The midland journal., 1894-03-23
Socialism.

There is great deal said about social
ism nowadays and but comparatively
plutocratic papers mix up socialism,
anarchy, division of property and all the
agrarian theories ever attempted and
palm it off as socialism. 1t is the policy
of these papers to mislead and deceive, as
this is the only hope plutocracy rests upon
for final or enduring success.
The socialists have formed separate
and distinct political party with platform
of principles, and have placed party
ticket in the field which polled many
thousand votes in New York and several
other States in the eastern part of the
country. The socialists are opposed to
the economic system of capitalism and
are attacking it in its stronghold and with
the ballot and agitation, two of the most
dangerous weapons to any false institu-
ton in this country.
The Social Labor Party, the political
name they have adopted, have number
of intangible demands in their declaration
of purpose which they fail to point out
any machinery by which they could be
operated, but the substantial planks are:
The United States shall obtain possession
of the railroads, canals, telegraphs, tele-
phones and all other means of public
transportation and communication; but
no employee shall be discharged for po-
litical reasons.
The municipalities to obtain possession
of the local railroads, ferries, waterworks,
gasworks, electric plants, and all indus
tries requiring municipal franchises; but
no employee shall be discharged for
political reasons.
The public lands to be declared inalien-
able. Revocation of all land grants to
corporations or individuals, the condi-
tons of which have not been complied
with.
The United States to have the exclusive
right to issue money.
Congressional legislation providing for
the scientific management of forests and
waterways, and prohibiting the waste of
the natural resources of the country
Progressive income tax and tax OH
inheritances; the smaller incomes to be
exempt.
School education of all children under
"a years of age to be compulsory, gratui-
tous and accessible to all by public assist
ance in meals, clothing, books, etc.,
where necessary.
Laws for the protection of life and limb
i'll all occupations, and an efficient enl-
ployers' liability law.
The people to have the right to propose
laws and to vote upon all measures of
importance according to the Referendum
principle. Abolition of the veto power of
the executive National, State and Munic-
ipal, wherever it exists
Municipal self government.
Direct vote and secret ballot in all elec
tions. Universal and equal right of suf-
frage without regard to color, creed or
sex. Election days to be legal holidays.
The principal of proportional representa-
ton to be introduced. All public officers
to be subject to recall by their respective
constituencies. Uniform civil and crimi-
nal law throughout the United States.
Administration of justice to be flee of
charge. Abolition of all capital punish
1nent.
These are the main, and tangible planks
i'll the Social Labor Party platform, EN-
bodying the spirit of socialism. Not
much like anarchy i'll them, but very
great deal of law and looking to placing
that Jaw more firmly in the hands of the
people, while taking it from the faithless
hands of the representative Class in which
it now rests to be abused and outraged.
These are the practical features of social
ism which must first be gained and secur-
ed before their theoretic organization of
labor and society can be attempted. In
order to make this advance an effort is
being made i'll the large cities to reorgan-
ize the trade unions into Federations of
voters whose political work shall be to
give effect to Jaws embodying the prin-
ciples set forth in the above declaration
of purposes. Whoever seeks information
on economic questions of the day through
the daily press viii be deceived. There
is little of truth or honesty in the daily
press, and it is solemn duty of every
leading reform worker to impress this fact
OH the pubic. The daily press is mer-
cenary to the last degree.
The SaipniOrapa RiII