New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1878-12-10
THE FORTNIGHTLY REYIEW. NOvember

THE FORTNIGHTLY REVIEW. November.
Socialism IN Germany and the United
States" is the subject of OppOrtune Article by Pro-
lessor Henry Fawcett, who discusses the recent de-
veopment of Socialism in the abOyenamed counties in
connection with the system OF protection Tie most
marked characteristic of modern Socialism, in his
view as compared with the Socialism Of former days is
reliance the power Of the State. The schemes OF
the earlier Socialists voluntary organizations and
no attempt was made coercion; the Socialists of
the present day aim at using the State to trans
form the entire community after O prescribed
economic model. Professor Fawcett takes decided
ground against the suppression OF Socialism
by legislative All experience shows that the
movement cannot be put down by such means, but Yn
rather be made to q more dangerous develop
ment. Socialists have been described by Bis
Inarck bandits, who must BIO extrpated as
outcasts from society. But nothing be more
unfair, Professor Fawcett afirns, than to as
sueiate the Socialists Of Germany and other
countries with the Of few fanatics The prnc
pies Of Socialism have suddenly sprung into exist
ence They nfay be assuming new forms, and pro
posing new methods Of realization, but from tho
earliest times the principles Of Socialism in
various forms have been advocated by some Of
the wIsest and best Of men. The social life Of the
early Christians says Professor Fawcett, organized
on Communstic principles. But this assertion Of the
writer is evidently founded on mistaken construction
Of the language Of Scripture. The arrangement referred
does appear 10 have extended beyond the print
tive Church Of Jerusalem. Nor did it involve the sbo
ton Of private property, and OF separate house
holds which is Of the Of COmmun-
ism I; but it merely q voluntary distribution
OF goods and possessions the part Of the weather
members OF the church for the beDeht OF the poor and
needy brethren who would otherwise have been in
want The different families lived IN their houses,
carried private business and parted with abortion Of
their abundance only with respect the demands Of
charity. The statement that the early Christians
Communists is often loosely made; but 1t will not
bear moments examination; and the frequent call
Of the apostles public charity required for its fulfil
the possession Of private property The two great
principles Of Socialism, explained by Professor
Fawcett, are the abolition Of private property.
and tho assumption by the State OF the land,
machinery, and all the instruments Of production.
But these ideas, he continues have been cherished in
and the United States by the habtual reliance
of the people the intervention OF the State 1t has been
the prevailing opinion In Germany that the State is
omnipOtent and should be omnipresent The
feeling according the writer, has been fostered in
this country by extending the system of protection over
large part OF its industry thus accustoming the
people State interference, and preparing them for the
reception OF SOcalistic ideas. The Socialists maintain
that the defects In the Industrial economy Of the
community mainly duo 10 an inadequate,
OF an improper OF the power OF the State Hence
they propose that The State should supply the work
men with capital. No terms commonly
use0 10y SOCIALISTS tnin Cne tyranny OF capital Iney
speak OF capital as II it were infected with
evil principle which. II not controlled by the
State, will subject the workingcasses TO oppression.
But to speak OF tyranny OF capital ls less abb
surd than to regard nature despot because wealth
cannot be acquired without labor aud cannot be
harvest before the land has been titled the seed sOwn
The ting and sowing represent the servce which CAPT
tai renders TO tho production OF wealth. II those
VINO labor render this service themselves, II the
ploughman owns the plough and the seed, he
becomes his capitalist If, however, those
who TIL the land have neither plough seed, they
will be Obliged TO call in the aid Of others The assist
Gnce which they thus need represents the Of cap
al and the price paid for the service is the profit OF
capital The greatest care should be taken Professor
Faweett remarks that the workng-clas may be able
acquire the capital which their industry needs But
the interference Of the State the opinion Of the writer
IS always attended with peril. The slightest assault
upon the principle Of individual responsibility may
exert most disastrous influence. self-relance which
Is the chief antdote to Socialism, may thus be weak
ened What IL now seen In Germany may happen in
England. II the English people are encouraged 70 de-