The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1883-04-21
YOUR UNCLE RUFUS HATCH.

Observations Abroad-Cause of the Com
munistic Earthquakes.
Letter in Chicago Tribune
Perhaps you are not aware that am over
here, and perhaps you are. But have been
living in London, Paris and other European
villages Tor now something like two months
nave been over to Paree twice The first
time went over it was on my own account.
The last time went to quell the revolution
which was to have taken place; and as it did
not take place, and as l went there, you may
draw your own conclusions. / left John
Wyman in London to look after the Irish
and other trifiing annoyances which are caus-
ing the British lion so much irritation. The
lnvincibes, or somebody else, heard Wyman
was dining and winning with Toole the
comedian, Edmund Yates, the philanthro-
plst Henry Irving, the tragedian, and
other notable actors, epicures, and ale fell
lows well met and so "improved the
shining hour that, the first thing / knew,
half of the India Office was blown up by dyn-
amite, and this mighty empire was shaken
from center to circumference. l came back
post-haste, blew up" John Wyman, and he
at once left for America. Having thus dis
posed of Wyman, whom 1 strongly suspect
OF being mo. l." l may add that my oppor-
tune arrival here has perhaps preserved the
Parliament building, Westminster Abbey
and other memorable structures from meet
The fact that did come back, and that they
have not been blown up, will again enable
you to put this and that together and Judge
for yourself as to my capabilities as a peace
factor in this world of trouble.
AS you see am somewhat posted in the
disturbing elements and forces that do so
much to confound society on this side of the
Atlantic. | have no objections to impart to
you my belief as to the real cause of these
communistic earthquakes. 1t is this: There
are too many people to the acre. or else their
acres are too small, or, if there is the proper
measurement to each acre, then there is not
acreage enough. Take France, whose area is
100000 square miles, with, say. 81. 100000 of
population. The square root OF the number
of people to the mile or the acre is wrong
and of the total area not over three-feurths
is available for productive purposes. Again,
our idea of a republic is government of
peace. France has standing army of ,500,-
900 men, with military reserve of 10000
more, supported largely by the efforts
of women working in the fields
and woods to earn money with which to feed
and clothe this army of idlers. At every
street corner in Paris l met soldiers; and
they were not nice-looking soldiers either
They are an addressed lot, and slouchy on
general principles. They are, however,
changing the uniforms, as the first step to-
ward a redemption of their appearance 1t
France, and this change of uniform may not
be brought about during the present genera
ton. A story which 1 heard receptly in
Paris will illustrate this point. French
officer made his appearance at q soiree with
the new regulation coat on-but, so it is said
without his trousers. A lady asked him why
he thus presented himself "Ol' he ex-
claimed, II have none-the army committee
not having yet decided what kind we are to
wear!"
In looking over the condition of affairs
here / find that it is the same old story again
of too many people to the acreage. Engla vi
has 10000 square miles of territory, and a.
100000 of people The land is owned by
very few proprietors, and they too own 'iix,
people. This land has to support the roy~i
family-always largely on the increase--all
the mobiles. and the church with its train of
archbishops and bishops, many of whom w.
ceive salaries of from $4,000 to $75, 600 a
year, And so the rent, the tithes, and the
tu1 es run up az high as $50 the acre on the
land. One year of such expenditure on 100
acres of land would buy freehold of the
best lands in the great northwest. Can any
country on earth stand this? Something has
got to bend or break.