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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BAKUNIN THE APOSTLE OF NIHILISM. 223 The curé, Fortini, who was also a municipal councillor, mounts on the pedestal of the cross and says that these men, who are come to establish equality, are the true apostles of the Lord, and that this is the meaning of the Gospel. He then places himself at the head of the band and leads them to the neighbouring village of Gallo, crying, “ Long live the Social Revolution.” The curé of Gallo, Tambur ini, comes forward to receive them and presents them to his flock. “ Fear nothing,” he says, “ they are honest folk ; there has been a change of government and a burning of the registers.” {Buona gente : non temete. Cambiamento di governo ed incendio di carte.) The crowd appear delighted. The muskets of the national guard are distributed among them. The registers are carried out to the public square and make a great blaze. In the mill the people destroy the hated instrument for calculating the tax to be paid for the grinding. The enthusiasm reaches its height The vicar embraces the leader, who wears a red belt The women weep for joy. No more taxes, no more rent; everybody equal ; general emancipation ! But soon they hear that the troops are approaching. The band flies for safety into the forest of Matesa. Unhappily, the elements are less merciful than the peasants. Everything is buried in snow, and the cold is intense. The liberators die of hunger. They are taken, and, in the month of August, 1878, they are brought up at the Assizes of Capua. The leaders were Count G , of Imola, C , a doctor of law, and M , a chemist. The two curés were included among the thirty-seven prisoners. The upshot of the adventure was not the least extraordinary part. The counsel for the accused pleaded that the matter was a political offence, and was covered by the amnesty granted by King Humbert on coming to the throne. The jury acquitted them. Meanwhile one of the carabineers had died and the other was crippled for life. Was it not like a page of romance ? It gives food for reflection, however. It proves how readily the idea of a social revolution, even when presented under an almost burlesque form, is accepted by the rural populations and their clergy. Small agrarian insurrections.

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