Anarchy and the Government by C. M. S.

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Apr 16, 1908

Anarchy and the Government

By C. M. S.

Not since the Chicago Haymarket riots of 1886 has the country been so stirred over the depredations of anarchists as at the present time. Up to 1886 anarchy had been regarded by Americans as a propaganda indigenous only to foreign soil, and incapable of making any headway in this country. There were known groups of anarchists in Illinois, New York, New Jersey, and a few other places; but they had, up to that time, made no open war upon either the government or individuals. The hanging and imprisonment of the leaders of the Haymarket riot seemed to cause a lull in anarchistic activity for several years; but with the increased immigration from countries where anarchy is most active, and with the marvelous increase of millionaires on the one hand and of unemployed and discontented on the other hand during recent years, the campaign in behalf of anarchy has become more open and aggressive.

At the time of the assassination of President McKinley a wave of indignation against “the reds” swept over the country, and some very radical legislation was proposed to stamp out the growing evil. In 1901 President Roosevelt recommended to Congress that laws be passed dealing with anarchy and anarchists. Action was taken, but only in a limited degree. Later a law was passed excluding anarchists from the United States, and authorizing the deportation of such persons within three years of the date of their entry to this country. About the same time both Germany and Russia recommended that the United States Government take joint action with them in resisting the progress of anarchy. The invitation was not accepted, except in so far as the federal government has been co-operating with European governments in locating various anarchists.

The recent murder of a Catholic priest in Colorado at the altar of the church by an avowed anarchist, with threats by other anarchists against the lives of other priests, the unprecedented activity of “Black Hand” societies, and the bomb-throwing incident in New York City on March 28, have combined to arouse the whole country to the necessity of making some provision to repress the activity of the anarchists. The question of what measures to take is puzzling officials and lawmakers in both hemispheres. Anarchy has seemed to thrive on repression in the Old World, and to increase the hosts of its adherents there with every harsh measure taken to suppress its activity. In many cases the innocent have suffered with the guilty, and this has helped to fill up its ranks. Working in the dark, its adherents schooled in secrecy through years of dangerous practise, there is no question about the seriousness of the problem they have created, or the difficulty of finding an adequate remedy therefor.

President Roosevelt has recommended the suppression of the anarchist paper La Questione Sociale, printed at Paterson, N. J., if this can be done in accordance with law; and the postmaster general, holding that freedom of the press does not necessarily guarantee freedom of the mails, has ordered this publication excluded from mailing privileges. It is also intimated that before the close of the present session of Congress, laws will be passed dealing with the question of anarchy.

The present situation with regard to this matter is a striking one indeed. The necessity for laws against anarchy in a government “of the people, for the people, and by the people,” indicates a growing deterioration of the moral fabric of the mass; an increasing disregard for the fundamentals of organized society; and gives a very tangible reason for these words of our Lord in foretelling these times: “Men fainting for fear, and for expectation of the things which are coming on the world.” Luke 21: 26.

But there are anarchistic demonstrations in this country which are not originated or carried on by those styling themselves anarchists. Anarchy means against law. It is manifest in hangings contrary to law, in burnings at the stake, in riotous demonstrations of unemployed, in graft and fraudulent practises in government and municipal contracts, in the protection of vice and illegal practises for pay, in the creation of trusts to govern prices and products, in the boycotting of legitimate business, and in the depredations of the “white caps” and the “night riders.” All these are breaking down respect for law, and making fertile soil for the growth of genuine anarchy.

Concerning these alarming conditions the United Presbyterian of March 26 says:—

In no way has there been a greater change from the good, orderly life of the earlier days of our country than in the disregard for law. . . . The greatest danger before us is the spirit of anarchy. We meet it everywhere; in the home, in the school, in the church, and in the state. At the present time, in view of the terrible anarchistic crimes, we are almost in a panic. . . .

There are “Black Hand” letters written by American-born citizens. Our criminals are from every class. Nihilism develops under the tyranny of Russia, the Mafia seems native to Sicily, but all forms flourish on American soil. . . .

The law’s delay, and the uncertainty of conviction for crime which prevails in our legal practise, create a want of confidence in the just administration of law, and the mob supersedes the court.

It is of just such a time, and of just such conditions that inspiration speaks: “In the last days grievous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, haughty, railers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, . . . without self-control, fierce, no lovers of good, traitors. . . . But evil men and imposters shall wax worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived.” 2 Tim. 3: 1-13. The world has entered upon its “grievous times,” and these very conditions indicate that “the coming of the just One” draweth nigh.

Every government will undertake to prevent the pernicious activity of these different classes of anarchists. The fundamental law of our country guaranteeing freedom of speech and of the press, its legislators have been loath to formulate laws for the suppression of anarchistic teaching; but because of the increasing activity of that organization, government officials are beginning to feel the necessity of taking repressive measures against it. But in the legislation that will be enacted there lies danger also.

The tendency to paternalism, already manifest, and the cry of the church for state aid in accomplishing her purposes, make it almost inevitable that, once the government has started upon the course of restricting freedom of speech and of the press, its measures of restriction would not be confined alone to those who were actively opposing government. Religious zealots in position to control or influence legislation would soon bring such or similar measures to bear upon those propagating religious teachings not in harmony with their ideas. Especially would this be true of teachings and practises out of harmony with the present Sunday laws. The activity of the anarchist would thus become the agent of Satan in bringing about conditions inimical to the progress of the third angel’s message. The trend of present-day legislation, the persistence of certain religious forces in the realm of legislation, and the activity of elements that are truly antagonistic to the public welfare, while the gospel of the kingdom is fast going into the darkest portions of the earth;—these all point with unerring finger to the climax of the conflict, and the ushering in of God’s everlasting kingdom.

C. M. S.