The Saint Paul globe., 1897-05-22
ADVANCING STATE SOCIALISM.

ADVANCING STATE SOCIALISM.
Only few years ago any Republic
can would have as hotly resented the
charge that his party was socialistic
as, forty years ago, he would have de-
MED that he and his party were aboli-
tionists. But there has gradually
grown realization of the truth OF the
statement and an acceptance Of the fact.
The germ of the most ultra socialism
was in the use of the taxing power to
foster any industry, and it has been
prolific in it's sproutings. They are to
be seen in state legislation and munich
pal regulations as we'll as In national
enactments. We find them in the plat
forms of the Populist, the Social Labor
and the Silver Republicans as true to
kind as are those to be found in Re-
publican platforms and legislation. So
far had socialism made progress in
that party that there was no criticism,
no rebuke by it's press Of the startling
statement by President Harrison that
1t is the duty of government to provide
its people with occupation. In fact, 1t
could not be denied without denying
the one leading policy of the party.
The present English ministry repre-
sents the same idea of government
held by our Republicans and Populists.
Tories there, Republicans and Populists
here, and Absolutists in Germany are
all birds Of one feather. In the con-
test that gave the ministry to the
Tories the voters were promised by
Chamberlain and other speakers a So
cfal legislative programme embracing
employers liability for accidents. old
age pensions and home-purchasing
enabling act for workingmen and farm
laborers. A bill providing for the re-
demption Of one of these promises. that
relating to liability for accidents, has
been introduced in parliament. It
charges employers in certain specified
industries with the expense Of proyid-
ing for the payment to the heirs, in
case Of the death Of an employe by
m1schance, of three years wages, the
amount to be not less than $780, nor
more than $1,000; for disability, perma-
nent or otherwise, longer than two
weeks, the injured workman gets
SO per cent of his wages not exceeding
IS. 1t is to make no difference whether
the death or injury was caused by the
contributory negligence or sole fault Of
the employe or not; If he is injured
while working, he n1ust have his pen
sion. nor can the employer contract
himself out of liability, unless the
terms are more favorable than those of
the bill. No expense is to be incurred
by the claimant, all costs being borne
by the state. At present the measure
extends only to employees Of railroads,
mine owners, manufacturers, quarry
owners and others classed as hazardous;
but there is no perceptible reason for
the restriction Of the scheme. It's prin-
ciple covers all cases in all industries.
der a less offensive name, in England
thus follows tardily after its kindred
spirit in Germany and takes one Of the
measures Bismarck adopted when he
was flirting with socialism, hoping 10
win it to absolutism instead Of setting
up house for itself. The other schemes
may be expected to follow in due time,
and, once begun, they will move by
their own momentum to cover more
and more objects of state interference
under the guise Of care and protection.
There, as here, it finds it's justification
and cause for expansion in the exist
ence of privileges bestowed by govern
ment upon few; there the nobility,
the landlords intrenched in laws franz
ed by themselves to fortify and increase
their powers and Importance; here our
nobility made wealthy and powerful by
Of the mass, and there and here and
everywhere the mass, knowing their
power, but sadly mistaking their REM
edy, demand that they. too, receive
special privileges. Neither here nor
there will they get anything but hurt
from what may be given them, and
everywhere their only gain can come
from the repeal and denial Of all laws
giving special privilege to any.
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