Workmen's advocate. (New Haven, Conn.) 1883-1891, 1889-10-12

be wondered at when we recall to mind
how long these same arguments for a
change have been offered for public con-
sideration. Many of the leading thinkers
and most brilliant writers in England at
this present day are avowed Socialists,
and are doing noble work, presenting in
an attractive form the most convincing
statements relating to the hopeless mis-.
cry Of the present conditions, but draw
ing bright pictures of happier, juster
methods
Herbert Spencer one of the deepest
thinkers, and usually one of the sound
est reasoners of the nineteenth century,
though disbelever in any gain to the
sum of human happiness by the abolish
ment of competitive principles of life,
records the opinion that Strife Socialism
is the coming form of organized society.
Though we firmly believe that he is not
justified in his conclusions as to the
tameness of life under a social system.
still, granting all that he breads, we
know that any system cannot be worse,
for the great majority, than the present.
Indeed, these fears, which we hear ex-
pressed so often, as to the threatened
decadence of all art, literature and
scienC under this new and more bene-
ticient constitution of society, seems to
one who has studied the question closely
entirely unfounded. Hear what Sylves-
ter Baxter, the Nationalist, says in late
article: What ranges of thought and
aspiration would be thrown open to he
human mind were it once set free from
the clogging burden of sordid necessities
and motives laid upon the race by the
| system of veneered barbarism, which
while it may be correct to call it chill
cation. cannot justly lay claim to that
superior condition Of nations known as
enlightenment"
In the depressing view of our subject,
we noticed the apathy and GOODNESS
shown by the Christian Church in these
efforts for regeneration in which the So
cialists are engaged. But the bright sun
of promise is fast melting away the
clouds which have obscured the super
stitious vision of its disciples. The
Church Socialists" a society organized
by leading men in the English Episcopal
Church, has already attained considera-
BILE strength and is rapidly gaining adj
herents from all classes. The value of
such union, in disseminating true
economic doctrines where they will pro-
duce practical results, cannot be over
estimated.
Not to be outdone in any good works
by religious brethren across the sea, a
few sincere and self-sacrificing clergy
men, of different denominations, have
within the past year inaugurated a
movement in Boston which will I'M
doubtedly attract the attention of
Christians all over the country; so that
before many years members of the
christian Socialist Party" will be
known as the most practical followers of
their Master, and their influence, in car
rying improving measures by vote, be of
immense advantage. A monthly pub
LEGATION called The Dd,rn, conducted by
our noble comrade, Of this Social labor
section, Rev. w. d. P. Bliss, is doing
great work in waking the dormant SEN
timents of the religious class to the true
light.
The Nationalist Club, founded less
than year ago as an educational effort
to establish in practical way the prin-
ciples stated by Edward Bellamy in that
wonderful book Looking Backward"
numbers among It's members many men
and women who are noted throughout
this country for their earnest and sue
cessful labors in other reform agitations.
II any encouragement is needed by any
of us for renewed effort, it is only
necessary to visit the Nationalstic head
quarters in Hamilton Place, to glance
at few of the many letters received
daily from every section of the United
States, and even from Canada, showing
how general is the enthusiasm, and how
strong the hope, for better plan of So
cial existence.
One more pointer in this same direc-
ton is worthy of mention. The Nation
alist monthly magazine, the first num-
Der of which was published only last
May, has already gained subscription
list of nearly two thousand names,
while the actual circulation, sent in
answer to request for copies is at least
five thousand. This in five months
time.
Now. | have given, in very poor
way, the differing aspects presented at
this time to the impartial examiner of
the chances of obtaining by peaceful
means the objects for which we labor.
l may not be this impartial observer, for
am prejudiced by my hopes; nut it
does seem as if the balance of fair
judgment warrants the assertion that
never, since man first entered what is
usually named the civilized state, have
his chances for permanent improvement
been so favorable.
By process of natural evolution has
man arrived at his present stage of de-
velopment! And on these lines shall he
still progress! The State control of all
forms of labor and capital for the equal
benefit of It's individual members Is
surely the next advance, and we may
have the cheering faith that the eternal
powers of the universe, working for
righteousness, will rule that it be so.