WHAT SOCIALISM IS NOT

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXVI, 16 February 1935, Page 7

WHAT SOCIALISM IS NOT

THE REAL DANGER “What Socialism is Not’’ was the subject of a message to the conference of the Federation of University Conservative and Unionist vtssociations from the British Prime Minister, Mr Ramsay MacDonald. “I wish,” he wrote, “in the interest of clear thinking that other terms could lie found for certain creeds which disguise themselves under the Socialist name, but which embody neither Socialist principles nor Socialist methods. For example, there, is what is called ‘Poplarism.’ I would define that as a reckless application of Poor Law duties and an inculcation of habits which must end in .in impoverished nation. That way leads not to Socialism, but to the pauper State. Then there is the belief that by a few Acts of Parliament you can reduce a, highly complex society to a simple one and change social structure and habits as you change your clothes. That way leads to chaos jn industry, but not to Socialism. Also, there are those who think that they can recreate society in terms of class and the class war. I have always fought them because they would destroy for ever the chances of an organic cooperative State. These short-sighted proposals arc the real danger and threaten none more than the wageearner to-day.”