Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1881-04-22
German Socialism not Nihilism.

The meeting addressed by two leaders OF the
German socialists In this city last night was the
last OF q series which have been held In the
leading cities OF this country for the declared
purpose OF enunciating the true principles OF
that parry, and OF seeking American sympathy
and aid. The methods and objects OF the So
cialists, as explained by Mr.. Fritzsche, m en-
her OF the German parliament are very differ
ent from what had been the general concep-
ton Of that organization by the people OF this
country. The socialstic platform upon which
Mr. Fritzsche planted himself seems to have
very little resemblance to that adopted by and
contended for at the polls. by the so-called So
cialists OF the United States. and the popular
prejudice In this country against the party
and the name Is due to the theories
and practices Of the latter. In New
York, Chicago, st. Louis and other large cities
Of the union. where socialistic organizations
have existed for several years past, the lie aders
and the organs OF these organiza tlons have
proclaimed the doctrine their party name
implies; they have commended for community
Of property, upon somewhat modified idea,
1t Is true, but even the theory was objection
able In this country. The men who assume
TO represent socialism In the United States
called and presided over meetings which
boisterously approved the assassination OF the
Gar OF Russia and proclaimed In favor OF en-
ploying assassination aud incendiarism in all
the Tnonarchial governments. It Is more than
probable that these principles and sentiments
were uttered by but few men for the sake OF
notoriety, but they went out as the voice of
socialism. Mr.. Ffitzsche's party, If his de-
scrtption Of 1t and of Its principles and objects
Is reliable, Is based upon a true Idea OF the
liberty that man should enjoy, and an honest
desire to achieve this by peaceful and legitimate
means. He declares that the German socialists
do not seek possession of the property OF others.
and also that they are opposed to assassination
and all other violent measures; that they are
endeayorlng to accomplish reforms in the Ger
man government by quiet, orderly agitation.
The masses OF the people Of Germany are borne
down and oppressed by an expensive military
government, which not only takes from them
In the shape or taxes, their hard earnings, bat
CePIiyes then, arbitrarily. OF their sons, even
before the latter reach manhood'5 estate. These
youths, says Mr.. FrftZSche, are torn from their
homes TO be corrupted In morals By army
service. and made instruments for the main
tenance OF the oppression Of their parents and
relations. Notwithstanding the fact that the
elections In Germany are not. a5 they assert,
By any means free and fair, II Is through the
ballot that the socialists rely upon accomplish
Ing their ends In the party principles defined
~ EiULuluSUl IcdUSI Ol inc SOCIALISTS IN
Germany there Is considerable to elicit the
sympathy OF Americans. As civilization has al.
YaDeed, and education has increased through
out the world, the peasants OF Europe have
been learning Of the perfect freedom enjoyed
In this great republic. Years ago, when the
press was limited, and its powers and influence
restricted. the rulers of Europe were able to
Keep the great bocy OF their subjactS 10 the
dark as TO other ana better conditions OF life
than they possessed. This Is no longer posi-
Die, and, year by year, the despotizms OF
the world are growing feebler. aud the
people stronger. The successful establishment
CT a prosperous republic upon the ruins of an
empire in France has stimulated the great
masses OF the people In Europe to exertions
that Will bear fruit. The men of Germany who
mainly furnished the money and the blood to
conquer France, instead OF reaping any benefit
therefrom are more heavily burdaned with
taxes and military exactIons than before, and
Certainly the people OF a republic cannot but
sympathize With them In their peaceful efforts
to better their condition.
With nihilism, and Its repuisive doctrines of
terrorism, murder assassination, and the abolI-
ZION OF religion and the family ties. the Ameri-
can mind, however, has no sympathy what.
ever.