The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1878-05-09
The "Socialistic Liberal Commune. .

Considerable attention throughout the
country has lately been attracted to the So
calistic Liberal Commune in Chicago, and
many contradictory statements OF its princi-
Piles and intentions have been made. An
impression prevails in Chicago that the COM
munists are preparing for an outbreak this
summer. 1t is certain that they are we'll
supplied with firearms and have been drill
ling uninterruptedly for months, with the
avowed purpose Of protecting themselves in
in case Of strike if the State or Federal
troops should be employed against them.
Several thousand persons are connected with
the movement. Tie communists are not
without political power, having elected sew
eral of the municipal offices. 1t is claimed
that the organization has gained strong
foothold in California, and is spreading in
every direction. In Chicago the communists
are closely associated with the nineteen
trades unions, and it is feared that general
strike Of the laboring classes will take place
within a month or two, which will be the
prelude to violence and bloodshed. The
mayor Of the city is making prepaI ations to
guard against an outbreak. 1t is possible
that the danger may have been exaggerated
in some respects, but enough remains, when
the experiences Of last summer are remem-
bered, to justify some apprehension.
The platform OF the social liberal COM
munists, which, perhaps, gives a good idea
of the movement in condensed form. is
stated as follows:
81. Eight hours for the present as a legal
working day and prompt punishment of al
violators. 2. Sanitary inspection Of all con-
dtions Of labor, means Of subsistence and
dwellings included. 2. Bureau Of Labor
Statistics in all the States as well as in the
national government The officers OF the
same to be elected BY the people. 4. Pro-
hibtion Of the use Of prison labor by private
employers or corporations. 5. Prohibition
Of the employment OF children under four
teen years of age in industrial establish
ments. 6. Compulsory education OF all
children under fourteen years Of age. All
materials. books, ETC., necessary in the pub
lie schools to be free Of charge. Z. Prohibi-
ton OF the employment of female labor in
occupations detrimental to health or morali-
ty, and equalization OF women's wages with
those of men where equal service is per-
formed. s. Strict laws making employers
liable for all accidents resulting through
their negligence to the injury of their en-
ployes. 9. All wages to be paid in the law
full money OF the nation, and at intervals Of
time not exceeding one week. Violations
of this rule to be legally punished. 10. All
conspiracy laws operating against the right
of workingmen to strike or induce others to
strike SHALL be repealed. IL. Gratutous adj
ministration of justice in all courts Of law.
II. All indirect taxation to be abolished.
and graded income-tax collected in its stead.
10. Ali banking and insurance to be con-
Quoted by the government. IA. The right
Of suffrage shall in no wise be abridged. 10.
Direct popular legislation, enabling the peo-
pie to propose or reject any law at their
will, and introduction Of minority represent
tation in all legislative elections. Is. Every
public officer shall be at all times subject to
prompt recall by the election of a success
sor."