Page:American Journal of Sociology Volume 2.djvu/85

 THE GERMAN INNER MISSION 7 1

such a remarkable history in various countries of Europe. This movement was indicated in Wichern's programme of 1849, but the seed then planted did not at once germinate. The Catholics were quite in advance of the Evangelicals, and their clergy were first in the field. The first Protestant union was established in 1882. The most recent statistics report 237 societies, with 52,402 members ; of whom 32,822 are laborers, 9470 artisans, and 10,1 10 persons of other classes. The greatest strength is in the Rhen- ish-Westphalian provinces. In Berlin only one society of sev- enty to eighty members is reported. The movement was at first anti-Catholic and later anti-socialistic as well. It has encoun- tered many obstacles and never attained great strength. Most workingmen detest clerical control. The trades unions think that a society which cannot strike is powerless when it is most needed, and they dislike the evangelical unions because they divide the forces of wage earners and seek alliances with capi- talists. The socialists naturally hate a society whose avowed purpose is to win back workingmen from socialism. Many employers regard a union managed by the clergy as about as great a pest as a regular trades union. Politicians denounce it unless it leans toward their particular party. The movement does not seem to be a natural growth from the real life of work- ing people as socialism and trades unionism are. The workers of the Inner Mission are seeking a way of cooperation with wage earners, but they have not yet found it. The Catholics succeed better, but even their powerful influence is subjected to severe strain. It is to the credit of the clergy that they have honestly sought to help the wage earners, but the impression made on an American student is that a more democratic alliance is the only one which offers any hope of success. The working class have concluded to drive their own team, and do not see the necessity for aristocratic, royal or ecclesiastical leadership.

COOPERATION OF THE CHURCH WITH THE WIDER SOCIAL MOVEMENTS

The appeal of the sick, crippled and helpless is made to pity. But society makes a higher claim upon our sense of kinship and