Wairarapa Daily Times [Established Third of a Century.] FRIDAY, MARCH 18, 1910 SOCIALISM IN GERMANY.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume LXII, Issue 9629, 18 March 1910, Page 4

Wairarapa Daily Times [Established Third of a Century.] FRIDAY, MARCH 18, 1910 SOCIALISM IN GERMANY.

Socialism was the cloud "no bigger thau a man's baud" a little while ago, but it now appears to be assuming considerable proportions as a menace to the existing regime. It is apparently a revolt not so much against military tyranny as against the liuancial burden which it imposes. There is nothing iv compulsory military service which is iv itself objectionable to tho people. All Continental nations aro obliged to accept this as inevitable on account of their proximity to others. But the new policy of expausiou, while it no doubt appeals to tbe wealthier classos of society, can havo no charm for the ill-paid workers when its costliness is beiug so amply demonstrated. The repressed stato of tho people in Germany, that has lasted so long, is now beiug followed by a violent reaction, aucl probably the riots in Berlin are but the prolude to a very serious revolution. Tiie Teutonic mind is slow, but ie has a certain element of ferocity. Its imagination is not so active as among the Latin races, but its determination is stronger and more dogged; it lacks cunning, but it is apt to surrender itself to the promptings of blind fury.

Mauy persons have held that German Radicalism must before long undermine the discipline of the Army; but this is yet to be seen. In the meantime, it is evident from the vast and disproportionate armaments of Gormauy that tlie imperial authorities have in view schemes of conquest aucl Empire of which the peoplo know virtually nothing. They cannot help comparing the extent of coast and of shipping to be protected with the gigantic forces that are being kept up, aud asking, "Why should we eoutiuue to be bled for no purpose of which wo have any real knowledger" Every gathering of malcontents, aud certainly every demonstration of repressive force, must serve to strengthen and popularise the cause, and bloodshed of the sort just chronicled bids fair to arouse popular fury.