Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1892-11-16
THE AIMS OF SOCIALISM
Set Forth In the Report of That Party in
Germany--secession of the Reds Good
Riddance-Against Oaths Some Politi-

Set Forth In the Report Of That Party In
Germany-Secession of the Reds Good
Riddance-Against Oaths Some Politi-
cal Victories.
BERLIN, Nov. 15-At the Social Con-
gress to-day, Herr Singer, who was yesterday
unanimously selected President of the
party, referred to the rapid progress of the
party. Herr Singer welcomed the foreign
delegates, and concluded his speech by call
ing for three cheers for International So
cialism, which were given.
Herr Fisher, the secretary, in his report
stated that the work done since the last
meeting had enlarged the active propaganda
of the party. Herr Fishers report covered
the entire history OF the organization. The
secession OF the so.called independents"
from the main body of the party. although
severely critized as disoyal, was briefly dis
missed as, on the whole, q satisfactory rid
dance rather than regretable loss.
The report proceeded to deal with the at
titude of the Social Democratic party
toward the judicial oath. question which
has given rise to very great controversy.
AS is we'll known the party programme does
not recognize the RELIGIOUS validity of the
oath, and this has been used against the
Social Democrats to charge them with ap-
proving perjury. Not only" said the re-
port, "has this charge been brought against
the party from tho National Liberal side,
where an unbiased verdict is not. perhaps,
to be expected, but also by judges and bar
risters in the law courts, where a less preju-
diced Judgment might have been looked
for.
Against Oaths and Perjury Both.
''The party has never scrupled to ac-
knowledge that it is opposed TO q religious
sanction, but to speak the truth before a
tribunal is the duty of Aman and citizen;
and though the refusal of a witness to take
the oath is justifable, lying is not and can
not be justified.
"Under the present social system, the
oath is part and parcel of judicial procedure,
and if a whole political party is baselessly
accused from the Judgment seat of favoring
perjury. it is equivalent to placing it beyond
the pale OF the law. 1t is naturally the
party's duty to protest AGAINST such arbi-
trary censure, and the party will uphold its
rights in spite of bench and bar"
After touching shortly on the subject of
this years festival, the report proceeded to
speak of the relations existing between Ger
man, Austrian and French Social Democrats.
Though the social movements in Germany
and Austria are much more intimately con-
nected than in Germany and France, the
presence of French representative at Halle
and that of Herr Liebknecht at Marseiles
proved the. solidarity of the international
bond.
"The Ckauvinists on both sides may be
eager for war; but the working classes the
pioneers OF true culture and civilization,
join hands across the frontier in their
united opposition to the only enemy they
knowledge-capital."
The Political Victories of Socialism.
The results of bye-elections are quoted
which have taken place during the past
year, both for the Imperial Diet and for !
n
the Municipal Council of Berlin. In Saxony, |
notably, four Parliamentary seats have |
been won, with an increase in the aggregate |
Socialist vote from IL, COO to "a, 600. |
The party possesses, altogether, 20 organs |
in the press, of which % are political dailies. |
The subsidies granted to some of these form,
however. a considerable item in the expen-
diture, amounting to nearly 5000 marks, |
which is attributed partly to the existing |
depression of trade and partly to the e1-
,essive zeal of enthusiasts who found news
pa psrs in tie belief that once started they |
,am live on air, and when undeceived by eX-
Derience have to tall back upon the party
funds.
The central organ, the Tor,odrts, is held up
Is a bright example of political. combined
With financial success. For the financial
7ear from October !, 1884, to September 20,
s92, the Vo,rOdrts can show a balance in it's
avor of $1,000 marks, and a circulation of
bout 81, 900. The book trade for the dissem-
natlOn OF party literature Is, aiSO stated to |
De growing apace.
The Martyrs of the Party.
The report closed with grim and sug-
Festive list of the judicial sentences passed
Turing the last.12 months upon members of
he party. The terms of imprisonment
amount to more than III years,
md the fines to total of 90, 800 ma rks. Last
-ear these totals were SO years and 1890
marks respectively. These penalties, it was
have helped the cause rather
han otherwise, rs they have made it plain
hat Social Democrats are not treated on the
ame footing as other citizens.
However heavy the cost may be, the
novemnet will not devinte hairs breadth
rom the path which leads to its appointed |
oal; and when one lallS, another will take
is place and fill up the solid ranks of the
rmy of labor The leaders OF the party |
ave already led their enthusiastic and |
followers to victory, and |
hey will do so again and again in the future |
ntil the last and final goal is reached"
This is, probably, the most pregnant pass
ge in the report. 1tis the confession and
anction OF the faith which lives in the So
ial democracy of Germany, and which rem |
ers it a force to be reckoned with to-day, |
nd still more in the future.
Among the motions to be discussed, is |
ne compelling the leaders who sit in the
wo years in order to take the opinion of
onstituents upon their action as legislators. |
he relations of the central organization to |
he more moderate section under Herr Won |
'ollmar's leadership in Bavaria will also
o discussed. {