Workmen's advocate. (New Haven, Conn.) 1883-1891, 1889-03-16

'sOME BIBLICAL PROPHECIES DISCUSSED.
"The English-speaking branch of the
socialists held public meeting last even
ing at their hall on Fourth street. Some
of the speeches partook so largely of
reference to the fultillment of Biblical
prophecy that one might almost have
thought he had dropped into religious
meeting.
"There was fair attendance, and the
speeches delivered were attentively lis
tened to, and many points were warmly
applauded. c. B. Smith, the first
speaker, pointed out that the legitimate
conclusion of the teachings of Christ and
of the Bible, was the prevalence of So
cialistic principles.
"Mr. Smith was followed by man
named Healy, who coincided with his
predecessor as to the fultillment of Bib
lical prophecy. Mr.. Healy declared
that he had formerly been the possessor
of strong anti-Chinese sentiments, but
he had changed his mind and now be-
Iieved that the Chinese were destined
not only TO do all the manual labor in
this country, but they would be made
to take the place of the steam engine as
well
George Cumming, the well known
machinery manufacturer, delivered
short and telling speech. He had no
sympathy with all this talk about proph-
ecy. What difference did it make what
happened 1000 years ago. or what was
to happen 1900 years ahead? What
! concerned us was the present. Now was
what people should be interested in,
and let prophecy take care of itself. Mr.
Cummings remarks were warmly ap
! plauded.
THE socialist leaders wish it under
stood that the meetings are open for all,
| and for the free discussion of all topics,
but that they by no means endorsed the
sentiments of all the speakers. They
claim to be law abiding citizens, and ut
tery opposed to anything that savors of
violence. Evolution, not revolution
| is their motto"
Though most generally the eXplana-
! tory note as to the responsibility of the
| Section and the freedom of the plat
! form is omitted.
1t can be seen at glance that the re-
port conveys the impression that there
is little, if any, unanimity of thought
among socialists, and the worst of it is
that we cannot deny the general cor
rectness of this statement
In the face of this fact, does not the
| question forcibiy arise, as to whether or
not the simple merit of maintaining the
principle of free speech upon free
| platform compensate us sufficiently for
the apparently meager results attained
in the practical propaganda of socialism?
This system so far has given us moth
ing but perpetual rehash of conflicting
opinions, invariably presenting the
same ridiculous incOngruities, night af
ter night, year after year. That this is
a grave problem, and one that requires
careful handling, all will admit.
The point to be decided, submit, is,
are we debating society, or are we a
political party, with definite aims and
object?
If the former, we are unquestiOnably
proceeding in the correct manner: if,
however, we are a political party, and
are striving to obtain definite results,
can we reasonably expect to present to
the public. in an intelligent manner, our
aims and objects, by encouraging all
round knock discussions upon our
rOstrums?
For the better illustration of the case
in point, the personnel of the speakers
of this particular evening would,
think, be admirable
Capt. b. Saith, ex-United States Con-
sui to Mazatl2n, is a Christian Socialist,
a man of venerable aspect. and tall
slight and upright figure, and though
eighty years of age, he carries vigor
and fire with him. exceptional even for
the meridian Of life.
This gentleman while possessing a
broad ard comprehensive grasp Of the
labor question, reposes implicit trust and
confidence in the Scriptures, from which
he quotes copiously, with force and elo-
quence, in support of the correctness Of
his position,
Mr.. Healy, who followed, is an
avoWed anarchist, who has apparently
recovered from his last falls knock out.
and is again in the arena. This gentle
man, besides being a walking encyclo-
pedia Of statistical data, delights in an
inimitable satirical humor which he
uses with a deadly dexterity, and finds
infinite pleasure in showing up the
weaknesses and follies Of mankind with
an irresistible grotesqueness. He has
been designated by the capitalist press
as the "irrepressible Healy of the red
heard" Though small in stature. and
somewhat weak looking, in argument