Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1918-02-24
Socialism AS Aid TO Autocracy.

\ WASHINGTON contributor to The Times
Dispatch dissents from a recent editorial
utterancc of this paper, in which it is affirmed
that socialism at its best is impossible of re-
i" a!ization until human nature undergocs COM
! plete transformation in fundamental traits that
lilo at the very basis of aspiration and social
progress, and inquiries: How would you sug
gest that we go about the bringing to pass
this fundamental change Of human traits?'
The answer to this question the writer un-
consciously gives himself He says: You
must admit, according TO this editorial. that
this change in human traits is possible be-
cause already some of the once radical things
wo stood for considered practical
You must admit that many of the things We
have for century stood for arc now not
considered Utop;an but intensely practical
so much so that tho very enemies of our cause
are compelled to subscribe to them"
The point must not be overlooked that the
practical things" advocated by tho Socialists
which the writer AYERS have found general
acceptance. in far they have satsfac-
torily stood the test of experience were the
result OF the application of the principles and
teachings of democracy in tho process of edu-
eating the people to the benefits that may be
equitabiy difused among all classes by the
popular will moving utelligently toward that
objective, for which the methods Of democ-
racy afford the widest scope. In so far as
socialism supports this program, it logically
follows that it owes inspiration for it's adj
rocacy OF these practical things to tho
teachings OF democracy, and that the general
acceptance of the fundam entail truths back OF
them has found application under the demo-
cratic program. With tho progress thus ad-
mittcd as result Of the workings Of dcmoc-
racy--a striking testimonial to its benefcence
the extension OF its benefits is to be secured
by continued education OF the masses in the
essentials OF good government, in which fun
damGnial traits Of human nature shall re-
spond to those higher conceptions of duty
inculcated by sound education.
Democracy is as much opposed to war as
Is socialism. but, unlike socialism, with
It's Utopian dreams. of which we have a shock
uS example in Russia in the ignomnious sur
render ol the government of it's creation and
rctusal 10 oppose force against constituencies
autocracy pillaging its territory and putting
10 Inc sword its population, democracy de-
lenos Itself and the rights OF oppressed peo-
pies b. combating force with force until tho
rule Of might against right shall find no Mace
IN the councils of nations and democracy shall
OBTAIN It's peaceful sway throughout the earth
Ana when autocracy shall have thus been de-
stroEcd' democracy has provided already a
pan ny which 1t may never again come tn
ne ana menace the peace of the world and
'he security OF peace-loving peoples
30 !ong as socialism aids autocracy e;tber
by lending itself tool to the furtharinr
OF us nioody designs or by yielding to it's
power anu threats the charge that il is the
betrayer OF civilization" inesca ablv cline
TO il.