New-York tribune., 1900-12-06
THE DEFEAT OF SOCIALISM

One swallow does not make summer, but to
Socialistic writers and lecturers one chance sue
cess in putting one of their number in office has
been accepted as a certain sign Of an irresistible
popular tendency. The Socialist Mayor Of Haver-
hill, Mass, has been widely commented on as
hgure OF profound significance He regarded
himself as such and told his followers that the
eyes of the world were upon them as the
pioneers in the new social movement. Timid
conservatives were inclined TO estimate the
Socialists at their own valuation and comment
on the dangerous spread of their ideas, and look
with apprehension for the springing up of new
Haverhils in manufacturing centres all over
the country. But the fears seem to have been
Idle Socialism has run its course in Hayerhill
Just as Populism ran its course in Kansas, and
now that city. after two years Of Socialist ad-
mlnistration, has elected a Republican Mayor by
majority OF nearly one thousand over the COM
hined Democratic and Socialistic vote in a total
poll OF about seven thousand
Even the votes cast for the Socialists, candi-
GATE evidently do not uniformly reflect Social
istic principles There were 2,s74 of them, but
the straight Democratic votes numbered onIy
lSo, and II is clear that a large number of
Democrats who have no comprehension and
little sympathy with advanced social move
ments" voted for the Socialist because he was
the strongest opponent of the Republican. and
perhaps also because Of a dim notion that some
now or other they were voting with the masses
against the classes. In HaverhiH there are Ger
talnly more than lS6 Democrats and the will
lnGness OF large number Of them TO keep the
present Mayor In office does not in the least
IMPLY general eommittal 10 his doctrines II
Iuay IMPLY tendency in the Democracy still
turther TO torsake its historic ground and in its
Bryanite madness plunge headIong into the sea
OF radical Socialism. A law OF nature seems to
torce unsuccessful demagogy steadily down
ward. Success and responsibility sometimes
STEADY IT, but having failed with one appeal. If
mos Itself impelled 10 60 a little lower in the
pio ror new adherents So, unless the conserva-
i've forces now practically read out of the Dem
ooiauc parry can succeed in getting control of
Its orsahizauon once more it will not be sur-
Piisins 10 see the present ruling elements four
ges,S hence making bid for power with more
| . Niaianohs than ever and practically
occupying The present ground OF the nrofessa5
Socialists. Members OF the soc,oI 1d.,1D
party say that they expect this The uarnrl'in
elecuon oilers no evidence of a con+r.r,, 60,
oency' but on the other hand. fl cannot ho sois
20 oner any positive evidence IN confrro,io, 80
IL Local conditions. the personal nonuIorit- -
une feurlng Mayor, the growing feaI,no of
municipal independence, probably account for
the vote. And even if in Haverhill the former
democrats have largely been turned into social
lsts oy Organism, the complexion Of that one
1o"h oners no sufficient material for induction.
Al uoes' however. give a hint 10 conservative
Democrats TO watch the tendency Of Democracv
IN other Industrial centres
Inc Haverhill experiment suggests that So
elaiism In operation does not popularize itself
IHat only confirms the lesson OF colonies where
soelallsue principles are carried much further
Inc plan OF setting the State up in all sorts OF
business and establishing industrial equality