New-York tribune., 1886-07-21
TDF ANARCHIST PROBLEM.

The disclosures recently made concerning
fbe Anarchist organization in Chicago, ciilicd ''c
Lehr und Wehr Verein, indicate state Vi
things SO peculiar as to demand special at1h
t;on II is shown that this organization was
formed for the express purpose OF preparing wal
AGAINST society. At first an attempt was maze 10
fake advantage of the militia law, but as the
Anarchists were not willing to enroll themselves
in the legal way they we've refused permission
to establish an armed corps They then ceased
70 parade in public, but continued to drill. 1t
does not appear that they ever numbered more
than few hundreds, but there can be no doubt
that even so small body thoroughly drilled
and armed with dynamite bombs, could do
great deal of damage in a crowded city, ana IL
composed of reckless and desperate men might
be hard to suppress. The chief feature OF the
Anarchist problem, however, is the manner III
which these public en0nies have been able to
carry on their preparations with complete I'M
punity for years, for this brings us face to face
with a serious question.
The theory of naturalization is that foreigners
coming here and adopting this country as their
own will also adopt the American system OF
government and civilization. But this theory
has no place for what actually happens III the
case of the Anarchists They come here, not to
adopt American ideas and institutions, but to
reyolutionize the country. From the moment
they land they are enemies of the Republic,
and they avail themselves of the liberal laws
TO organize war upon it. The freedom which
is the essence of democracy becomes in their
hands dangerous license. They abuse 1t Tor thc
worst nossible ends the subversion namely, of
.,t,a.t t.,
snpposing that men of this kind will ever become
GOOD citizens. Their characters and purposes
are fixed before they come to U.s. They hate
and contemn our whole civilization. Ihey nave
bnt one object in life, and that Is to overthrow
if possible the society that shelters them llt
question is, how are such people to be dealt
with n. as heretofore, they aIe let alone, they
have full opportunity to prepare such outrages
AZ that of the lIaymal ket. Moreover, the eA-
peiience of the past ten years shows that lhey
are greatly encouraged by non-interierence, ana
that it enables them to spread thelr doctrines
among foIcgn worklngmen, anu so 10 secure
,ympathzeIs, if not active allies.
The American system discOuntenanCes inter
ference with the citizen rule. But what Is
TO be done with men who ale determined to vl0-
late the law, and who avail themselves OF
American freedom to plot against the whole
structure OF society? II they cannot be kept
out of the county the question arises whether
it is possible to hold them i'll check. Apparently
this could be done only by the enactment OF
general laws the effect of which would be to
curtai the liberties of all. But the American
people certainly would not permit such legi>ll-
ton. and therefore the exclusion of Anar-
chists from the country seems the only avail
able remedy. Such exclusion, however, Is very
difficult. 1t is impossible TO ascertain by ques-
toning all who come from Europe which are
Anarchists Such an attempt would defeat 1t
self. Perhaps some change in the naturalization
laws offcis the most practicable mode OF ADJUST
ing the difficulty, though even if this were
effected it might still be- necessary to provide
for special supervision, In case OF public nceu'
over unnatulalized forei gners. The subject Is
.uIroun6od with dificuduc, for one reason
because general laws could hardly be framed
which would not work injustice or annoyance
TO SOME mcritOiious people But the protection
of the American people is the first considea-
ton, and if thi, cannot be secured without some
friction, the friction will have to be endured.