The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1901-04-21
A RID FLAG P[RS|)N|FED
CHICAGO FORBIDS THE ANARCH-
lists EMBLEM, BUT WELCOMES
IT'S EXPONENT
WHAT PROF. SMITHS THINKS
Several Pertinent Topics Discussed
That Are Suggested by Recent
Happening in Chi
cagO.
Special Correspondence of the Globe.

Special Correspondence of the Globe.
CHICAGO, Ill, April 19.-Chicago is
no longer the scene Of political activity,
but it is nevertheless deeply interested
in matters pending at Springfield. The
present general assembly has accom-
plished little because OF the difficulty in
reaching an agreement upon the reap
portionment of the state made necessary
by the facts of the last census. Up to
the present time MIR. Lorimer and his
forces have opposed every apportionment
scheme, and have incurred the hostility
of the country members tc such an, OK
tent that it seems very probable that
Chicago will not secure legislative as
sistance of any kind. Among the meas
ures already apparently dead, are the
teachers pension bill, the bill authorize
ing the city TO levy more than per cent
of the assessed valuation; another relat-
ingto the big canal and various kinds
of school legislation The trustees of the
drainage district claim that they must
have at least so eco additional. in
order to complete the original scheme,
and in every way there is a clamor for
money for public expenditures.
The greatest interest, that is the most
universal, centers about the school bills.
But once before in the history of the
state has such vehement objection
been made to proposed legislation affect
ing educational interests as is at pres
ent made by LutheranS and Catholics
and not alone by these but by many
who do not believe III moral or legal
coercion by the state in this matter
The attempt to limit the right of con-
fcrring degrees to colleges only having
heavy endowment is opposed as against
public morals and sound education. 1t
is claimed to be in accord with the pres
ent aggressive attempt in some quarters,
to make an institutions or an orSanlza-
tons. or even an individuals value de-
pend wholly upon the amount of money
under its or his control-the ruinous
spirit of conlmercialism which would
make the power of wealth the sole basis
of society and would pOtentialize the
workings of a system deihes sue
cess and pardons every means OF at
tanning it. Against this tendency there
are the earnest protests OF many con-
serVative men whose influence exercises
a constantly lessening hold upon the
direction of public affairs-and those VINO
look for 1.-The ancient landmarks and
for safe mornings are proudly reminds
ed Nv the progreSsive-the SucceSsful-of
BentSls significant prophecy made more
than fit years ago when pointing TO
the west he exclaimed: ~ onder lies the
east" True, it may be that the spirit
OF the age is only efferVescert, but on
that the tendency is by no means the
mere froth of the surface but on the con-
+rarv represents a general and practical
lv complete movement of society
PRINCE KROPOTKIN.
IN these brief gossipy notes that I
send YOU it is not possible to deal crit
irallv with any one question or to set
forth the provisions Of even one Dill,
Int reference is made to these matters
simply to Indicate the trend of aHairs.
This progressive, or changing sentiment,
is shown by the treatement accorded TO
Prince Peter KropOtkin here in Chicago.
This prince is decidedly Russian in ap-
pearance, heavily bearded, enVeloped in
atmosphere of cigarette smoke and odor,
by no means the broad cultured, cosmo-
politan citizen that we find in the highly
educated Englishman, German or French
man who visits our shores. Conceding
that he has spent many years in pro
found study of practical subjects, that
he knows much of physical geography
of agriculture and far more of sociology,
that he deserves fully all the honors
that have been conferred upon him by
educational institutions and societies, it
is vet most doubtful whether any con-
siderable number of persons acquainted
with his domestic habits, his tempera-
ment, in short, his character, believes
that it is ideal Mrs. Lucy Parsons points
out that her Inflated husband was a
student of his writings and a believer
In his doctrines, and for so believing he
was put to death a few years ago. She
has called upon and been warmly re-
ceived by the distinguished anarchist,
now the guest Of Hull house, and the
honored scholar who has received the
countenance of the ethical society-the
principals of the city high schools and
the Chicago university. On next Sun
Gay night he is to eXpound the philoso-
ply Of anarchy, and the occasion will be
a memorable one. We will watch with
some interest the gathering of the an
archists on that evening. Whatever may
happen, or whatever may be said, it will
no doubt be an Endorsement in effect, if
not in affirmative and hearty Defense of
the principles for which Parsons and
others were executed. Is it not futile to
prohibit the display of red flags in pro-
cessions and yet honor the men who
urge such displays? A few years ago
christian socialism was regarded as a
solecism, then by degrees, with utmost
caution and discretion, with many means
Of retreat left open a few public sneak :