Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1879-03-28

/ have place in this discussion. The
tern. Communism in its general accep-
tance and use, comprises all social
movements and theories which have
their origin in dissatisfaction, arising
from inequality OF social condition, and
whose object, either actually ex-
pressed or logically implied, is
the absorption OF the individual
in the STATE. Whether il asserts its
claims peaceably or by violence, COM
munism means the destruction OF the
rights OF property, uniting against civ
lliZation and danger To institutions of
the government. Existing from time
immeMOrial, communism has OF late
grown aggressive; mole than tradi-
tion, more than a philosophy, il has
become a gospel 1t processes to bring
good news b the laborer, and to those
who have fallen behind it gives hope of
the coming OF an era of universal equal
ity. As a gospel, communism meets
with no adequate check in national pc
culiarities. The impulsive Frenchman,
the scholastic German and the stolid
Russian alike bow before its shrine and
accept its delusiye and dangerous doc
trlnes.
In iact. when applied to the govern
ments of Europe this question is Otde-
batable. The uncertain balance in which
France hangs to-day, the bitter conflict
between labor and capital in England,
the doubtful issue between the
government and communism in
Germany, the attempted assassina-
ton Of two kings and an emperor
within the last year, are but the out
ward manifestations Of the volcano upon
which the nations of Europe are uneasily
Slumberinc. In this country the pres
ence Of communism in its most danger
Gus forms has already been manifested
in incendiary speeches, in acts of mob
violence and in the establishment OF
communities where the marriage tie is
ignored.
Our agricultural population offers no
positive opposition tu COmmunistiC ten
denotes i'm large cities and manufacture
ing and mining centers, and cannot be
relied upon 10 suppress recurring out
breaks except at the expense Of our
institutions of government, and since
our western territory has proved an in
sufficient check To the growth OF dan
gcrOus rlaSSeS We cannot assume with
confidence that il will q. absorb
them in the future. The position
which the affirmative holds is
that present tendencies indicate
the Subversion or alteration Of our
institution through the agency OF
communism.
Mr.. Linton continued nearly an
hours speech, which contained very
strong and able Arguments. In closing,
he said: Communism threatens Us
from abroad, exists as a fact at home;
finds the conditions which favor it,
propagation, in the size and character
of our cities, in the separation Ot classes
and in the growing antagOnlsm between
labor and capital. The natural advan-
tages OF our country 10 not exempt Us
from its tendencies. Our form Of gov
ernment does not insure us against its
exccsses. The converSing elements Of
society DO not promise Us safety from
its destructive results, without cUmpro-
missing our institutions Of government.
The conclusion then must be that com.
muniSm does seriously threaten Amerl-
can Institutions.
Mr. Eakin then spoke three quarters
Of On hour upon the negative, but space
will not permit me 20 give 4 ~ nopsiS OF
his address.
The Judges, Rev. J. :. Marquis, of
DunningsyIlle;J II. Kennedy, OF Pitts
burgh: Rev. cries, of Locust Hill. Prof.
LYON. Washington, with W. b. War
field, Of Allegheny, as Umpire. decided
in favor Of IIoey, McClelland, Day and
Linton, all representatives oil the Philo-
Union except McClelland.
This il the second victory won by
IIoey tor the Philo-U Union boys, and all
declare him to be the best orator in coli
lvgc
The PhilO- Mon Society is now ahead
Of the WashingtOn-Jetierson in the
number OF contests won.
The opinion of the Judges is generally
accepted as fair The decision was NJ
criyed with the widest enthusiasm.
Cheer after cheer was given by the so
cictv partiSans, while the defeated ones
took their tate with becoming StOlcism
and hid the sharp revulsion of the hour
beneath cool exterior, which belled
the Etna Of disappointed hopes within.
j. r. h.