New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1890-11-23
A BELGIAN SOCIALIST.

lrhon AN OCCASIONAL CORRESPONDENT OF THE TRIBUNE.
Brussels November 3.
universal strike-that is what we must come
! to-"
That is the forecast of society and industry
winch is made by DR.. Caesar de Paepe, and which
! ne is working night and day to fulfil He may not
succeed. But, could he live, he would probably
90 more in that direction than any other living
socialist could do for he is in point of ability, an
easy head and shoulders above all other Socialist
leaders in the world to-day. Nor is there another
VINO has had more curious and interesting career.
This radical revolutionist is of noble almost royal
blood, coming from the iustrous Flemish family
Of fscrant de Moore. And not only did he spring
from the aristocracy, but he at first designed
for prominent place in the Church. lie was
educated at Jesuit college for the Roman Catholic
priesthood, but did not actually enter holy orders
Then he went to the University of Brussels and
studied for the bar. But here he fell under radical
influences, and soon became an avowed Liberal in
politics, opposing both the arstocracy, which he
sprang from, and the Church, for which he had
been destined. This conversion, or perversiOn.
changed the whole course of his life. He left the
| university, was of course, disowned and discarded
by his family and friends, and set to work to earn
his own living at trade. The. chosen trade was
that of printing, or rather proof-reading for
printers. One of the first works that passed
through his hands was a book of Proudhons, and
it turned his attention toward natural science.
He accordingly began a systematic course of read
ing and study in the sciences, though under great
difficulties. Former friends, angered at his rad-
calsm threw every obstacle in his way Attempts
were made to prevent him from getting employ
ment; he was offered brides if he would leave
Europe charges of insanity were preferred against
him, and he narrowly escaped being put into
| asylum. There even several attacks made
upon him with physical violence. But none of
these things moved him. He persisted in his
studies and at last received the degree of NJ ID.
with highest distinction"
DR.. de Paepe never practsed his profession.
however He had already become identified with
the Internationae," and gave himself
up, heart and head to the cause OF Socialism
He founded the Socialist organ The People," and
was vigorous contributor to several others. He
was, indeed rather radical than the Radicals
themselves: so that his proposals at the Lausanne
Congress, in 1867, were strongly voted
down, as entirely too advanced. But two
years later at Berlin, and at Basic, they were ac-
cepted. He was a conspicuous member of every
meeting Of the Internationae,' and exercised
stronger influence over il than any other indl-
vidual He it who took up the ideas OF
Karl Marx and made them the gospel of Socialism.
and he it was who founded and organized Social
ism in Belgium and made it the potent political
factor that it is to-day. | have said that he did
not practise his profession, which is not exactly
true lie never attempted to secure paying
clentage, nor to gain any remuneration whatever
for his services But he was always ready to
minister to the poor, without price; and the num-
Der of his charity patients was legion.
81 % him 7 TONS
to be feared that he will, indeed, be figure
of the past. These arduous labors for the people
have told upon his health. which never was ro-
bust and he has at last completely broken down.
The doctors say the case is hopeless. for he has
consumption A short time ago he was altogether
Frustrated, and the only hope of prolonging his
life was in getting him into more genial climate
popular subscription was made, even the poorest
laborer eagerly offering few pennies from his
meagre earnings, and DIR. de Paepe was hurried
off to Cannes. There he remains, scarcely able
to move about, growing steadily weaker Yet TO
the visitor who mentions politics he will speak
with all his old enthusiasm, and his big blue eyes
will blaze with all their old fire, as he descants
upon the wrongs of the people and the need OF
redress "A universal strike-that is what we
must come TO-, he says. Manifestations on
large scale are necessary because they help the
nroetariat can alone bring about the social revolu
tion essential to human happiness. Little in
dustres must eventually disappear before great
cooncrative unions The COLLECTIVELY of to-day is
in the hands of the capitalists 1t will eventually
no transferred to the masses. The transformation
is already in progress. The acquisition of rail
WAYS by the State is itself step toward col
lectivity. With few exceptions, everything is
destined to become chose collective, and land
will have the same fate" On this latter point
Dr. de Paepe differs from the great American So
cialist Henry George The latter would see the
naturalization of land precede everything else
but Dr. de Paepe holds that the great industries
and machinery must become collective first of ALL
Nothing can shake the power of the middle classes
and EMPLOYERS but general strike violent
upheaving.
The headquarters of Belgian Socialism are in
the Rue de Bavaria, so named because the corner
stone of the first house in IL was lalu Dy Tue |
Elector Macmillan Emanuel of Bavaria, Governor
General under Charles ii. The building itsei
originally bore the escutche0n OF Duke Charles oi
Lorraine upon its classic front At first IT was |
q meat market, but soon Duke charles hau IL
transformed into popular music nan. II M.s' |
afterward used a hospital for the Austrlans VINO
were wounded at Jemappes Then the French |
came in, demolished the ducal escutcheoh ana re-
named the street Rue de la Fratermte ohder
the French regime the market was ie-eslaouSnei
only TO rive place to the music hall again, ana |
the latter developed into Fine ATtS theatre
The next scene in its strange, eNehtiui hissolSi
came in 1882 when the building was transformed
into a Jewish synagogue; and that it remained
until only few years ago, when the Socnhs!s /
and Revoutionsts got possession OF II. III Is
now curious place. The street-door opens on
long, low room, running from end to end Of the
building Wooden columns support the ceiiiIg
q central bar is used for the sale OF conee, peer
and cheap wine; tables and chairs are, arranged
after the fashion of ordinary taverns ana ltnerant
vendors carry on a good trade IN sardiEes, hafd-
is hidden by the letter-boXes OF 100 different
workinrmen's clubs. When ] entered 1t the
other day the ephemeral literature OF the late
election was very much in evidence, and conspicu-
Gus among the handbills and carcatures was an
impassloned appeal denouncing all Governmental
interference with the contemplated celepfa'ion Oh
the Jemappes victory, which ninety -eisnt years
ago filed the Maison du Peupe with dying Aus
triansi Close to the letter-boxes is u broad. un-
oven and somewhat rckety staircase, which gives