Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1872-03-22
PUBLIC LEDGER.
rHE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY

u
The crowned heads Of Europe have
determined to place the international
society under ban. Already Germany
has taken measures to eradicate this
mysterious evil, and resolutions have
been adopted in the French Corps Leg
islatif placing the Internationale sub
iect to the severest penal statutes. The
Internationale is distinct society from
the notorious Commune. The latter
had its existence in ignorance, passion.
violence, rapacity and crime, whatever
fine spun theories of human rights may
have had a dormant existence beneath
its surface. Its esoteric principles may
have been pure, but its exoteric prlnci-
ples were corrupt and infamous, judging
from its developments during the late
French war; exhibiting as its trophies
the mangled bodies of Generals Thomas
and Lecompte with that of Archbishop
Darboy and thousands of other victims
The international Society Of Working
men was organized in London about the
wear 1855, for the ostensibly pacihc
purpose of study, comparison and in
yestigation." Since that day the Inter
nationalist have held several con-
crosses, generally in Switzerland, a
land where the refugees from per-
secution always found safe asylum
This society has extended its branches
into the New World, and to-day it not
only exists in the principal countries OF
Europe, but also in New York, Chicago
and other American cities. Its mem
bership is estimated at FIVE millions, gov
erned by central council at London,
which is said to have unlimited sway
over the membership in the districts and
sub-districts throughout the world. 1t
has a written constitution, wherein its
objects are stated to be the peaceful
and gradual restoration Of the original
equality of man, as before God, so be-
fore the law; to hold and enjoy the earth
and all its natural advantages Oh a basis
of fairness aud equity" The Information
alist principle maintains that the lands,
canals. railroads and all internal i'm
provements should be common property,
held and controlled by government for
direct popular benefit. 1t is pretended
that politics, as it has been understood
in all ancient and modern States, can be
wholly dispensed with, by transforming
the entire community into oper alive pro
ducers, whose representatives in council
constituting the government would, as of
right they ought to, have as their only
office and privilege the right and duty to
preserve justice and equity in private
relations; leaving to the people the
total residuum Of personal freedom
beyond this, uncurbed and untouched.
The expenses involved in running this
vast machinery are paid by individual
assessment Of about two or three cents
per annum. The theory of Information
aism is carried so far that its opponents
declare it their fundamental principle
that cooperative societies, which Sc
cure the perfection Of industrial com
munism in the elements Of labor, capital
aud skill, result in degrading working
men even lower than hired labor and
proprietary capital" Internationalism
has taken root in densely populated
cities, where exists seething state Of
society. Their orators denounce in pas
sionate and unmeasured terms the CAPT
talist as one who lords it over the poor,
and he who recognizes lord to the sol
or pays him toll, is worse than an idol
ator. The vast wealth OF cities is pointed
out as something that the people could
vote to themselves, and if not, they haC
the right to take it forcibly if necessary
To level all social distinctions is the pol
icy, yet on its ruins erect aristocrati'
councils and sustain them by taxation
Toward the suppression of this sOeiet.
Europe is now looking. In France In
ternationalism is intimately blended
with Communism-a terrible alliance
which sooner or later will produce tn
most deadly fruits. The introduction 0
Reconsideration Into the United State
has already attracted attention, and ba
given rise to fears vague and indistinci
vet having a basis in reason. The in
mease influx of European populatio
carries with it the seeds Of the disease
which will eventually break out into
clamorous demand for social reforms
The unemployed in cities, the malcor
tents, the enthusiasts, drift into thi
vortex Of Internationslism. The preseu
condition Of the laboring classes i
America checks whatever demands ma
be made from within for lawlessnes
aud for years Internationslisn came
have any positive. injurious effect; b
in Europe, where the condition of ii
workingmen, laboring classes. is info
tuuately worse than it was in the midi
ages, notwithstanding the great iDcreai
in wealth and Of industrial faeilitie
Internationalism stands face 10 fat
With Rsyslty and aristOcratic power. d
manding social reforms. That many
these demands are iust and proper moi
will EaiRsay, but when tds statesmen
Rnrnne CON nromise. the doHnfnll