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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152 THE SOCIALISM OF TO-DAY. his faculties, and also to avoid over-production and a glutted market. The success of certain co-operative societies proves that working men can manage even a large concern without the direction of an employer. The conclusion may therefore be drawn that wage-earning is a transitory form of labour, and that it will soon give place to the system of association. This system, by securing to the workman the entire product of his labour, will stimulate his zeal and conduce to his welfare. To attain this end, an understanding amongst all workmen is required. Hence the establishment of the International Asso ciation. This manifesto contained nothing alarming. Michael Chevalier or J. S. Mill, who had both spoken of the principle of association in similar terms, might have signed it. The International also affirmed that “ the emancipation of the labourers must be the work of the labourers themselves. This idea seemed an application of the principle of “ self-help ; ” it enlisted for the new association, even in France, the sympathies of many distinguished men who little suspected how it was to be interpreted later on. This affords a new proof of the fact, frequently observed, that revolutionary movements always go on increasing in violence. The originators of the movement are quickly left behind. They are thought lukewarm and are soon looked upon as traitors. They are replaced by the more fanatical, who, in their turn, are pushed aside, until the final abyss is reached to which wild revolutionary logic inevitably leads. The progress of the new association was at first very slow. A few English working men’s societies joined it ; but the Italians established in London, though at first giving in their adherence, soon afterward, by the advice of Mazzini, withdrew. The delegate Lefort, sent by the general council to Paris, was badly received. Tolain and Fribourg, who had come to London to explain the situation, could not agree with Le Lubez, who sent in his resignation. Harmony was aimed at, and the result was discord. The congress which was to have met at Brussels did not take place, but, in its stead, an ordinary con ference was held in London, in the month of September. The

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