MR SCOBIE MACKENZIE ON SOCIALISM.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1106, 12 May 1893, Page 39

MR SCOBIE MACKENZIE ON SOCIALISM.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir,—The definition of a Socialist, given by the above-named gentleman in his recent address at Naseby, convicts him either of gross ignorance or deliberate misrepresentation. He says :—' A Socialist is simply a bankrupt individualist. I don't mean bankrupt in money, for we are oil , subject to misfortune; but bankrupt in \ energy, in industry, in individuality, in 1 capacity for work. He wants to live the Ilife of the parasite by sucking the bloOd of his neighbour.' (Applause.) , Now, as I have given a great deal jof study to the various phases of • Socialism, and have through personal and intimate acquaintance with many of its disciples been ablo to form a true opinion of their general characteristics, I affirm that a ' Socialist' is one who is exercising his individuality and energy to benefit his fellow men by endeavouring to promote a higher state of civilization in which every man or woman will have a more equal opportunity of exorcising and benefiting by their own individuality. 'Socialism is individualism clothed, and in Its right mind.' Dr Sohaffle, that able and impartial student and critic, writes:—'And yet this scheme Is already supported by a party which surpasses many other great parties in fiery zaal, in inspiration, in the " faith which removes mountains," in strength of organisation, and in international expansion, a party which is even gaining proselytes, and which faces the future in oonfident expectation of victory.* And the uuiis of this party are bankrupt in energy and individuality ; are they ? What are you giving us, Scobie ? It is, however, time that the public knowledge of the subject should be greater than it is at present, as it is well to understand terms and expressions which have been too long used as ' bogie words' by designing politicians.—l am, &c, Truth before All Things.