New-York tribune., 1901-12-08
THAT ISLAND FOR ANARCHISTS.
DOES THE WOMAN QUESTION" MAKE IT
UNTENABLE?
To the Editor Of The Tribune

To the Editor Of The Tribune
Sir The proposal that the civilized nations of the
world should transport anarchists who counsel the
killing Of rulers or the overthrow OF governments
10 some deSolate spot the earths surface desg-
mated for the purpose. where they would be free
TO put their creed in practice, is new, but II
derives fresh interest and present Importance
from Senator Hoar's advocacy. In the course Of
the debate which Senator McComas opened
Thursday Mr.. Hoar submitted that plan solu-
ton Of the problem, saying: Let the anarchists
be an object lesson and let the world have an OBJ
1ect lesson Let there be little incubation OF
archy into the anarchist himself. and let him have
anarchistic government among his fellows" II
this is the deliberate Judgment Of the chairman of
the Senate judiciary Committee, which, your
Washington correspondent points out. will have
much to do with framing legislation the subject
and II he is prepared TO back it UP with all his in
fuence and authority, exceedingly animated dis
cussion is likely ensue
Doubtless there is something rather gratifying to
the natural feelings Of those who have been moved
to righteous wrath by overt act consistent with
anarchistc doctrines in the thought Of consigntng
all who profess such doctrines to hell earth OF
their creation and belonging exclusively to
themselves But calm reflection suggests strong
reasons why that remedy. II the world should
be inclined admit its efficacy. cannot be applied
Christian peoples expending vast amount OF
energy and money in systematic efforts to let light
into dark places, to extrpate savagery by the re-
demption Of savage natures and spread the bless
tngs civilization everywhere Such work is not
invariably carried with the highest wisdom. It
is marked by many failures and some disgraces
but the purpose behind it is sane sincere and de-
Iiberate. It reflects the conscience and reason of
large proportion OF the intelligent populations by
which the great governments OF the world sup
ported and the moral sense of Christendon would
never tolerate policy of dealing with anarchists
which would amount 10 repudiation of fixed prin-
ciples in respect the duty of civilization toward
barbarism- Practically, il me- this is
an insuperable obstacle TO such international egis
lation as Senator Hoar proposes.
If it were not a kindred consideration would
nevertheless interpose absolute veto. Such
method of dealing with anarchists would be
pete and inadequate If 1t did not provide for the de-
portaffon OF well men, for women
have always been among the rabid and dan
serous foes OF social order their giving them
influence which the whole history of anarchistic
operations illustrates But even those who might
consider 1t appropriate deal with actual offenders
of this sort the way proposed would find Il impos
sible 10 justify the establishment of breeding
niace for anarchists and the consequent subsection
of innocent children the hideous and hopeless
conditions which would surround them there If
there were other objection TO the plan this
would be fatal. Civilized nations would never
cent the dreadful responsibility of creating and
maintaining an institution which devoted successive
generations TO misery and perdtion. Yours,
New-York. Dec. 6, 1901 L. H
1.-THE considerations above presented are Ger
tainly high minded, interesting and suggestive.
But the reason finally given putting an alb
solute veto" upon Senator Hoars proposal of an
island for anarchists is not absolute at all or
even very cogent What is there to hinder using
another island. remote from the first. as well as
from the civilized world, for the women anar-
chists7l