The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1891-05-23
THE POPE ON LABOR.
He Approves State Interference,
but Condemns Socialism.
CHURCH MUST SOLVE PROBLEM.
The Government Should Limit Hours
Of Labor and Compel FuInIIment OF
Contracts--Trades Unions Beneficial.

ROME, May 22.--The full text of the
rope's encyclical on social questions has
appeared. The following extracts are
taken from it:
The pope sets forth that the divine law rejects
the socialist solution of the social problem.
which would abolish private property, substi-
fuiing collective and common ownership. Vow,
as ever, mems relations towards each other as
individuals or parts OF society must have the
sanction OF old authority. Considering me
relations OF the state to the individual, the
pope says: ITO think that the authority
OF the state ought arbitrarily TO
invade family intimacy IL pernicious
error. Undoubtedly IL can intervene when the
condition of the family is too disastrous, but
only TO alleviate and safeguard the rights and
interests OF the public power without violating
the rights of individuals. We affirm unhesitat-
ingly that human efforts are impotent without
the concurrence OF the church"
"A long demonstration follows, reciting all the
church has done to better the lot OF the prole-
tariat. The pope says capital is powerless with.
out work, and vice versa. The proletariat can
not and ought not TO injnre their capital or mas
ter. To obtain respect for their rights they must
abstain from violence. They ought not TO have
recourse TO sedition nor listen TO the chimerical
proposals OF agitators. On the other hand,
the master ought to respect the individuality
and dignity OF the man and Christian in bis
workmen, and not abuse them inhnmanly in
their work nor exploit them beyond their force
The state ought to watch over the security OF
morals and the interior order OF families, the
safekeeping of religion. justice and moderation
and equal division of public charges. The
larger the general prosperity, the less viii work
ers seek recourse to exceptional means 10 amcli-
crate their condition.
The proletarians have the same rights as citi-
zens as the rich; consequently they have right
to the same interest on the part of the state.
Absolute equality, however, Is a cbimera The
states ought to that all covenants relating to
work are conscieutiousy observed, and oppose
anything that might cause popular passions.
small wages give rise to strikes, disastrous not
only to the workmen and masters, but to gen.
eral commerce and public industry. Cover
ments out 20 prevent explosions at these crises.
The state ought not to let workmen become the
prey OF spectators and usurpers.
mans work should not go to such an ex-
tent that he is forced to succumb under excess
of corporal fatigue, consequently expediency Is
shown in a certain Limitation of the
Is delicate. The state should see that
agreements entered into by woskmen
ARE respected. An element OF the question
IS that workmen ought to be able with their sal
nry to provide the necessities of life. A great
social advantage lies in laws which favor multi
plicity OF properties. These are the best means
TO prevent opposition between extreme riches
and extreme poverty, but IL is also necessary
that properties shall not be overtaxed.
Institutions for aiding the poor and facili-
tating circulation between the various social
classes are especially useful in obtaining de-
sirable results. The pope particularly mentions
associations for mutual succor and institutions
for insurance In case OF accident, sickness or
death, and protection to children and girls.
He attaches particular importance to working
peoples associations, and expatlates on the adj
vantages of liberty and the right of combination
as long a. these associations do not present any
Inconvenience to public interests Unhappily,
1t often occurs that these associations are made
the puppets of wirepullers, and IL is important
to create counter associations to withdraw work.
men from these unjust expressions. The pope
greatly praises those endeavoring to better the
condition OF the proletarist, to establish bonds
of mutual equity between workmen and masters,
TO maintain the sentiment OF reciprocal duties
and combat intemperance among workmen.