THE SOCIALIST SUCCESS IN GERMANY.

Lyttelton Times, Volume LVII, Issue 6508, 5 January 1882, Page 5

THE SOCIALIST SUCCESS IN GERMANY.

Writing of the German elections the Timts says:—No doubt the most striking fact connected with the elections is the remorkable increase in the number of Socialist voters. They have fought with every possible disadvantage. Their Press has beenmuzzled. They dare not freely hold meetings. The agitation in favour of their cause had to be conducted secretly. Yet neither the terrors of the law nor the blandishments offered by tho Chancellor have prevented their presenting a formidable array at the elections. The number of seats which they have secured is yet uncertain; but they have un« doubtedly reoorded an aggregate number of votes for in excess of that which they polled at the last general elections. These facts form a curious commentary on the I Anti-Socialist Law. It has now been in operation for three years. No pains have been spared to give it full effect. The police have kept a sharp eye on seditious newsi papers and pamphlets. Socialists havs been tried and sternly punished. Yet Herr Bebel and Herr Liobknecht can obtain more votes than in the days when they were free to speak and publish what they liked. Though far from satisfactory, this state of things is not disheartening. It suggests that, concurrently with steps to vindicate the law should go measures of conciliation, and that efforts ehould bo taken to ascertain the source of what is in some respeots a restless and rancorous feeling of opposition to all constituted authority. Per* haps examination would show that certain of its roots derive their sap from the gigantic sohemes of centralisation favoured by the Government. Perhaps, too, inquiry would roveal the partly consoling f»ct that, under the title of Socialist!!, a vast number of persons who are merely irregular politician* and who have no desire to imitate ft (idol or Nobiling, record their votes. A so-called Socialist is sometimes equally innocent and ignorant