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THE SOCIALISM OF TO-DAY.
87 of the Code, interdicted the “ International Association
of Labourers ” in Denmark. The measure proved illusory.
The Socialists constituted themselves under the name of the
“ Democratic Association of Working Men,” and found in
a cabinet-maker, named Pihl, an energetic and dexterous
leader.
Numerous meetings took place from time to time in the
open air after the English fashion. On the 5th of June, 1874,
more than fifteen thousand working men belonging to the
different sections of the International assembled at Diirgarten,
in the suburbs of Copenhagen. Trade banners and twenty-
two red flags floated to the wind. Universal suffrage exists
in Denmark, but there is only one large town, the capital, and
the peasants, of whom many are proprietors, form in the
Chamber the democratic party. They demand the strictest
economy and simplicity of manners, and they object to the
expenditure made in the towns. They constitute a solid
barrier against sudden and violent innovations. The Liberal
party has also endeavoured to gain influence with the working
men. MM. Rimestod and Sonne have favoured the establish
ment of working men’s associations, similar to those founded
in Germany, under the inspiration of Schulze-Delitzsch and
Max Hirsch. There are already more than a hundred of them
scattered throughout the country. The Socialist party was
rudely shaken by the dishonesty of its two chiefs, Pio and
Geleff, who, under pretext of founding an experimental colony
in America, embezzled the funds of the Association. A female
writer, Jacquette Liljenkrantz, stands at the head of the
labour movement, to which she has devoted her pen, her
time, and her resources. In many parts, following the example
in Russia, women are beginning to take an active part in
Socialist intrigues.
In Sweden the ground is still less favourable for the de
velopment of Socialism, for eighty-five per cent, of the popula
tion inhabit the country, and the families of the cultivators
still manufacture many of the articles which they require, such
as utensils, tools, farming implements, cloth, and coarse stuffs-
The large system of industry exists only in some districts.
