Tensas gazette. [volume] (St. Joseph, La.) 1886-current, 1914-04-03


democratic equality and q rigid disci
pine among its members. It IL aid
ed. OF course, In its discipline by the
spirit Of organisation which in drilled
into the German from childhood. Ita
leaders are never beyond party crici
cism. but its masses act a. Q unit
under the leaders direction. II has
added strength because it has not per
mitted itself to be used by politicians
to get jobs. It has been q cause which
has held the members together rather
than q campaign to get Offices. All
this. added to the considerable and
widespread Industrial discomfort, has
increased the membership Of the
party, bringing to 1t at. the elections
many bankers. merchants and profess
sional men of advanced Liberal views
who were disappointed at the NEGLECT
iveness Of the Liberal parties-which
like most else in Germany live under
government inspiration - and dis
pleased at the ineptitude Of their lead
ers.
10 Substantially q Unit
What II the future of the Social
Democratic party? Others than the
German kaiser and those of the estab-
lished order are asking this question
most seriously. In part due to its
influence. though perhaps more large
ly due to the paternalism of the gov
eminent and other causes, much
progress has been made in the wide
held of social reform. The party has
remained substantially q unit. Bebel's
towering influence aided in maintain
ing this unity. His successor, with
out Bebel's historical importance
though possessed of his ability, may
not be able to prevent the rise of dis
cordant factions and the destruction
OF the party. - 20 many other parties
have been destroyed. on the rock of
personal ambition.
Already three distinct schools or
factions struggle for supremacy. The
older and more radical faction wish
to insist on all their reforms In their
entirety or none: the younger, or re-
visionist elements, apparently now
the. stronger. are willing to join with
the Liberals and others to get half q
loaf today rather than no bread, ex-
pecting the whole loaf tomorrow; Q
third and influential faction seek to
the old and the new
schools. preserving unity of action.
Party's Future Provision.
Discussion Of the general strike -
political weapon II acute just now
as Is criticism by the radicals Of their
representatives In the reichstag who
voted. according to the revisionist |
principles. for direct instead Of indi-
rect TAXATION for military purposes a.
The lesser Of two evils. These discus
sions are Of less consequence than |
Of the future Of the |
party ~ . whole. There are no signs
hat this future win be less important
n the empire than has been the |
'arty's past Indeed the contrary ap-
pears probable. The Social Demo
ratio party, in country where men
Ind women are educated to under
'tand and do what they are told with
tut asking for any reasons, II superb
y organized. Its leaders have cour-
lge. common sense. ability, the con-
ldence Of the rank and fle. It 10 the
me potent political force for democ-
acy in Germany today. All that 1t
lopes 1t may not soon. II at all, &C.
omplish. Under its influence, how
yer. or the influence Of the party or
'arties into which II breathes life,
feudalism and caste, now
o obnoxious in this mighty nation,
I'LL be shorn Of much Of their Of
and power. Short Of 90
ialism. Germany may be content
18th Q republic.
Whatever else may come from the
etermined struggles of the Social
'emocrats. 1t IL certain that william
10 the last German emperor who
Ill write In the Golden Book Of
lunich "Suprema Lex Regis volun-
H." His successor. kaiser or presi-
emit, will write rather the motto on .
lissouri's coat Of arms, "Salus Populi
uprema Lex Esto." He win live MP
the motto, or. failing. lose his Job
:, perhaps, even his head. For this
has the Social Democratic
arty, aided and allotted by the Ger
an emperor himself, to thank.
(Copyr1ght, 1914 BY Joseph h Bovleal