The Growth and Menace of Socialism
By Editor
The mayoralty of Schenectady was held by a Socialist during the past term; but at the late election, by the Republicans and Democrats uniting, they were able to defeat the Socialist candidate. Nevertheless, he polled one thousand more votes than he did when elected mayor of the city. The Socialists made a slight gain in New York City also, as shown by the recent elections. Mr. Debs, Socialist candidate for president a year ago, had a greatly increased vote throughout the country over the vote of four years previous. The statistics are abundant in showing the remarkable increase of the Socialists in all parts of the world. Many people look at the growth in Socialism as a great menace. However that may be, we certainly ought all to see that it is a strong indication of the deep-seated discontent and unrest among the masses. Wherever you see these Socialistic gatherings, you will find an earnest group of men who are vigorously applauding the utterances of their speakers when they are denouncing the present social order and demanding a change. And one of the most foreboding conditions of this time is the demand that is now made by so many, that these changes, in the place of being brought about peaceably, must be secured by force and bloodshed.