderation and balance' in nation
THE Holy Father in a speech last week spoke of the value of the middle classes to the nation and warned that excessive taxation, by choking them, may remove an element of moderation and balance.
" It has been found," said His Holiness, " that the countries where the middle classes were too small and too weak were exposed to the
gravest and most violent political excesses."
The Pope was addressing the delegates to the conference in Rome of the International Institute of the Middle Classes.
He praised the work of the Institute, which, he said. is trying to play for the middle classes the same research role the International Labour Office plays for the working class.
" The development of capitalism on the one hand and proletarianism on the other," said the Uoly Father, " has led to regulations and institutions which too often leave aside an essential part of the citizens in each country — those who generally participate in production through their work and their personal capital."
The Pope continued : " You are particularly concerned about the consequences of fiscal measures affecting small and medium enterprises, managers and professional men. "The general position you hold, your considerable numerical importance, the virtues peculiar to your surroundings make you an element of moderation and balance, which risks being choked if the burdens weighing on it surpass its real resources." The Pope's words have been welcomed particularly by members of the Middle Class Alliance, the British organisation of the Inter national Institute.
WHO THEY ARE
The Alliance was founded in April this year—on St. George's Day. The chairman is Mr. Henry Price, M.P,, an Anglican.
The general secretary, Mr. Norman Varney, a company secretary, company director and accountant. is a convert to the Church.
The hon. national organiser, Mr. Dillon MacCarthy, an author and journalist, is a Catholic. He was the youngest member of Mr. Churchill 'it personal staff during the war.
The international secretary of the Institute. Mr. Stanislas Orski.
is a Polish Catholic. He served with Bomber Command: is now a barrister and company director. The Alliance's objects are stated below.