Corruption of Institutions (Church, State, Labor)

Key institutions like the church, government, and labor unions are shown as being co-opted by the oligarchy, betraying their stated principles to serve the interests of the wealthy and powerful.

The courts and legal profession are corrupted by class interests, as seen in Judge Caldwell's bias and the lawyer's whining.

Ernest details the hypocrisy of capitalists who invoke religion while exploiting workers, bribing officials, and adulterating food.

The university is shown bowing to wealthy interests, and the government attempts to bribe a labor leader, illustrating institutional corruption.

The Bishop's vision exposes the Church's abandonment of Christ's teachings, as he condemns its pomp and calls for direct action, while the audience and platform leaders treat his radical Christianity as heresy.