New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1895-02-04
SOCIALISTS CHALLENGE FELIX ADLER

THEY WANT A PUBLIC DEBATE-soME or THEIR
DEMANDS" WHICH HE FAVoEs
The members OF the Socialist Labor party who
have taken exception 20 Professor Felix Adlcr's
lectures Socialism. emphasized their objections
yesterday by distributing copies OF an open chal-
lenge 10 a public debate ut the doors OF Carnegie
Music Hall. This action Of the Socialists was
strongly resented by the members OF the society
for Ethical Culture.
The distribution Of the challenge created a mild
sensation. The members of the society had read
that the Socialists contemplated carrying the war
into their camp In some way. but this was such
an unusual line OF action that they were plainly
surprised. incidentally the Socialists narrowly
escaped falling Into the tolls OF the law as the
manager OF the Music Hall. Charles II. sheldon
threatened them with arrest. Professor Adler
when Informed OF the ~ the Socialists. said
he thought that IT was dscourteous thing for
them to do When he was asked II he did not
think the Socialists were endcavorng 10 draw him
into a controversy out OF which they would re-
ceve advertising. he replied that he believed that
was their scheme The Socialists themselves al
mitted that they had this end In view. There were
six Socialists who had been deputcd TO distribute
the challenge. They were led by Lazarus Label
son. who proclaimed himself the founder and
organizer OF the Socialist Labor party. They sat
In the gallery during Professor Adlers lecture on
Social Reforms as 4 Means OF Securing Social
Peace" They carried pencils and pads. and were
prepared TO transmit 10 paper any remark OF ITo-
fessor Adler that could be used as ammunition IN
their longed-for public debate.
Professor Adler rather d.sarmed them IN hts dis
course by coming out for many Socialistic prin-
ciples. He favored municipal ownership OF rail
ways and other Institutions. and said that the city
should be the landlord.
Only one time did the Professor say anything
that they construed as a reflection on them. lie
said certain theorists thought all there was In life
was the task Of propagandism. Professor Adler
did not alludc directly to the Socialists by name
while speaking He said aftorward that he had
not decided whether 10 accept the challenge There
was something in his tone however. that beiokened
that he did not think favordbly Of the proposition
Professor Adler said In part:
The policcman's baton and the soldiers hayonct
Will not bring about reform and safety. W" are
only adding fuel TO the flames when v" rcpr"ss
each succeeding outbreak with more militia mink
OF the danger OF this course The people feel that
the Government. the Government Of the people, Is
against them
The liberties of the people who rest on tho arm
OF the militia dead We must turn our atten-
ton reform measures. The wOrkngWcn OF the
United States not eXorbitant am satisfied
that they would be only too well satisfied with "A
moderate increase in the comforts OF life Why
not give them municipal baths? Thousands OF the
poor in winter have no facilities for bathing Give
there be municipal lodging houses. ! believe they
would be a success. The city should own the
street railroads and should buy land and erect
houses on the land for the workmen. Now IL the
time to do this. let New-York city buy large
tracts Of land y the suburbs don't believe that
amounting TO 10 per cent OF its assessed value.
believe in arbitration; backed by public opinion;
| don't believe in the law enforcing the DEGREES Of
an arbitration board but in all-powerful opinion.
The Brooklyn trolley men and all unsked labor
look out for Itself but unsked labor should be
protected. The workingmen often resort TO strikes
sentiment viii ultimately force the employer to
treat his employees justly.