SOCIALISM.

Manawatu Herald, 17 December 1904, Page 2

SOCIALISM.

TO THE EDITOR OP .THE MANAWATU HERALD. Sib, — Having promised to enlarge on a subject called Socialism, I beg leave to insert the following article : No thinking man or woman living in this twentieth century will |leny this great fact, that there is a, great thought-current passing through the whole civilized world which demands our most careful scrutiny and our whole hearted sympathy, It is the desire and longing after satisfaction. It is Socialism, the angel ©f happiness, brotherhood, and prosperity. \ movement irrespective of nationality colour, creed or sex. And there are two, and only two ways, of regarding this huge movement. The first way would be to turn a deaf ear againsc it, and the second way would be to open our eyes, and behold in it the truth, and source of happiness. 1 feel flattered to see in the Manawatu Herald thanks expressed on my behalf for taking up the cudgels on behalf of Socialism, but at the same time am astonished to find views expressed that “ New Zealanders as a people are not favourably disposed towards Socialism,’’ and even Some proof of that statement. Now, having travelled this 16.000 miles from the .Old Country to behold a democratic people, the model of all countries, I found oUt for myself that the social conditions here are far better than in any other country In the world, at least all so-called Civilized, I have visited. And, therefore, 1 maintain that the majority of New Zealanders are socialist, and utterly disagree with the last named statement. That there are not members in Parliament by name as a Socialist is not a proof that they are not in principle. Rome was not built in one day, and we cannot expect to see a state of perfect socialistic ideas, carried, out fully in such a short time since the socialistic propaganda began. But one thing is true, that Socialism makes headway in all countries towards the great goal humanity is craving for, even in despotic Russia. Why am I a Socialist ? Because I am a Christian. Recognising this, I will try. to explain my .views of Socialism. To get fully to understand its meaning we must be first clear, that it is not some dry stuff or some watery thing, but something which will turn this, world upside down, and fight side up. But first, before people can accept the full principle of it, they must be educated up to it. And next week I hope fully to explain what view I take, and will quote some authorities on that subject. I am, etc., Bbo. Fox. [We must confess that Brother Fox’s letter does not help us to a better understanding of Socialism. The vital question is, “What is Socialism?” Until a satisfactory answer to this question is forthcoming, the subject cannot get any “forrader.”— Ed. M.H.]