"They would have been--if we hadn't changed them," he agreed. "But they were in our hands at least, and we got them re-arranged very promptly. That absurd old despotism which kept the grade of teachers down so low, was very promptly changed. We have about five times as many teachers now, fifty times as good and far better paid, not only in cash, but in public appreciation. Our teachers are 'leading citizens' now--we have elected one President from the School Principalship of a state." This was news, and not unpleasant. "Have you elected any Editors?" "No--but we may soon. They are a new set of men now I can tell you; and women, of course. You remember in our day journalism was frankly treated as a trade; whereas it is visibly one of the most important professions." "And did you so reform those Editors, so that they became as self-sacrificing as country doctors?" "Oh, no. But we changed the business conditions. It was the advertising that corrupted the papers--mostly; and the advertisers were only screaming for bread and butter--especially butter. When Socialism reorganized business there was no need to scream. "But I find plenty of advertising in the papers and magazines." "Certainly--it is a great convenience. Have you studied it?" I had to own that I had not particularly--I never did like advertising. "You'll find it worth reading. In the first place it's all true." "How do you secure that?" "We have made lying to the public a crime--don't you remember? Each community has its Board of Standards; there is a constant effort to improve standards you see, in all products; and expert judgment may always be had, for nothing. If any salesman advertises falsely he loses his job, if he's an official; and is posted, if he's selling as a private individual. When the public is told officially that Mr. Jones is a liar it hurts his trade." "You have a Government Press?" "Exactly. The Press is pre-eminently a public function--it is not and never was a private business--not legitimately." "But you do have private papers and magazines?" "Yes indeed, lots of them. Ever so many personal 'organs,' large and small. But they don't carry advertising. If enough people will buy a man's paper to pay him, he's quite free to publish." "How do you prevent his carrying advertising?" "It's against the law--like any other misdemeanor. Post Office won't take it--he can't distribute. No, if you want to find out about the latest breakfast food--(and there are a score you never heard of)--or the last improvement in fountain pens or airships--you find it all, clear, short, and reliable, in the hotel paper of every town. There's no such bulk of advertising matter now, you see; not so many people struggling to sell the same thing." "Is all business socialized?"