European Socialism and Working-Class Discontent
Bismarck’s assertion that the social problem troubles him more than the political situation, shows that the upheaving and revolutionary movements among the laboring classes of Europe are exciting the attention of every keen observer. M. D. Conway writes from London, that socialism is at present the most prominent feature of European experiences. The laboring classes are tired of monopolizing the toil and hardship of life, while others have more than is required even for their luxury. Angry workmen are continually meeting and discussing the overthrow of society as it is now constituted, and the repudiation of Christianity. Both systems are in Europe identified in their minds with the oppression and misery they endure. Says Mr. Conway: “I have again and again heard Christianity denounced amid vehement plaudits as one of the despots whose throne is to be overthrown. The reason is not far to seek. Every tyrant and every monarch of Europe is at the same time the official head of a Christian church. Political offenders have been for ages imprisoned or shot in the name of Christ. Now the mass of the people do not care at all what Christianity may have been in ancient times, they look only for what it means to-day. To them it means the monarchs who feast while their subjects starve, the bishops with fat livings, the intriguing priests; and this being the only Christianity accessible to them, they hate it. I believe there is not one Radical in Europe who will consent to be called a Christian.”