New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1880-11-08
STlTt SOCIALISM,.

The humanitarian socialism that was
prcachcd in Berlin n lew years ago by the court
chaDans became very questionable when as
sassins opened fire upon the Emperor. Ii Is
now to be revived 10y the iron handed Chan
cclor who has enforced the rigorous DEGREES
against Social Democracy. Bismarck seems to
have shifted upon his own shoulders the heavy
burdens of the Ministry of Trade and Com
mtrcc, in Ordci that nc might point out this new
path. Consultations with economists, experts.
and theorists have followed, and the Chan
collor has avoved his intention of bringing be-
fore the Prussian Parliament some positive
measures for allaying popular discomfort and
helping the working classes to get on III tie
weird. The new policy has not been for
INFLATED. but the main idea seems to bc the
organization Of trade guilds, OF w"Ikinemcns
insurance and IN ltull aid societies whose cor
porate funds are To be guaranteed and aug
mcntcd by the State membership being com
pulSory. and employers a. WI as lab0rcrs
being liable for assessments. The scheme can
net be iutcliGently discussed when 1t IS so
vaguely outlined as at present, but we direct
attention! 10 il as Il movement that should be
closely watched and carefully studied. We do
this for two reasons:
Fist. because it is the s;raDGcSt transition of
BIsmalcA's changefu car,cr 1t is true that his
apologist, are now reminding the public tat as
far back as lSf9, when he was raw country
squire elected 90 the legislature, he supported
motion for compelling all worAingmen to be-
come members Of their own trade guild. IL l.
also true that fifteen years altcrWard he was
impressed with the logic of Lassallc, Il = father
Of German Jciali,m. and Gid not hesitate to
take advantage of his political support; ana
furthermore that the disciple and h'erary cX-
ccu.or of Tia; S0riaist philosopher ms been to
This day trls ed adviser and confidential sec
1eGry in tie Foreign Office. We; tie appear
anrc Of the champion of milltorism and force
LEGISLATION in the role of State S0cialiS, has the
effect OF a startling surprise. lie has never had
the reputation of being n humanitarian states
mau He ras always been as practical as
Blond nd Iron. What can be tine meaning OF
this abrupt outbreak OF scutlmcnta'l-m Is he
IN earnest in his sudden impulse 20 ameiio,aic
he condition of the We iIEgmenl Or does h"
fear the political power of Socialism and DIES
psc the influence OF the middle classcs? Does
be perceive the grin irony of the Napoleonic
problem: "Giyca Triangle; one side repre-
"tie people and in the centrc you have the
middle classes well inciOs1d or Suppressed
l. p. frightening the bottom line Of thc triangle
of German unity?
Secondly, because the development Of this
fern of Sale Socialism may lead to momen-
tons results. These trade guilds supported by
grants from the rational treasury may be re.
gaIdcd as a tumble of Poor Law and Mutual
Insurance; buj inasmGch a they embOdy the
fundam ntal idea Of the substitution OF Collcc
tive for individual capital and labor, they
will mark All alarming advanc" IN the direction
Of social Democracy a, La-sa,ln and MdrX un
dc.stool it, THE Spectator a tolerdby cool OBJ
sewer, predicts that tl,o passage o. such an act
would shake the Continent, il lot Eli land asa,
from end to end, ina>much As AZ WoGd seem to
the entire pr0.etaliat OF Europe thdt Prince Bis
mIIck had realized their dreams. We may be
sure that the shocA woud be felt on this side
Of the sea as well.