The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1876-10-08
existence OF congregations made mp Of
those who can afford to give.
Socialism in Germany.

We are accustomed TO regard Paris as
! the centre of the organized movement
which aims TO readJust the relations OF
| capital TO labor, and to reconstruct the
existing social framework The fact il.
| however that since 1871 the followers of
LOUIS BLANC. FOURIER. and PRoUDHoN
have almost wholly ceased to constitute n
political force. and that even at the last
elections they failed to coalesce in distinct
party. In Germany, on the other hand,
the most sweeping socialistic doctrines
have spread with astonishing rapidity in
the same period, aud have now become
formidable not only by the numbers but
by the weight ana character of their ad-
hercnts. With view of checking the
progress OF such opinions, BISMARCK re-
Gently proposed TO the Reichstag an add-
ton To the penal code which should pun
ish with imprisonment certain forms of
propagandism. The legislation asked for
was not granted, but the statements made
by one of the Prussan Ministers were not
contradicted in debate. aud may be ac-
cepted therefore rs u trustworthy exhibit
of the purposes and resources OF the re-
formers.
II appears that up to 1876 two powerful
socialistic organizations existed in the Ger
man empire. The so-called General So
clety of German Workmen" had been
founded IN 1865, and was successfully pre-
sided over Ivy the Deputy SCuwEIzER ana
the Deputy HAsENCLEvER. It's principal
field of activity WIS North Germany. The
Workmens Democratic Association "
was directed by two other deputies well
L t,,t I,.,D -. "a
LIEBKNECHT. aud recruited its members
chiefly from SaXony and the southern
States of the Confederation. The first rec
ogDized the ties of nationality, and invited
the cooperation of the Government in the
gradual transformation OF society; where
as the second regarded the interests of the
working class from an international stand
point. ana looked TO Revolutionary move
ment for the triumph of their cause. Ow-
ing 10 the difference of aims and TO per-
sonal rivalries, the two associations were
long nj variance; but in May of last year,
at congress held in Gotha, they were
consolidated in the "Socialistic Party of
German Workmcn." IL was the political
strength developed by this union which
lately drew from BISMARCK the assertion
that Germany had now two enemies,
Ultramontanism aud Socialism; or, ms he
preferred to call them, the "black and
the red International.
The programme adopted by the congress
of Gotha is almost identical with that for
mulated by LOUIS BLANC for the French
reformers Of 1913. 1t am ms that labor is
the source of AL wealth and civilization.
that all the members of community are
equally bound to work, and are entitled to
share in the total product Of labor exact
ly proportional to the utility OF their ex-
crtion. 1t is pointed out that ia the pres
ent state of society the instruments of la
Dor arc monopolized by capital, and II is
claimed that the consequent dependence of
the working class is the source of misery
and servitude under various forms. II Ia
Dor is to be emancipnted, the means and
implements of work must become the col
lective property OF the community, must
be employed for the common good. and
their products equitably distributed. 1t is
further distinctly recognized that the
emancipation of labor can only come from
the working class, other classes in respect
Of this movement being inert or reaction
airy masses. Starting from these post lates,
by violence, but by legal means, the sup
preston of salaries and wages the abol-
ton OF social aud political inequalities, and
the foundation of a communistic society.
For the present, the Socialistic Party Of
German Workmen' means TO act within
the framework of nationality: but it ac-
knowledges the international character of
the movement, and engages TO fulfil the
duties imposed by unity of interests. in
order to realize the fraternity of all man
kind.
The new party by no means confines it.
self TO the enuuciation of general princ-
pies. As IL has already gained n foothold
in politics, and sends number of repre-
sentatives TO the Parliament, it is careful
10 specify the measures by which the de-
sired reforms may be practically carried
out. In order to further the solution OF
the social question, it demands the crea-
ton by state aid of socialistc productive
associations, absolutely controlled by the
Incorporated workmen. These coUpera-
tive societies should be applied both to
manufactures and agriculture. and be in
sttutcd on n scale so large that the
socialstic organization of the whole ma
tlou Ilu1 lIOlu IltH.
BY way of political groundwork, It claims
the right Of universal suffrage for all citi-
Gems twenty years old, and at all elections,
national or municipal The function OF
loglslation including the decision of war
and peace, should belong to the people,
acting through its representatives, and a
citizen militia should replace the standing
army Finally, it would abolish all laws
which restrict the liberty Of association
reunion, and the expression OF opinion
would make education compulsory, and
declare religion n matter of private con-
Crrn.
with the exception of the cooperative
associations established by Government
aid-an experiment tried by France in lsis
most OF the privileges above enumerated
are nominally enjoyed in Switzerland and
The United States. But the final object
toward which these are ancillary, is the
"soc alistc organization of labor in gem
eral;" aud although the phrase is vague
and variously interpreted, IL obviously con-