Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1886-01-18
CHICAGO'S REMEDY.

Dispatches of the 18th indicate that the
people feel alarm in Chicago over the
threats Of the Socialists to destroy life and
property. The attempt upon Judge Free s
residence, and the threat against certain
railroad general offices are charged to the
destructionists The proofs in recent
investigation Go not warrant the fears en-
tertained.
The Socialists certainly are armed and
loud-mouthed, and are doing their utmost
to incite the labor organizations to yio-
lenee. 1t Is not clear what they hope to
gain by disorder beyond the profit the
vicious and criminal elements reap in the
midst of riot, and in the depreciation of
property values consequent upon a sense
of insecurity. 1t is uncomfortable that
for any considerable time these revolution
lists could resist the authorities of Illinois.
That even small band of soured and des-
perate men may indict great injury upon
the business of the city is comprehensive.
There are 1900 Socialists, Communists
and threatening discostented in the Gar
den City. OF these, 5000 are men capable
OF lighting, and probably half the number
would delight in riotous proceedings and
ind temporary profit in the resultant
alarm and disorder. But these, or even
the whole number cannot hope to contend
against the forces of the law. They NAV
trust to the chance of melting uprisings
IN several cities at the same time. Rut
this is remote. The possibility of the Chi
cago Socialists inaugurating revolution
airy movement Of force is too far away to
alarm the cool heads.
But when this is said, it remains that
these classes, aHtagonistic to order under the
law, do possess power that it is unwise to
ignore. They certainly do foster discon-
tent BY their pernicious teachings, and are
steadily augmenting their numbers and
broadening the area of their influence.
As the density of population increases,
their power for Ill is enhanced.
Great cities are always the depots for
the vicious envious and lazy. The philos-
ophy which convinces men that the
world owes them a living, regardless of
the sum of their own energy. is ALWAYS
dangerous and alluring. Society does
itself grievous wrong when it closes its
eyes to 1t. Organized government in a
free State is all but powerless to resist the
influence until it takes the palpable form
of force. 1t has then the one last resort-the
bayonet. But there is a road more direct
and effective to the destructionists' strong
mold. 1t is that of attention 10 the social
istic movement in its incipiency; the
meeting of it in its own forum. Neglect
by society and contemptuous treatment by
It's opponents constitute its food.
If the people of Chicago really feel
-sss--=sss over the bloody threatenings
Of the American school of Socialists, .heir
speediest remedy and best safeguard is to
De found in moral force and recognition of
the Just claims of the laboring classes.
The neglect of the rich invariably breeds
discomfort among wage-winners.
If Chicago society chooses it can throt
lie socialism by moral force. 1t never has.
and never can, stand against it, 1t shuns
the light of reason; it feeds upon preju-
dices and hates, and finds the mass of its
followers among those whom the cruelty
OF circumstance and the exigences of Eusi-
ness stagnation and crippled industry have
embittered. II these are reached in the
proper mnner by the friends of order.
they can be called from the ranks of the
aestructionists, and hut handful of dem-
gogic, idle and vicious leaders will be left
70 forward the threatened revolution.