SOCIALISM.

Manawatu Herald, 29 November 1904, Page 2

SOCIALISM.

BROTHER FOX SPEAKS. TO THE EDITOR OF THE MANAWATTJ HERALD. Sir,— l have been very interested in the leading article Which appeared in your last Thursday’s issue entitled “ The Paper.” First of all, I was glad when I read the first part to see that you expressed the regret that the named journal had lapsed. Alas I not because you thought it would have been a moral influence for good, but only for explaining'about and interesting the public- in the principles of Socialism, and you kindly advised those who hanker aiter Socialism to satisfy themselves with the English Socialistic organ the “ Clarion.” Well, one must be thankful for small mercies, and I always like to take some kind hints wherever they come from, but having been a constant reader of “ Clarion ” for years, I cannot follow your advice, but hope some will take notice of it, and become interested in that most valuable paper. Secondly, having stated your regret, you proceed to explain, or rather attempt to do so, why that journal ceased to appear a second time, and you seem to think that the failure ot the paper is due to the way the public treats Socialism. I cannot contradict your statement as I have no idea why that journal dddsed to exist.- But what I am going to do is this to express my regret to hear that the New Zealand public regards so slightly a matter such as Socialism for which the human race is craving. Is it true ? or is it only a sweeping assertion ? Is the public here so satisfied that their social, and moral conditions are perfect, that they don’t want to hear any more about humanity and brotherhood ? I dont think that even here in this Colony, with all its democratic institutions, we have reached the true idea of Socialism and perfect order of brotherhood. Far frdrtl it, Socialism will conquer this world, because it is natural, it is human, it is divine. My idea is this—(hat even if this Socialistic periodical has failed to appear a second time—tlld more should the existing papers explain to the public the principles of Socialism, and never mind a certain class who dislike its principles, and name. To like the kertieHs excellent, but sometimes the husk is very usefnl to preserve the kernel. We want Socialism to fight against the insolent pride of riches which . strives to crush the poor. Socialism Which will muse the masses to teach them the brotherhood of men, to redress the wrongs, to establish a moral state of affairs, to realise Ihe great object of life. Yes! Socialism which will abolish class distinction and class hatred ! I hope to enlarge on this imnortant subject more when time permits. In the meantime, I am, etc., Brother Fox. [Before Commenting on the above, we must express our thanks to Brother Fox for taking np the cudgels on behalf of Socialism. We had thought a profpssing Socialist was a rara avis in Foxton, and we are pleasantly surprised to find that in the person of Brother Fox there is such an one in our midst, and we trust he will favour us on some future occasion with an exposition of the principles of Socialism. Mr Fox has, however, somewhat misunderstood our meaning. Our reason for recommending the study ot Socialism was not so much on account of its being merely an interesting subject, but because it is becoming a potent power in many countries, and because it upholds certain ideals which, even if impracticable, are well worth the attention ot those who desire to ameliorate the social condition of their fellow beings. Be it far from us to assert there is no truth in the teachings of Socialism. At the same time there are many forms of Socialism, —some good, others the reverse. Some Socialists openly declare their disbelief in the Christian religion. We had a lecturer of this type here a short time ago. Another section, whose adherents are to be found both in Australia and New Zealand, have leanings towards Communism—a Communism that is at once as revolting as it is dangerous. It is because ideas of this kind are sanctioned by some Socialists that the people of New Zealand are apt to become suspicious of the whole scheme, and they most assuredly cannot be blamed for taking up this stand. It would be remarkable indeed if they did not. Fanatics of this sort comprise perhaps only a small body of those who profess Socialism. It is to be hoped so. But our contention that New Zealanders regard Socialism unfavourably, far from being a sweeping assertion, is undoubtedly an obvious actuality. The very fact that there are no Socialist members in Parliament may be taken as significant of the feeling of the people on the subject - The tone of the press is a further evidence of public opinion. Apart from this, however, the number of persons who attend Socialist gather, ings is not large compared with the population, while a still smaller proportion profess Socialism, and even nf these many are net bona fide New Zealanders. Certainly, the discourse of some of our Socialist orators is, to say the least, not convincing to the average man who possesses the capacity to think for himself. No, Socialism at present is a rather uncertain mixture. Possibly in years to come it may undergo a refining process, and then perhaps it will appear more desirable in the eyes of the public. At the present time, despite Brother Fox’s argument, we must still maintain that New Zealanders as a people are not favourably disposed towards Socialism and its doctrines.— Ed. M.H.]