The Modern Revolutionary Spirit.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XIX, Issue 43, 31 July 1891, Page 1

The Modern Revolutionary Spirit.

It is not surprising that the spirit of revolutionary change, which has so long been predominant in the nations of the world, should have passed beyond politics and made its influence felt in the cognate field of practical economy. The elements of a conflict are unmistakable : the growth of industry, and the surprising discoveries of science; the changed relations of masters and workmen ; the enormous fortunes of individuals, and the poverty of the masses ; the increased self-reliance and the closer mutual combination of the working population; and, finally, a general moral deterioration. The momentous seriousness of the present state of things just now fills every mind with painful apprehension ; wise men discuss it ; practical men propose schemes ; popular meetings, legislatures, and sovereign princes, all are occupied with it — and there is nothing which has a deeper hold on public attention. Therefore, Venerable Brethren, as on former occasions, when it seemed opportune to refute false teaching, We have addressed you in the interests of the Church and of the common weal, and have issued Letters on Political Power, on Human Liberty, on the Christisn Constitution of the State, and on similar subjects, so now we have thought it useful to speak on the Condition of Labour. It is a matter on which we have touched once or twice already. But in this letter the responsibility of the Apostolic office urges Us to treat the question expressly and at length, in order that there may be no mistake as to the principles which truth and justice dictate for its settlement. The discussion is rot easy, nor is it free from danger. It is not easy to define the relative rights and the mutual duties of the wealthy and of the poor, of capital and of labour. And the danger lies in this, that crafty agitators constantly make use of these disputes to pervert men's judgments and to stir up the people to sedition.