The Catholic bulletin. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1911-1995, 1912-04-20
s0CIAlI IN And
ThnJE-UN IS NJ
Splendid Lecture by David Goidstein
of Boston in the Assumption School
Hail-Describes Origin, Achieve
nents, Dangers and Prospects of
Trade Unions-Many Socialists
Present.

Last Sunday evening the Assump-
tion parish hall was packed with an
appreciative audience eager to hear
Mr.. David Goldstein of Boston, the
well-known lecturer on social topics
A little more than a year ago Mr..
Goldstein delivered two lectures on
Socialism in the same hall and those
who heard him on that occasion knew
that it would "be a treat to hear him
again.
He chose for his subject, Socialism
and Trade Unionism, and In the
course of his address explained in de-
tail the fundamental principles that
underlie the organization into a So
ciety, or union, of the men belonging
to particular craft or trade. He
pointed out the value of such unions
to the individual, the family and the
community; and warned his hearers to
be on their guard lest the Socialists
secure control of these organizations
and use them for the propagation of
doctrines subversive of the estab-
lished order and inimical to the true
welfare of the workingman. He
enumerated many of the achievements
of the trade unions, uttered warn
ing regarding the dangers to which
these organizations are exposed on
account Of the activity of unscrupulous
members imbued with socialistic ten
dencies and ideas, and urged the
laboring classes not to allow the con-
troll 0f fhniTs unions f0 hn %ryrnnnhnI
from the hands of the conservative
men who now guide them. He
painted glowing picture of the future
prospects of the unions if they con-
tinue true to the fundamental prin-
ciples of Justice and right upon which
they are based. The greatest danger
that threatens them comes from So
cialistic demagogues and agitators
who, in their desire to promote the
doctrines of Socialism, do not scruple
to mislead their fellowmen by specious
arguments and plausible appeals.
That there was no inconsiderable
number of Socialists present was evi-
dent from the numerous questions
asked at the close of the lecture.
These were no confined solely to the
subject-matter of the discourse, but
covered wide range of topics bear
ing on Socialism. Mr.. Goldstein an
swered them in such way as to con-
vince the most skeptical that he had
very complete grasp of the problems
of Socialism and their bearing on
present day conditions.
One cannot listen for any length of
time to Mr. Goldstein without being
convinced that he possesses
thorough mastery of his subject.
There is nothing vague or hesitating
in his exposition of socia1istic teach
ing. The many years which he spent
among the active propagators of So
cialism have made him familiar with
every phase of the question. When
he left the ranks of the party in dis
gust because it would not eliminate
its irreligious and anarchistic doc
| trines he was we'll qualified to expose
the tactics of socialistic leaders; and
during the past decade of years he
has done more, perhaps, than any
| other man in America to place Social
ism in its true light before the Amer
lean people. His conversion to the
Catholic Church deepened his con-
viction that she alone can success
fully stem the tide of Socialism which
now threatens the peace and stability
| OF society. Mr.. Goldstein deserves
the support and encouragement of all
who have at heart the welfare of
their fellowmen; and it Is to be re-
gretted that Catholic societies have
not shown greater eagerness to
place at the disposal of their members
and fellowmen the fund of informa-
ton in regard to Socialism and its
dangers to Church and State which
he possesses.