The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1911-01-23

There are many good qualities to Socialism. !
There are perhaps more bad ones In the course
OF ages now not dreamed of the chimerachasing
tenets and canons OF Socialism may be worked
out In a practical way and make the world far
better than II Ia to-day.
Socialism has taken root in many cities. it's
strongest tree being grown in Milwaukee, where
Mayor sidel a Socialist guides the destinies OF
the city Thus far ne is the only Socialist
mayor In a city OF any note. Victor Berger Is
the first man PROGRESSING Socialism to be elected
TO Congress Mayor Sidefs administration is
being watched and studied closely by thinking
persons Being the only Socialist congress-
man, Mr. Berger's course is also commanding
some attention.
When elected TO congress he declared he had
no intention of revolutionizing that body or in
Producing any bills which the nation as whole,
would not approve. Such was his confidence
in himself and his beliefs
Until now Mr.. Berger has proven an admira-
BILE congressman. He has introduced no bills
and he has not been investigated, honor
which must not he denied man In these latter
days
From Mr. Bergers own Sociaistic PEN how
ever we now learn that he intends introducing
measure providing for pension of not less
than s12 for workingmen and women who never
had the good fortune or energy to get $1,000 a
year for their services from the time they be-
gan Hfe,s labors until they reached the three
score mark In brief, M. Berger has bill pro-
/ tha 81 ~ ha al
We have as much interest In the workingman
and woman as has Mr.. Berger. We want to ses
both get along comfortably and happily as
possible II a man really believes in SOCIALISM,
and thinks 1t the best political doctrine to alig
himself with, we admire, rather than condem 4
him Every man has an equal right to choose
his politics and his religion.
There are certain equity-seeking principles
| in Socialism which must command thought ami
attention There Is principle. so far as We
are advised. which commits that party to pau
perism or beggary. Whatever admiration we
have for Socialism is based on the fact that its
advocates ask only right to work and right
to share in their production. Nothing more
Socialists should not support Mr. Berger's
cart driver and countless thousands OF others
who would be affected by It. Old-age pensions
should be given the faithful workman but uhy
put this burden on the national government
Mr. Bergers bill contemplates the payment OF
not less than s144 200 geo year to individuals
who have failed to make $1,000 year during
their lifetime. This Ia Just little less than II
costs to maintain our standing army, and con
siderably more than IL paid out annually In
keeping up the American navy. He declare
the workingmen win pay the pensions because
they maintain the government The man or
woman who has never made $1,000 year prob
ably does not pay vast amount OF taxes and
whatever taxes he or she has paid have brought
their daily benefits. Old age pensions will prob
ably come In after years but they will be the
result OF an agreement and contributions by
| employers and employees and the national trea.
sury viii not be involved.
The Independence of the American working.
man is far-famed. He does not ask charity. He
wants work Twelve dollars a month Is little
enough as pension for man woman ar.
! rived at that age where he can longer work
Sixty years, however. IL not that age.
Mr., Bergers proposed bill has the good fea
ture of letting those who elected him know the
kind Of legislation he intends fathering