The sun., 1893-08-07
THE SOCIALIST CONGRESS.
DELEGATES FROM ALL TIE LEADING
NATIONS MEET At ZURICH.

Some Practical Ideas VIII he Advanced,
but Crank Theorists, Particularly from
France. VIII he In Force-A Plnn to DO
Away with War Tho Tariff War
Bet,reeh Germany and Russin-The Ex-
eeution. for Murder. OF "A Innocent Man.
BERLIN. Aug. 6.--The International Socialist
Congress opened at Zurich. Switzerland. to-
day. and much interest is manifested rs to the
outcome Of it's deliberations. The delegates
number so many Germans. Austrians. and
Dutchmen that the claim OF many OF the dele
gates that the proceedings should be con-
Quoted In the German language was well
justified. The regular German Socialist or
ganization does not publicly desire to asso-
ciate itself with the Congress, and it does not
wish the Congress to rank as great
international manifestation. as It would
be Judged to be from its title. The
proceedings last week OF the local di-
rectorate which is chiefly composed OF Swiss
Socialists. consisted Of the preparation Of the
programme that will be discussed by the Con-
gress. In this work the local directorate had
the assistance OF the delegates OF divers ma
tionalities. and the result OF their combined
labors bellies the aspirations OF hostile critics
who sock to identify tho cause OF socialism
with that OF anarchism.
Tho Congress holds its sessions In the great
Tonhalle. the largest meeting place In Zurich
The rooms around the audience chamber are
devoted to the use OF the various committees
or are occupied by tho delegates OF the various
nntions England has sent seventy delegates.
headed by Mr.. James Kier Hardie the Social
ist who represents the Parliamentary dis
trict OF West Ham in the House OF Com
mons. Some Of tho English delegates
arc authorized to speak for the British
trades unions. France is represented by q
number OF delegates Of six varying shades
OF socialistio opinions. Germany sends the
representatives OF the great Social Dem ocracy.
Herren Liebknecht and Bebel, members Of tho
Rechstag. and q number OF other leaders Of
the party. besides large number Of represen-
tatives Of tho Independent Socialists. whose
opinion vergss upon anarchism. The United
States Is represented by q small group OF dele
gates. who are apparently affiliated with the
German Independents. Austria has very
large representation. the members OF which
are cooperating with the best element Of the
German Social Democrats.
Tho reports. which were drawn UP by the
Central Committee. are printed in German.
French. and English. These reports deal
with the present condition OF the workingmen
in different countries. their wages. their hours
Of labor. and questions regarding the outlook
In the labor world. The reports have been
distributed among the members OF the Con.
gress. and will afford data for the debates.
The subjects proposed for discussion cover Q
wide field. They include such questions as
legislation in favor Of the workingmen. arbi-
tration. religion, peace and war. the protec-
tion OF women and children. concerted politi-
cal action on tho part OF tho Socialists. inter-
I ion Nd fha h.
lishment by law Of an eght-hour working day.
Altoge ether there are now on the opening day
OF the Congress twenty-four resolutions be-
fore the delegates Some OF these resolutions
are practical. while others are obviously i'm
practicable. No such Congress could meet and
lack among its delegates crank theorists.
Some OF the ideas Of the French delegates are
proof that the crank is In Zurich awaiting an
to ventilate the theory by adopt
ing which the whole social and political fabric
will be reconstructed.
Among the ideas advanced by certain
OF the French delegates is one by means
OF which war shall forever be abolished.
and the proletariat have the heavy In
cubus Of taxation for the support Of
standing armies, &C. removed from their
shoulders. According to these delegates tho
parliaments OF the European nations shall DO
million Of the population. these delegates to
central international tribunal or
grand parliament OF arbitration. This tribu-
ma! shall issue a decree ordering universal
and shall order that plehiscites
be ia ken on differences that arise between the
peoples
:. Then there are Dutch delegates who propose
that. AS the war between tho classes cannot be
ca apitalists; that Tolkingmen ought to refuse
to be made the electoral tools OF the capital
OUGHT to decline to- sks any
legislation until n Socialist par arament Is pos
sMinle; M The Dutch delegates also propose that
universal strike
Despite these and other fantastic theses. the
and practical basis. The Dutch delegates are
opposed to the ant-regious resolution that
Ind will ask the Congress to decide that in
,very country the workingmen hold that re-
TRe sRiss soeass will propose resou
ion declaring that the surest road to follow
o realize the aims Of the Social Dem ocracy !
'eterendn". by means OF which the people may
'ithsr sanction or reject q law enacted by "a
That the Congress despite the idealists and
faddists. who are members OF 1t. Will work |
,pments is the general sxpectation among the
riends and foes OF socialism.
DolekAtob WeT0 present iTOm slSteeH Couu-
ries. The visitors were welcomed by NJ. Burk-
OF Zurich In a speech. which was delivered
ternately In German. English and French.
nd which dwelt chiefly upon the progress Of
he labor movement in the last thirty years.
Tho morning session OF tho Congress was
aiken up with q discussion Of the question OF
Procedure and the appointment OF an execu-
I've committee. consisting Of two delegates
rom each nation represented.
The afternoon was devoted to q public dem
nstration. The delegates. with $4,000 Swiss
rade unionists. marched in procession
trough the principal streets to the Schulz
atz. where a mass meeting was held. ad-
resses being made by several speakers. Tho
ity was profusely decorated In honor OF tho
isitors. and great enthusiasm was manifested
throughout the day. the delegates being every
ihere warmly welcomed.
The German arrangements for the active
Increment Of tho lately increased tariff on |
lussian products arc now complete, and the
ew customs regulations will be rigdly OBJ,
erved. The conflict may be q short ono. and
resent indications are that 1t will be. but both
iusSlR and Germany now show determine
lon that 1t shall be thorough. whilo 1t
asts: All along the Russian frontier an army
I officials with patrols have been attached to
he customs service On the German side
ustoms officials have been drafted from all
olnts, and have been sent to retniorse the
osts In eastern Prussia. Posen. and Silesia.
Russia hopes to escape the reaction OF tho