The Socialism of to-day

Bibliographic data

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

Usage license:: Get license information via the feedback formular.

154 THE SOCIALISM OF TO-DAY. lish, in each country, a National Association of all Societies existing therein.” Thus the International was to be constructed like a pyramid, founded on the territorial division of existing Society : at the base of all was the commune ; then, from the grouping of com munes, the province ; from the grouping of provinces, the nation ; and, to crown all, from the grouping of nations, humanity. It was a grand idea, recalling that of the Catholic Church ; but for want of the principle of authority and obedience, the national grouping of sections was never accom plished, even in France or Germany. Each section and each federation names a committee, which is connected with the General Council. Every month each committee sends a report on the position of the Associa tions within its jurisdiction. The General Council is elected by the representatives of the federations. Each congress determines the time and place of the next congress, while the General Council settles beforehand the questions for discussion, and presents a report on the proceedings of the year. It also issues a circular concerned with everything likely to interest working men : offers of, and demands for, labour ; wages ; the progress of co-operative societies ; the situation of the working classes in different countries. It is in permanent relation with local societies. It chooses from its members the president, the secretary, and the treasurer of the association. To meet the ordinary expenses of the staff and of publications, a sub scription is called for. The members pay, in the first place, from the time of joining, half a franc a year for the general fund, and, in addition, from one to two francs for the local section or federation. To assist strikes, further resources must be obtained. By a very cleverly conceived rule, every society that wished to affiliate itself was allowed to retain its own organization. In this way working men’s societies of all kinds could be absorbed, provided they simply declared their adhesion to the principles of the International. The debates and the resolutions of the first congress were moderate. The more radical motions were not carried. The French group represented “ the left,” and the Germans “ the

Access restriction

Copyright

fullscreen: The Socialism of to-day

Monograph

Table of contents

Download

Monograph

This page

Image fragment

Citation links

Citation recommendation