New-York tribune., 1906-11-04
SOCIALISM IND PROSPER
ITY IN GERMANY.
Especial by French csS. to The tribune
Icopyright 1905 by tn. Tribune Association ]

between German politics and the asitatons now
in progress in either America or England.
Trade unionists here do not accept the leader
ship OF self-seeking millionaires like Hearst,
but follow the experienced and trustworthy men
who understand the real interests OF labor.
While the Socialist party has great strength in
industrial centres and poIed nearly one-third OF
the total vote at the last general elections, in
sincere demsgogues cannot make a selfish use
OF Il. It stands for many crude social theories
and represents the unrest OF the Fatherland. but
fts appeal 10 discomfort fails to make deep
impression at present, because Germany, like
America. is phenomenally prosperous, with all
industries in successful operation and wages
rising. Neither the Socialists nor the municipal
reformers here have taken up public ownership
OF tramways gas and electric service the
Progressives have done in England. They have
adhered more closely 10 social questions like
the better housing Of the poorer classes, work
for the unemployed and triple system Of in
surance against sickness. accident ana old age.
There have been fewer municipal investments
in public utilities and consequently there is no
reaction at Berlin and other large towns against
high taxation and municipal extravaganza, as
there has been in London The most urgent
issue IN Germany is the conflict between the
sgrarians and the meat eaters.
REMEDIAL LEGISLATION SOUGHT.
The Municipal Council here has demanded
remedial legislation with close an approach
20 vehemence as official propriety allows ana
protests OF q similar nature will follow from
other German cities. The prosperity Of the
country makes T. difficult 20 estimate the effect
OF higher duties breadstuffs and the prohi-
b,tion OF imported cattle and meats. Food. with
out doubt. is dearer but the population is fully
employed AID has more money for living
penses. The returns OF the slaughtering busi-
ness indicate decline in the number OF cattle.
sheep hogs and other animals killed for mar
ket. The figures incomplete, but far az
they go they confirm the general impression
that the poorer classes Of workers are doing
without eating II once a day. More
horses have been slaughtered. and that may
moan horsefesh for the poor Whether vege-
tarianism agrees with the workers or the re-
ports Of the shrinkage of food are exaggerated.
there certainly no signs OF starvation or dis
treHs. yet there is popular uprising against the
high prices Of meat. and the German Emperor's
pet Herr Pcbieski. viii have to face the music
when the Rechstag assemblies. The Agrarian
party, heavily reinforced by the Centralsts. will
control the situation II it hangs together. Its
policy has been the salvation Of German agri-
culture from the ruin wrought in England by
free trade and legislative neglect. Since sugar
production has been falling. in consequence OF
reduced exports 10 America OF other countries
the AgraTians have been determined TO secure
fun protection for home breadstuffs and meat
supplies as last resource for keeping the people
OF the farming districts employed. and not en-
ploying them after the English fashion and
draining off agricultural workers 10 towns. where
the housing question already presents insuper-
able difficulties
NEED or STRONG ARMY RECRUITS.
They have also been supported by the military
party, for the practical reason that members OF
the general staf assert that the finest and most
robust soldiers come from the country rather
than the industrial towns. where physical de-
Eenoracy is caused by overcrowding and de-
fect!ve hygiene As breeding men for the army
is regarded by the Msrtinets as more important
than breeding horses for the cavalry the
artillery. this is another reason for the defence
Of the agricultural interests that the popula-
tion win not be drawn off from the villages
into the towns. Economists add another con-
sideration. They consider manufacturing and
trading have been carried long way. and that
agriculture must be strongly protected IN order
20 keep the industrial system in proper balance.
The government cannot get without Agrarian
support. but the clamor against the high prices
Of meat may prove Irresistible. The temporary
removal OF the barTicade against foreign cattle
IS moro probable than the reduction OF duties
on canned meats American interests have not
been seriously affected by the German tariff
legislation. because the most favored nation
treatment has been temporarily secured by an
Arrangement which viii END IN June The
menace OF maximum duties can be averted by
the passage OF the administrative customs bin
~ Washington IN the interval This will be the
closest approach to reciprocity which can be
made. and IL Will not involve reopening the gen.
eral tariff question IN America The relations
between America and Germany are as friendly
ae possible. and the avoidance OF tariff war
by the passage OF that bin is highly desirable
for the interests OF both nations
WIRELESS CONFERENCE RESULT.
The wireless telegraph conference having vir-
tually ended to-day. is proclaimed by those who
have been burrowing in the dark as an epoch
making event They exasgerste the importance
OF their work Secrecy is useful as a diplomatic
e1pedient II coneeals prossic facts. piques
public curiosity. and brings forth exaggerated