The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1912-05-04

that Socialism IS International not ahtt-na-
uonal The Socialists are the best patriots we
have"
We confess to confusion in understanding
the distinction that MIR Berger is so evidently
trying 10 impress. Patriotism is generally
Understood to be love of country. lnterna-
lt;onaltsm. 2vif it means auythns must mean a
sort of universal brotherhood OF races and
uations So far as particular countries are
concerned it must follow that with respect
to the Individual country the policy Is de-
struetive Of separate natonalism. Therefore,
Socialism can scarcely be patriotism. We did
not before know this for the creed of the
most variously interpreted Of all political be-
efs, but If we have correctly diagnosed the
case. # Is not remarkable that the parade
which afterwards turned into the mob that
tore down the American flag carried red ban
uers. Red is not only the party color of So
clal;sm; 1t takes only its impression upon the
eve TO len it be known as the symbol of yi6
1ence and destruction. Whoever has seen
tire lick mp a building viii need no instruction
FL the meaning OF the red flag
Socialism apart. It is Just such occurrences
az those which nave once or twice happened
l., New YORK and which every now and then
gire the police about Hyde Park In London
mild thrill which Justify the best basis of
belief IN the stability Of government In the
two great English speaking countries of the
world. How does it happen that in city like
New York. with its thousands of police and
With troops in easy call, eight thousand people
are permitted TO parade the streets With red
flags How does it happen that. with all the
defensive forces of London at hand. it is still
possible for thousands TO gather together and
talk fncendarism 10 their hearts content?
Does it NOT mean exactly that neither New
ork nor London fears either socialism
anarchy Is 1t not the best proof that
the vast majority of citizens are loyal
and patriotic. and that tt1is fact Is 80
evident that even the open profession OF
treason Is not sufficient to create ripple on
the placidity Of government? In other words,
is not the very negligence which the police
and the authorities show in permitting anarchy
10 screech in the pubic place the result OF
the certainty that they can make no effective
appeal
Let mob attempt TO wave a red flag in
Germany or In France Let an anarchist cry
Down with the Government or spit
nas in Paris. or Berlin or ST Petersburg
Instantly, the troops are on the move, crisis
Is imminent, the high places stirred to
action. Why? Because in these countries
there is ever the fear and the memory Of
anarchy triumphant The Government does
not trust the people-It needs 10 exert the
mailed fist. It must hold hard to the reins of
power A spark might explode the magazine
of treason that lies constant menace beneath
the foundations of order.
Whereas in England and in the United
States the people are free, and know it. They
are in reality themselves the Government
They know IT, When an anarchist rants
against the established order. we laugh
When Socialist internationul' or anti
national pulls down a flag, we let him 90
the limit The country continues TO sleep
,o'nights, Because a great population confirms.
la few cranks-at-large is no reason for the
sounding of the long roll