The Mena weekly star., 1897-11-10
The Social Revolution
l.ans.s.s lily Stan,

# There nas been a great deal said and written of late about the social revo- lution. The expression was frequently heard during the presidential cam paign q year ago and recently the dis cussion of it has broken out afresh in connection with the New York muni- ciple campaign. One candidate in that contest is said to represent the forces underlying the social revolu- tion.
 To some the phrase social revolution means the coming of the age of gold, when hunger and unrequited toll and misery shall be banished from the world. To others it signifies chaos in industrial and commercial affairs; the confiscation of accumulated wealth and the elevation of the poor man to an equality with the rich in the enjoy ment of the good things of this world, and in relief from the heavy burden of slaving his life away for the bare necessities of existence. To some the social revolution is an impending dis aster To others 1t is rising star of hope for humanity. To nearly all it is something which is to come in the indefinite future. Some observers look for a violent overturning of existing institutions and prevailing relation ships between man and man. Others look for radical changes to be sudden ly but peacebly wrought, through leg islation, after the revolutionists shall come into possession of office
 Nearly everybody discusses the sub ject as something appertaining to the future, something that may or may not come according as the conservative forces of society do or do not act ag- excessively and judiciously to stay its course The social revolution is not what such persons conceive it to be. It is not future overturning of society. It is an active, present force, It is here now, changing the views of people respecting old systems, modify ing many of the influences in industri-
 
 posed to be unchangable. New political parties and societies of men are merely incidents of he revolution. The great irresistible power of the revolution lies deeper than the finite capability of any one man to reach it and direct its course. Slowly, but con stantly, it is operating to change mems ideas about many things and to devel- op new industrial conditions out of old systems Thousands of men who aishort time ago shuddered at the mere suggestion of a social revolution are not scared by it now.
 This spirit of revolution is an active potent force in the social and industri- al life of to-day. Nothing can stay it's progress. No person can do much to guide it's course Agitators ano philosophers may think they are ex erting potent influence and that the world is about to come under the sway of their particular ideas and to adop' their special schemes. But no one car tell now what the outcome will be Gradually systems are being changed Slowly new era is arising out of the old. Public utilities are being placed under control of municipalities. ever while some respectable people in soci- ety are still scoffing at the idea a' impracticable Allied industries art becoming concentrated in way tha is rapidly making old theories respect ing the effects of competition merely so much economic driftwood.
 Even though the great majority O. the people do not realize 1t, the ous' ness of the world is rapidly getting II shape for the successful adoption o some form of cooperative enterpris which will wipe out the extremes O wealth and poverty without destroy Ing the incentive for lascr The socia revolution is doing thousand thing which means, in ten years CT twenty radical change in the industrial an social relations of man.
 
 Attention Railway Men.