New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-10-15

/ A in Germany, socialism has been toler-
ated in Sweden as long az 1t corhned Nse''
10 industrial reforms, and more so since '"e
German Social Democrats, who, OF course
aro the dictators Of Socialists all over th'
world have let up on the issue OF war ah'
militarism. But as far as the Industrial
worker is concerned he had ALREADY I'M
proved his condition through unions "heh
the Socialist Democratic party gained ioo'-
hold. politically, in Sweden And the mos
TO be- said about the party IL that undef 'ne
false mask of Marx il merely takes care OF
labor and as in Germany. seems TO De 'e'J
willing to compromise when it comes TO such
important matters as government Hence
the King. like the Kaiser, fears little from
the Socialists.
The party preceding the Socialists among
Liberals was what we might call the repuo-
lcans, who always cited France and the kevo-
luton. and who were more interested IN
change of government than anything else,
and also in individualism. But they were the
intellectuals and could only, as ruit. keep
ND their secret and rather mild propaganda
during their student years. rs most q them
ultimately had to enter the royal service
Thus. they we're never able 70 show strong
oppostion in the Riksdag, but, nevertheless,
thew were feared more by the Conservatives
than are now the Socialists, who are mercy
looked upon as workmen who desire better
wages and then keep quiet
Merely Labor Party
Thus. under the pretext Of furthcring So
- 10 p,Tr
than united labor, WI .ch, as in the United
States. usually surrc'ts the Democratic party
the difference, though, being that our labor
party has not adopted .ocal.sm but leaves
the Socialists TO work out their dreams them
selves: moreover, our laborng class ooieVes
IN individual.sm The Kaiser knew what ne
did when he encouraged the Socialists. He
could count on them for his armies, nd
il Sweden the King recruits his armies from
the peasant class, which is politically DEAF
and dumb and loyal from lack Of intellect
The rest Of the population are simpy dua SIS.
We might find Il man here and there who Is
an outspoken democrat, but then he pays for
his independence b. being refused entrance 20
the royal service" Conservatives are those
who keep their belief 10 themselves and Tor
the sake OF their bread and butter speak as
they are wanted to.
Between an autocracy and constitution
al" monarchy there is only the difference
that an autocracy develops beasts and the
constitutional" monarchy hypocrites. ana
socialism. with it's narrow selhshness, IS aid
ing both the beasts and the hypocrites n
Germany and Sweden. where the peoples are
so afraid of universal brotherhood that. they
are willing to fight France and the United
Statesl
Swed sh Democracy
As an example Of democratic sentiment in
Sweden. I think the following little episode
will interest Americans:
visited the beautiful city of Stockholm
where haopenel to e 6orn-in 1906. Nat
urally. alter so many years residence IN
America, wanted to see fellow citizen Of
nv adon.iye land. and one day | told the
friend with whom stayed: 81 think will 20
I'D and see the United States Minister" Ny
friend. who had been during mis- student years
a great liberal, but was now tanned in the
royal service informed me that ! could not
90 and see an ambassador without cere-
mony, and urged NE TO write the secretary
first begging for an audience. | said That
would take my chances without any ceremony
and went And it happened that ran
irto our representative himself when
opened the door of the anteroom to the chan-
. cc!ler,-our minister, with his back toward
M. t;lted in comfortable American rocking
chair. Turning his head around, he received
my inquiry about the secretary, and. rs-
ing, very courteously replied: 81 am very
sorry, but the secretary is out, but | am
Colonel C, if you desire any informa-
ton" Thus was introduced to our popular
representative and he actually kept me talk
Ing for over an hour. When | left ne verY
cordially said, "Drop in again" was, o.
course, very elated by his cordiality, but
also much impressed by his dignified man
ners sans ceremOnie.'
When | returned 10 my friends house |
found the family 7cry eager 70 tell me that I,
of course. only could have succeeded in gain