SOCIALISTS IN GERMAMY.

Gisborne Times, Volume XII, Issue 1085, 31 December 1903, Page 1

SOCIALISTS IN GERMAMY.

PARTY BADLY. SPLIT, .UP,.

BERLIN, Sent. J 3. U,ust as the Socialist Party is about to attain an almost control--Ing voice in the Reichstag, it is threatened with a split that may cleave it to its foundations. August Bebel, the Nestor of German Socialism, who has been at the forefront of the fight in the Reichstag for 36 years and has been in gaol on fourteen occasions for Ms opinions, feels that he is being forsaken by his younger comrades t The feeling that Bebel is an autocrat has been prevalent for years in the party, but only lately has it found expression.; The present excitement broke out soon after the recent election, when Herr Bernstein, who represents educated, moderate Socialism, said the' party was strong enough to claim a Vice-Presidency in. the Reichstag. Bebel boiled at this. Vice-Presidents must go to court, must shake the Kaiser’s hand and rise from their places in the Reichstag when cheers are given for him. Babel's attitude involved him in fierce controversy with numerous Socialist associations throughout the country, and when he asked the Vorwaertz to publish his defence, its editors refused, on the ground that the publication would be against the interests of the party. The Voerwaertz is leaning towards the opportunists. It is controlled by three men of extraordinary ability who any the coming, iieadeirs of Socialism in Germany. Herr Heine is a shrewd lawyer, witty, horribly sarcastic at times, and a master of the art of wrapping up lese majeste in words which even the crown prosecutors cannot cavil at. A more powerful man still is Ignatz Auer, once a saddler, now without doubt the most able man the Socilaists have Auer is a great organiser—he speaks seldom, but with marvellous effect. For years there has been growing antagonism between Auer and Bebel. Another hostile, force to Bebel is young Llebknecht, the promising son of the dead leader. Wilhelm >-nl) kncchi is a lawyer, aged 30, m whom many Socialists see the rising hope of tiicir party.- These three men 3 re behind the decision of the Vieiw; ti'tz to refuse Bebel s aiticlcs. Thev believe Bebele’s dominating position hinders the growtn of the cause and his uncompromising alt - furic provokes the dislike winch all other political parties feel towards Socialism. The coming Snmhst 'Congress in Dresden wiH witness ;Sy scenes and prnbahlv nrepare the way for a disastrous sp i