Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1871-12-22
THE INTERNATIONAL.

II
The parade of the members of this soci-
ety in New York on the 18th, after the IN
terdiction and repression by the police on
the 10th. has brought the organization
more prominently into notice in this coun-
try. 1t is not very suspicious commence
ment for the society in our borders. that it
first appears in conflict with the authori-
ties over its assumed right to parade on
Sunday. 1t is charged by its opposers
with being an enemy to religion. and
the events at New York in connection
with the late demonstration appear to give
some color of truth to the accusation.
The charge is denied, but the event will
tell against the society. 1t is said in de-
fence that ii was but funeral procession
in honor of the executed Communists at
Paris, but even this will not succeed in
eradicating the popular impression that
the society is governed by irreverent and
lawless ideas, such as prevailed in the
first French Revolution and appeared in
the dOings OF the Commune.
The ideas of the International were sug-
gested in 1917. In 1863 the first move
ment for regular organization was made
at meeting in London. From this came
an organization, address, and declaration
of principles. Under these, several Con-
crosses have been held in Europe, the
first at Geneva in 1866, and three since,
respectively at Lausanne. Brussels, and
Basic. The resolutions of the Geneva
Congress form the platform of the Inter-
national. They are epitomized as fol-
lows by one of the advocates Of the So
ciety:
First. The fraternity of mankind, to be re.
garded as principle paramount to the geo.
graphical boundaries-of nations.
Second. The adjustment of war as a mode
of settling national disputes, and the conse
quent adjustment of the death penalty in any
form.
Third. The federative principle to be ap-
piled to all States, and to be maintained on
system of international arbitration.
Fourth The resumption by the State Gas
the custodian Of Nature) of all property re-
linquished by the death of the proprietor, in
order that it may be redistributed (through
public sale and deposit in the public treasury
to the succeeding generation.
Fifth. The abolition of all monopolies
founded upon special legislative characters.
Sizth. Universal suffrage.
Seuenth. Marriage contracts to be simplifed
to formal acknowledgement before magis-
trate; and,
EiahM. The trade of public prostitution to
be prohibited by a.rigorous application of in
dustrial penalties.
The society, however, win be judged
by its effects and not by what is stated in
its platforms. Having obtained foot
hold here it will have fair field in which
to operate. There can be no danger in
allowing its principles to be circulated and
discussed, no need of stern acts Of repres-
sion. Free discussion in such matters
acts like a safety valve. In Europe the
International has millions of members,
but in America it has not made much pro-
gress. Its condition in this country is
stated in the following, which we find in
an elaborate article from the Washington
correspondent of the Philadelphia Press
The American branch now consists of thir-
ty-two sections located in the principal cities
of the United States. New York city for its
share has eleven sections, and Brooklyn two
No section has less than fifty members, that
being the minimum required tor section Or
ganization, and of the thirty-two sections in
existence not one but has at this time i'm
proved in numbers since its formation, so that
the average number of members per section
IS found in New Orleans, over 600 strong, and
composed mostly of Frenchmen, Belgians,
and Swiss. With the possible exception Of
one or two, the foreign element of our popu-
lation largely predominates in the thirty-two
sections. And here it should be understood
that the word section is only an official
term Of the 'InternationaF' and really repre-.
SCENTS nothing more than is embraced in the
word society" or perhaps more literally the
word ''lodge." The American branch is gov
erned by Federal Councils kind of gov
erning Executive Committee which has its
headquarters in New York city-and is
made up of section delegates, one for
each section. But to be delegate it is not
necessary to be a member of the section one
represents, but simply an "international' in
good standing, and this provision has been
taken advantage of by all the sections located
at d distance, and delegates selected by them
residents Of New York, the general poverty
OF said sections precluding their supporting
members in New York whilst these act as
their delegates. The regular officers of the
Federal Council are recording secretary,
corresponding secretary, treasurer, and keep.
ef OF the archives, each elected for wear.
BY system of parliamentary or legislative
proceedings sorely at variance with those gen.
orally favored by the Americans, the council
does not consider the positions of president
and vice president as regular ones, but sim.
ply occasional ones, and SO at every meeting
new presidents and vice presidents are select
cd The 'sections" follow this system. The
"lnternationals" admit women to member.
ship In their sections, and also as delegates IN
the Federal Council" but the latter position
has not yet been attained by any of the fair
sex.
In Philadelphia there are three sections Of
the International-one German, one French.
and one American. The advocates of the 90.
ciety in Philadelphia are not the men best
calculated TO make it popular, but still it is
growing and promises to attain large propor-
tons. The "American" section meets reeu
Lar cDra a xveak Rana atraat -