THE FRENCH REPUBLIC. 61 



1846, and the United States was able to subjugate a rebellion 

 which covered half its territory and embraced one-third 

 of its people. In short, republics were stronger than 

 aristocracies or imperialism in dealing with rebellion, in 

 obtaining revenue, in enforcing taxation, and in giving 

 security to property and virtue. 



These objections met, it yet remained as an objection, 

 alleged that France was hopelessly given over to the 

 vagaries of socialism and communism. There was little 

 or no socialism in France, though in Germany and 

 Kussia socialists were numerous. Socialism and com- 

 munism were irreconcilable enemies. Though they 

 were often ignorantly confounded, socialism would 

 annihilate private property and prevent competition. 

 This would be fatal to progress, and could only be 

 done by forming associations. Communists recognized 

 competition and the right of private property, but be- 

 lieved that government should do all things which could 

 be best done by it, and had the right to burden prop- 

 erty by many taxations. Literally rendered, extreme 

 communism was township government carried into all 

 kinds of administration of business. In effect, perhaps, 

 extremes in communism and socialism would meet, if 

 ubiquitous ; for the tremendous taxations necessary to 

 the full realization of the philanthropic and sentimental 

 objects of extreme communists would as effectually 

 destroy private property as its direct inhibition. But 

 while in republics socialism becomes extinct, communism 

 becomes modified and takes charge of politics. Com- 

 munists desired sidewalks, lighted streets, mail facilities, 

 public schools and baths, colleges supported by public 

 expense, and more authority in local governments. The 

 most communistic countries in the world were the north- 

 ern tier of states of America. The communistic spirit 



