The Manitowoc pilot. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1859-1932, 1899-10-05
GROWTH OF SOCIALISM.

cannot 1all 10 nOIc, anu Indl Is the grow III
of socialism 1t is not socialism in that
form of excellence which is willing to
give as well as to take. Lit is the selfish
kind which demands that those who have
shall give what they have acquired by
their industry TO those who have not, and
whose condition is due TO their own shift
lessness. The danger to society lies in
the acceptance of the theory that the in
dividual, capable of caring for himself,
must have his wants supplied at public
expense. The form of socialism which
is based on seltishness and the hope Of
securing advantage from the public with
ont contributing anything toward the
source of general supply, is. dangerous,
rs it is confscatiou conducted in the
spirit of the brigand 1t is demand
for the forfeiture of all title to property.
return to the old feudal standard OF
disregard for personal rights.
In the initial steps those possessed of
great wealth stacd nearest to disposses-
sion. But with appetite for eonfscatior
developed. the field of operations must
necessarily become enlarged, and event
ually will result in demand that those
earning liberal competence share with
those who do not, and who will not pro-
vide for their own support. When right
to peaceable possession of property is de
MED, where that property is extensive,
the denial of the right of an individual
to hold any property will Individually
follow. Those of moderate means who
applaud every diatribe hurled at men of
wealth by public speakers are placing a
mine under their own possessions which
is sure to explode in time. 1t is not con
Germ for the wealthy men which should
teach them caution and conservatism
1t is the knowledge that they are raising
a spirit which will defy control
Socialism in its highest and best mani
festation is social excellence 1t is an
elimination of selfishness, "a willingneqg
on the part of every one to work for the
public good, each taking as his portion
the good which enures to all. 1t is an
ideal state and when it comes it will be
a sign that the millennium is here. The
person who believes in socialism because
OF its leveling tendencies and the advan-
tage which may accrue to him, simply
makes use of a term to give character to
his selfish designs. Ind ed socialism, as
1t is now understood. is robbery, as it
demands public use of private property
without compensation.
When all are willing to labor and the
product OF that joint labor is owned in
common we have socialism in its best
form. But its most prominent feature
is self-denial Self-seeking destroys it.
When a man is forced to contribute TO
the support of the undeserving he is sim
ply a victim and those who use compul-
sion on him are robbers. When contrib
ution is made voluntarily it is sign
that contribution is general and we have
form of socialism of commendable
type.
Our public schools furnish an example
OF socialism. The property owner pays
for the education of the children of those
who have no property. But all contrib
ute to the extent of their means. Streets, |
public libraries, hospitals, support of the
poor are all forms of socialism, the prop
erty of the individual being conhscated
to a certain extent for the benefit of the
individual whose own means will not en-
able him to purchase these things, which
the property holder, not the public, fur
nishes him.
The question naturally arises. TO what
extent are these public benefactions prop
er? No one questions the propriety of
giving all an opportunity to be educated,
The feeling of charity which is more
common than superficial view would
indicate creates the sentiment which |
sustains hospitals. The street is as much
the property of the tramp, whose use of
it is an abuse, as it is that of him who
gave the right of way and improved it
so that it may be used for travel. The
paving of Eighth street is contribution
by the owners of property adjoining to
the public convenience. The poor fund |
which is monthly distributed, is con-
fiscation of property in the interests of
the needy. Every cent of tax which is
collected is confscation for the benefit of
the public.
To what extent should this gog Clear
" not to the extent of making the indi-
vidual dependent upon the public for
those things which his industry can
furnish him individually as well as at
general expense. Municipal ownership
of public" utilities is accepted with de-
gree of readiness which precludes exam |
ination of its real character. 1t is pub
lie ownership at the expense of those
who have acquired property by their |