The Indianapolis journal., 1885-01-05
MR.. oARNIaIE,s SOCIALISM.

/ pennsylvania, Ina6 ne REGARDS SOCIALISM Gno
grandest theory ever presented, is, on it's face,
q very remarkable expression, though signif-
not ready to begin its practice now by a divi-
sion of his possessions among the people.
Andrew Carnegie nor any other man who has
honestly come into possession of fair share
of the worlds goods, is ready to divide, now
or at any other time. Mr.. Carnegie knows,
as every intelligent man knows, that there
are many men too lazy to work, too indolent
to do their share in the labors Of Utopia, and
hence cannot deserve the privilege of sharing
with others more industrious and more frugal
Socialism may be ''grand theory" but until
all men are constituted alike, and all
alike are willing to do their portion
/ Of the work Of this unsocialistic
world of ours, the dream of its introduction is
but pleasing phantom that can never be re-
allied this side the New Jerusalem. Without
desiring to disparage the average Socialist, we
would give expression to the opinion that, as
a rule, with but few exceptions, he is loafer,
proclaims socialism for the purpose of advanc-
ing his own selfish interests. The "friend of
the workingman' only too often has an eye on
seat in Congress or in the Legislature. He
wants to boost himself into one or the other
Of those places, and appeals to the sympathy
and aid of men who earn their way through
| the world.
Andrew Carnegie is not yet ready to divide
his millions with his workmen and never will
be ready. His actions belle his professions
for at this time hundreds of men are idle be-
cause Mr.. Carnegie shut down his mills rather
than pay them what they regarded
as fair wages. He may, indeed, regard
socialism as grand theory, but in his
action he proves that he has no confidence
in it as principle to be acted upon. Social
ism never has succeeded in the worlds history,
and never will until we get back to the para
disaical conditions of Eden-a consummation
not likely to be realized. The most ardent
Socialists in the world propose to burn, and
kill, and introduce anarchy to pave the way
to that delectable condition of society in
which all men are brothers and all shall fare
alike Rich men like Mr.. Carnegie must con-
sent to divide; and men unlike Mr.. Carnegie,
who have saved somewhat of the worlds
goods by honest industry and decent economy,
must likewise divide or have their lives en-
dangered and their accumulations scattered.
But this is only one side Of socialism. 1t
were comparatively easy to kill the few rich
men, and certainly an agreeable thing to por-
/ tion out their gains Butt what of the other side
of the scale--of thosein even greater numbers,
who are too indolent to work, too
improvident to savel What of the professional
tramps-men who scorn to work? What of
the professional thieves and gamblers-men
who live at the expense of those who labor?
They generally have nothing to divide. What
shall be done with them? Shah they be pro-
vided for when the grand theory of socialism
prevails, or shall they, too, be put to deathG
And if the two extremes are thus to be dis
posed Of where shall the line be drawn and
the killing stops
1t is quite probable that Mr.. Carnegie has
some OBJ ject in view in indorsing socialism.
against possible. socialistie disturbances, or it
may be that he would like to go to Washing
ton, now that he is millionaire In either
event he is guilty of a very contemplate
scheme. AS for Herr Most and his ilk, it
would be money in their pockets--suoh of
them as are willing to earn money honestly
to know that any man, Socialist or Communist,
or what not, who, singy or by scores of thou
sands, attempts to force division cf property
it honestly, and according to law, will be met
| fearlesslv, force with force. It ought to be
| borne in mind that the man who has the pluck
| and perseverance to win home of his own is
going to have the hardihood to defend it To
| the uttermost, and with his life, If need be,
against all comers, Socialist, Nihilist, or burg
glar without such thin disguise. There is no
| place in America for socialism, and if any
honest laborer be deceived by the specious
pleas of its advocates, he will have his labor
for his pains With every man freeman,
every man the equal, before the law, of the
vanderbilts and Goulds, with the law in the
hands of the people, it is the fault of the peo-
pie if they do not rule by lawful means, which
means peaceable means The scoundrels in
Chicago and elsewhere who talk of slaughter
J are the enemies of the people And il it ever