The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1892-02-21
WILLIAM AND the SOCIALISTS.

The arrogance and over-confdence Of
youth were never more strlkingly illustrated
than in the rude mannerin which the Emperor
Of Germany expelled the veteran Bismarck
from Office in order to settle in accord with
his own preconceptions. the great question Of
socialism in the Empire, upon which they
differed so radically in opinion. Bismarck. 1t
will be recalled. had for a long number Of
years been pursuing a policy OF the sternest
repression, not only because that policy was
agreeable to the impulses OF his rough and
domineering nature, but also because obser-
walton had led him to believe that it was the
course which was most likely to accomplish
the object in view. Finding himself in con-
fict with the Emperor in the premises. with
characteristic obstinacy he declined 70 yield.
and the consequences were fatal 10 bis reten-
ton of Office.
Having thrown off his obstructive chan
cellor. William proceeded with the utmost
promptness 10 carry out his own views. First,
he summoned On international labor confer
ence. with the general idea that its delibeTa-
tons would serve TO ameliorate the condition
Of the workingmen all over the world, but
for the special purpose of showing the work
ingmen among his own subjects that he was
in sympathy with everv effort that would pro-
mote their welfare. Then a number of labor
bills were passed. which were so mild and
conciliatory in their character that the Empe-
ror. in his presumption. declared that all
the causes which had led so many working
men to become Socialists, the very large ma
jority Of the latter being drawn from this
class in society, would be entirely removed.
The very opposite has turned out TO be the
case. Under the operation of the labor bills
the Socialists have increased at an IN
example. rate, confirming the prediction Of
Bismarck. SO alarmed has the Emperor be-
come IN consequence of the enormou strides
which Socialism under the operation Of his
lenient policy has been making that he has
been compelled to have introduced into the
Reichstag a s~ectarian educational bill. which is
as stringent in its provisions as the sternest
repressiye laws of Bismarck. Under the
terms of this bill the children of all working
men are 10 be educated by teachers who
have been specially selected on account Of
their opposition TO Socialism.
This is only the beginning Of the reaction
in the mind of the Emperor. Ii is easy
enough to see that the measure referred to
will not stamp out the evil. Encouraged by
the conciliatory policy Of the Emperor, So
cialism has acquired an impetus which will
demand far more sweeping measures than this
to repress or destroy it. The next step of the
Emperor Will be to pass a very restrictive
law to apply to the adult Socialists. and in
time it is far from being improbable that not
only will the draconian laws Of Bismarck be
re-enacted. but that they will also be made
still more stringent to meet the more aggres-
sive spirit which now distinguishes the So
cialist order in Germany.
In the meanwhile the old ex-Chancellor,
chafng in retirement, will indulge IN many II
grim smile at the expense of the man who
finds that after all there is something more in
the conclusions OF long experience than tx
was at first willing to admit.