The anti-monopolist., 1876-12-07

oAAON'A " UAO ACCuOSt OlCOC VI Ou0luClOs
Law and religion are the two most con-
servatlve forces in. the world and in this
Younger Indictment, with its "divers
and aforesaids and whereases." we have
a specimen OF conservatism, nearly as
absurd as the stone-knife OF the Hebrew
rabbi.
Prophecy Drawn From History-An Inter
esting Letter.
| Spring VALLEY MINI. Nov. % 1876.
Editor A,sti-Monopolist
At the meeting OF the Social Science Con-
gress in Liverpool, ,On the 18th inst. MIR. Shaw
Lefevre, M. P, delivered an address, in the
course. of which he said: 81 cannot avoid re-
marking on one of the most extraordinary
economic facts of modern times, namely, the
revival Of France from the misfortunes and
Never did country appear to be more hope
lessly crushed by the weight of
its losses and by the large indemnity imposed
upon it by the victors. Yet she has borne her
burden with heroism, and has emerged from
her difficulties with an elasticity which has
surprised Europe. The contrast between
France and Germany at this moment is most
remarkable: In no other country;is wealth SO
widely distributed. In none are the habits of
industry, economy, and thrift more univer-
sally excerised. After the war these people,
from the highest to the lowest, met their loss
es by even greater industry and greater econo-
mics than ever. Now, when they have re-
trieved their losses and overcome their Difficult
ties, this habit is still continued. On the
other hand, the influx OF money to Germany
led to a general expansion, not only Of trade
but of the habits of living. Luxury of all
kinds increased: Fool-hardy speculations
multiplied Unproductive employment was
ir<., toI Tx~ Ill, Al
people as whole have lost more than they
gained by the Indemnity, while it is no easy
task to divert SO much unproductive labor into
its old dchannels of production. The great re-
cuperatiye power shown by France has again
turned the attention of economists to her So
cial condition. What is it that constitutes her
strength? What is it that creates this univer-
sal habit of thrift and industry? 1t cannot,
think, be doubted that the answer is to be
found in the wide distribution of property
which is SO distinguishing feature of the
French system. Upward OF seven millions of
persons own property in Land or houses, and
of these five and half million are owners of
persons own between them the public debt of
France. The passion for land has not only
created five millions Of peasant proprietors, the
most industrious and thrifty people in the
world, bat it has spread through the
whole population, from the high
est to the lowest, the feeling of individual own.
ship, the desire to become independent, and
the habit Of thrift and saving which enables
them to become So"
Victor Hugo told the French people,
before they agreed to pay Germany,
that more ungenerous demand was
seldom ever made by the victors of the
vanquished, but that it would injure
France less to pay the large and unjust
sum, than it would Germany to receive
it. The worshipers Of Mammon laughed
at him, as crazy statesman ;the present
financial condition of the two countries,
the happiness OF the common people of
France, and the decentralization and
misery among the masses fin Germany
proves that he was wise. Now, why
were the two countries, SO differently
benefited. Because the mony received
by Germany increased the excitement
and activity of the selfish sentiments and
passions to such an excess, that right,
Justice and energy were weakened and
as a natural consequence, the habits oi
industry, economy and prudence to a
great extent destroyed in rulers and in
people.
France, the great France With all
her faults and errors the grandest nation
in the annals Of time. the center oil
civilization tor the past eleven hundred
years, reached the bottom and forgot self
Rich and poor laid self aside and thought,
ltelt and acted tor others. Rulers and
people drew their inspiration from the
high and noble sentiments of man, and
lc- ~ 20 ~ =
distributed in France than in any other
nation in the world and it is that equit
able distribution Of the means Of enjoy
ment which makes the French people
the happiest pc opie.
Can we not have in this country Q
! more equitable distribution OF property
and the means OF individual happiness:
Can we not have fewer tramps, more
homes and happier ones? l think w
can, and we will have, either peaceably
by Legislation, or by violence aAd blood
Hugo in his reflections on the contest a
Waterloo, says that Waterloo was not {.
battle it was change OF front Of ths
universe. Napoleon counted himsel
more than the universe besides. Tn,
world. mounting to the brain Of one man
I " 40 l0AsAA ~ SOSttAA10StOos ~ RClultEa ~
endure. The time has come for incor-
rupiible supreme authority to look to it
, Reeking blood, overcrowded countries
, weeping mothers these are formidabl,
: pleaders. Another series Of facts wer'
, preparing in which NaPolian had NJ
. place
The history ofthe Christian nations o
! Europe and America, for the past eigh
teen hundred years proves the existanc<
of this higher law. Napoleon did not be
: lieve in it until after Waterloo. He prob
J ably did then. The wealth OF the worls
! that is nov mounting into the hands Q
the Rothchild's, vanderbilts, Goulds AMI
Camerons. is disturbing the equilibrium
. The suffering oftramps, widows. orphan
the poor. ignorant and weak in man,
: parts Of Europe and the United Ststes
, are formidable pleaders.
The Roihchilds and Camerons are dea
} TO their cries Of anguish. nevertheless
they are heard. Il is plain, that anothe
: series Of facts are preparing in which ~
y u LIZ - n -