Manawatu Herald. [Established Aug. 27, 1878.] SATURDAY, JULY 2, 1904. Thoughts on Socialism.

Manawatu Herald, 2 July 1904, Page 2

Manawatu Herald. [Established Aug. 27, 1878.] SATURDAY, JULY 2, 1904. Thoughts on Socialism.

Socialism has been making such rapid strides during the last few years that the public are beginning to evince something more than a mere passing interest in it; and this interest has been heightened locally by the lecture recently delivered by Mr J. Wilson. Socialism is not a new thing. Most people are aware in a vague kind of way that it aims at reforming society, abolishing poverty and crime, substituting as- 1 sociation for competition, securing to j every man the foil return of big

labour, and so on; and they will readily confess that such objects as these are praiseworthy. The only question about which they have any doubt is the practicability of its adoption. How is this marvellous -.•hangs to c one about ? lT*w ca* tuo Socialist? This is the crucial point. The aftermath is right enough, but by what process is the transformation to be wrought ? Here common sense usually asserts itself, and they are forced to come to the conclusion that Socialism, though much to be desired, is altogether impracticable. The chasm between the world of to-day and the Utopia of the Socialist is too wide to bo spanned. To succeed now-a-days a thing must be essentially practicable and this is just where Socialism fails, or appears to fail. This Inch of adaptability was .an outstanding feature in the address delivered by Mr Wilson on Friday evening last. The lecturer painted agiowing picture of the benefits ensuing to the Community under Socialism, but at the end of his lecture the old question of practicability seemed as far from being solved as ever. Unless this can be proved to the satisfaction of the people, they will never regard Socialism as anything else but a beautiful dream.

We gathered from Mr Wilson's remarks on Friday last, and subsequent inquiry has confirmed our impression, that he Was opposed to Christianity. To us, and we believe, to most people, the doctrines enunciated by Christ appear to bo almost synonymous with those of Socialism, and this view is taken by the premier Socialist of the day—Loo Tol-

stoy. Mr Wilson was not at all convincing when he maintained that the teachings of Buddha were equal to* those of Christianity, and he certainly did not further the cause of Socialism by alluding to the Christian religion in the way he did. However, as before stated, the leading Socialists of the day are not at all in sympathy with Mr Wilson’s views on the matter ; and we think it only right to mention this lest any ot those who were present at the recent lecture may have become prejudiced against Socialism on account of the peculiar views advocated by the lecturer. Mr Wilson would in fact have acted more wisely if he had left religious topics alone and stuck closely to his subject, “ Socialism.” The followers of Theosophy may or may not bo an “army of silent workers ” for Socialism, but Theosophy and Socialism are two distinct things, and should not be confounded.

The changes proposed to bj made with regard to domestic life under Socialism are necessarily uncertain,, and although Wr Wilson gave a glimpse of how the family would he affected under Socialism, he did n it throw much light on the matter. From what he said the women appear to be the chief gainers by the change. Mr Wilson foretold that the time would come when a woman would be at liberty to propose to a man, without being thought improper, and evidently in his opinion this seemed a question of consider able importance, though we fail to see that woman stands to gain much thereby in the way of emancipation. Mr Wilson also declared himself in favour of easy divorce laws, such as now obtain in the United States, and we take it that under Socialism divorces will be procured with little or no difficulty. Whether this would be an improvement 5n present methods is debateable. At any rate we are doubtful whether such an innovation would be acceptable to John Bull, who is particularly sensitive in his belief of the saoredness of tba marriage tie. The results in America are certainly not such as would encourage the adoption of similar laws in Britain and the colonies. * :j: * A peculiar feature of Socialism is the pessimistic view it takes of the world in genera'. This is perhaps necessary in order to impress the people with a sense of its desirability., The vice and misery existing at the preseut time is undoubtedly very great, and Socialism would render an inestimable service to humanity if it could succeed in mitigating these evils. Whils', however, giving this due consideration, it does not do to forget the fact that the human race has made, and is making, great progress in the arts of civilisa ion, and that the world of to day is a vast improvement on the world as it was was at the beginning of the nineteenth century, and tha f . that in turn was an advance on the age before it, and so on. We cannot but admit that the constitution of modern society has been productive of many evils, but it is well at times to take a glance at the reverse side of the picture. Only by so doing can we judge of the matter fairly.

The outlook for Socialists in Australia is not so promising as it was. It seems as if the Arbitration Bill that caused the downfall of Mr Deakin would also lead to the undoing of Mr Watson and his colleagues. It will indeed be a pity if Mr Watson is driven from office, without being able to give the public a sample ol his ability, The Labour

Party intends to put into practice some of the theories of Socialism, and it will be interesting to note the result of their experiments in that beba f. It is improbable, however, that Mr Watson will be able to do • iirli. If, is on’v h •■ of th. omnuirv .‘imnufl his rmnnooni-i flw no manages U) li'.vp ,i,; ;ui, ann if anything in the direction of Socialism is attempted, Mr Reid and Mr Deakin will no doubt join hands for the purpose of opposing it. Socialism, pure and simple, is a long way from becoming an established system, and the fact that its supporters are in a minority in Australia, where Socialism has perhaps reached the highest pitch of development, clearly proves that it has a tremendous task to accomplish before it can persuade, the world into acceptance of its t,henries,

Untries for Messfs Abraham and Williams’ Palmerston stock sale are advertised to day; A meeting of footballers is called for Tuesday evening next, at the Post Office Hotel, for the purpose of forming a Union. Messrs Proilse Bros, have arranged With Messrs Jitpp and Co.) for the transport of the output from the Shannon sawmill to Foxtou via the Manawatn river. The railway returns show an increase of t.-j t.cigy in the passengers carried on the Government lines during May, as compared with the corresponding period of last year. A mart sentenced td jo days’ imprisonment at Wilkesbarre, Pa., had to be released because he coughed so vigorously and continuously day and ' night that the men in the cells near him could not sleep. Mi* C. J. Uilltdri, the head doverameut hemp grader, has been spending a couple of days in Foxton, and visited a number of the mills in the district. Just previous to coming here Mr Fulton had been in the Auckland province. The many triajds of Dr Rockstrow, who lately left the colony on a visit to his native land, will be sorry to learn that he was seriously ill on the voyage. and further news regarding his state of health is anxiously awaited by his relatives. We have two pictures : the heart and the sinew, aye ! and the brain, of Australia, flocking to Maoriland with bright eyes that see visions of domestic bliss, and hope, and prosperity. And we have the scum of Ungland herded together, man and woman, on pauper ships, coming up the Yarra and the Derwent and Sydney Harbour.-—Ho-bart Clipper. “We have it on record that a man can keep a wife and four or five chidden on //J, a week,” remarked a solicitor nt the Auckland Magistrate’s Court. “ I’d like to see you do it,” replied the judgment debtor, who had stated that he was keeping a wife and one child on a month. “ I’m not likely to try,” said counsel. In a recent case at Rangiora for alleged cruelty to a lior.se, one honorary solicitor to the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals appeared as an accused party, and another honorary solicitor to the Society appeared to defend the five accused. The Warrimoo had a rough passage across from Sydney to Wellington. There was a mountainous sea, fierce squalls, rain and hail on Monday. A heavy sea burst the starboard saloon cabin door ot its hinges, and let a quantity of water into the saloon. One of the poop rails was broken as a result of the deck cargo shifting. Constable Wilton, giving evidence belore the Rangitikei Licensing Committee, said the co-operative labourers were absolutely lawless, and a best intentioned publican would find it impossible to conduct his hotel properly. The men stood six deep in front of the bar and reached for drinks. One man paid for a drink and the wrong man got it, and would not give it up. There was no use in reasoning with these men ; physical force was the only means.

A great scandal has been caused at the Swedish University of Gothenburg by Miss Garling, a lady student, and Mr Frithjof Palmer, a student, announcing in the local papers that they had concluded a “ conscience ” marriage—that is to say, orite without legal ties. “ Mrs ” Palmer has been cut by her family, and the rector of the University has publicly declared the action of the young couple as offensive to society. Four hundred students of both sexes and several university teachers have, however, protested against what they call the rector’s “ unjustified interference,” The total, losses of the Russians in the land fighting in killed, wounded, and prisoners must be very great; The battle of the Yalu and the retreat accounted for about 8500 killed and wounded ; the battles of Kinchau and Nanshan Hill for about 5000; and the battle of Wafangkan for 11,000. . Then (here were the affairs of Voganfan, Siuyen, Samaki, and numerous skirmishes in Manchuria and in the penin snla. It is a low estimate that the total losses under fire have been considerably over 40,000. Mr John Plimmer, known as “the father of Wellington,” attained his ninety-second year on Tuesday last. The old man is in failing health, and is unable to leave his room. He is the only surviving member of the original Chamber of Commerce established in i 857The Yellow invasion of England has begun. A country house in one of the home countries (writes a correspondent) is now entirely served by Japanese women. They were engaged and brought from Japan by an English lady who had long suffered under the incivility, incompetence, and gossip of the British tribe of Mary Ann. So far the experiment is a complete success, and the sight of these Japanese maidens going about their work in their native dress is as picturesqe as their care of the house is perfect,

A Maori appeared at the window of the Shannon railway station the other day and spoke as follows 1 Howiruichagocomebacktikitaalicome ? “Ah ! That’s a puzzle for yon,” said a bystander. “ Not at all,” said the stationmaster, 11 he wants to know the price of a return ticket to Ilalcnmhe.’’

Tn-night an opportunil v will be given to those who are preparing for the Masonic bail to select something very nice for that occasion. Mr G. H. Stiles, with characteristic energy, has made a splendid show inside and out of all that is requisite, particularly in silks and flowers, and an inspection of these goods even to those not inlying will be of interest. The s.s. Moa when coming up to the wharf yesterday morning grounded on the bank which has been a source of inconvenience' and worry to masters of vessels trading to thd port. She managed to get free after some trouble, hut owing to a defect in the steering gear she ran ashore on the opposite side of the rlvei'. The steamer Gertie, which was leaving at the time, then tried to get the' Moa off, but was unable, the steel hawser used parting. After other unavailing attempts the Gertie then proceeded on her way. Last night the Mbit succeeded in gating off at the full tide, ailcl came up to the wharf, and discharged her cargo of coal this morning. It is high time that the authorities interested should at once take such Steps to have this sand-bank removed, as what with loss of time and expense that is constantly occurring, must without any doubt be prejudicial to our shipping trade. The Marine Department, if approached by the Borough Council, would most probably send up an engineer to report as to' what is necessary to clear the obstruction dw'ftVi

A few miles at sea off the Fdx'ton bar the steamer Moa came across a small boat adrift. Captain Sawyers had the craft hauled on to the steamer and brought up to the wharf. Some apprehension was felt that some persons had met with disaster, but all doubtswere set at rest by a well-known flaxmiller laying claim to the prize, the boat having broken from her moorings at Wifokino and drifted to sea, A monster shark was captured at Lady Bay, Warnambool, a few days ago. After reeceiving ,a fatal wound from a bullet, ropes were made fast round the shark's body with the object of bringing it ashore, but these broke. Eventually a chain was secured, and with the aid of a crane, the monster was landed on the jetty. It-was then found to be 19ft 6in in length and 14ft round the girth, having an enormous jaw. It is known as a shovel-mouthed shark. It weighed nearly two tons, being the largest ever captured in these waters. Over 100 large teeth were extracted to be sold. It is said that the Swainson Bcvan Company intend running a daily coach between Levin and Foxton. They are erecting a warehouse at Wereroa, and when completed they expect to do a large shipping business with the Port of Foxton, and it is in this connection that the coach is to be established. It is also .mentioned that it is their intention to run to suit the arrival and departure of trains at Levin, thus being able to cater for the passenger trade also. The residents at this end have nothing to complain of in regard to the present service for passengers, as the two coaches that leave twice daily for both Shannon and Levin has proved quite satisfactory.

SANDER and SONS EUCALPYTI EXTRACT. According to reports of a great number of physicians of the hightest professional standing, there are offered Eucalpyti Ex tracts which possess no curative qualities. In protection of the world wide fame of Sanders and Sons preparation We pub isli a few abstracts from these reports, which bear fully out that no reliance can be placed in other products;—Dr. W. B Rush, Oakland Fia.. writes It is sometimes difficult to obtain the genuine article (Sander and Sons). I employed different other preparations; they had no therapeutic value and no effects. In one case the effects were similar to the oil eamphora, the objectionable action of which is wed known.” Dr H. B. Drake, Portland, Oregon, says—" Since I became acquainted with this preparation (Sander and (Sons) I use no other form of eucalyptus as ( think it is by far the best.” Dr L. P. Preston’s Lynchburg, Ya., writes—" I never’used any preparation other than Sander and Son's, as I found the others to be almost useless.” Dr 3. T. Cornell, Kansas Gity, Kans.*, says — "Care has to be exercised not to be supplied with spurious preparations, as done by my supply druggist.” Dr H. H. Hart, New York, says — "lt goes without saying that Sander and Sons’ Eucalypti Extract is the best in the market.” Dr James Reekie, Fairview, N. M.— " So wide is with me the range of ’applications of Sander and Sons Eucalypti Extract that I carry it with me wherever I go. I fiui it most useful in diarrhoea, all throat troubb a bronchitis, etc.” For Children’s Hacking 1 Cough at Night, Woods’ Great Peppermint Cure. Is Gd. A great slaughter of human animals, such as fleas, flies, lice on plants, on fowls, on horses and on children’s heads, cockroaches, will be effected by using Bock’s " Mortein ” Insect Powder and spreaders. Will kill within five minutes every fly in a closed room Price Is. Bock’s “ Mortein ”is world fan’ and cunningly imitated. The public will kiudly see that the proprietor’s name.—“ P. Bock and Co.”— is on every tin ae none is genuine without it. All chemists and stores, locally of M. H. Walker, Red House, Foxton. Rheumatism is cured by Chamberlain’s Pain Balm. One application relieves the pain. For sale by all dea'ers. Woods’ Great Peppermint Cure, for Coughs and Colds never fai's. Is Cd. A Timely Suggestion.— This is the season of the year when the prudent and careful housewife replenishes her supply of Chamberlain’s Cough Remedy. It is certain to be needed before the winter is over, and results are much more prompt and satisfactory when it is kept at hand and given as soon as the cold is contracted and before it has become settled in the system. In almost every instance a severe cold may be warded off by taking this remedy freely as soon as the first indication of the cold appears. There is no danger in giving it to children for it contains no harmful sub stance. It is pleasant to take—both adults and children like it. Buy it and you will get the best. It always owes, gold by all dealers.