The Socialism of to-day

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Monograph

Identifikator:: 835096955

URN:: urn:nbn:de:zbw-retromon-28834

Document type:: Monograph

Author:: Laveleye, Émile de

Title:: The Socialism of to-day

Place of publication:: London

Publisher:: Field & Tuer

Year of publication:: 1884

Scope:: 1 Online-Ressource (XLIV, 331 S.)

Collection:: Economics Books

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68 THE SOCIALISM OF TO-DAY. ment. I am amazed that I should be reproached with having interested myself in the solution of the social question. The real reproach to which I am exposed is that I have not per severed and conducted this work to a successful issue. But it did not belong to my ministerial department, and time failed me. War and foreign politics demanded my attention. These attempts at co-operative societies failed for want of sound practical organization. As far as production was concerne all went well; but on the commercial side it was otherwise, and the difficulties were so many that they have hitherto proved insurmountable. Possibly the cause may have been in the workmen’s want of confidence in their managers and superiors. In England this confidence does really exist, and co-operative societies flourish. At all events, I cannot understand why I should be reproached for making some experiments which His Majesty has paid for out of his private purse.” It will be seen that Lassalle’s plans of social reform did not imply any violent revolution. It was, in fact, the idea de veloped as early as 1841, by Louis Blanc, in his work. The Organization of Labour,” but with this difference, that instead of attacking the principles^of Political Economy, the German reformer invoked them in aid of his demand for the trans formation of the existing order of things. If Lassalle’s object is considered, namely, the multiplication of co-operative societies of production, it may be affirmed that no one would object to it. The solution would be perfect, since capital and labour being united in the same hands, all hostility between these two factors of production would disappear.* But is the gASBEES### University of Edinburgh, very clearly explained the advantages of operation: Capital and labour are indispensable ; but if represented by two classes, capitalists and labourers, they will be in constant strife. If there be but one class, possessing both factors of production, antagonism is no longer possible. Mr. Hodgson hoped to see co-operation take the place of trade-unionism. Trade unions are machines of war, co-operation is a.n advance towards peace in the centre of the factory. Mr. Holyoake affirmed fhit the sympathy of “unionists” for co-operation was becoming more “säS “if S'hli rÆ

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