Page:American Journal of Sociology Volume 5.djvu/46

 32 THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF SOCIOLOGY

organization; (4) the examination, from the point of view of Christian principles, of present social questions, publishing scientific studies on the same in periodicals and in book form ; and (5) the promotion of conferences and lectures on social questions. Among the other subjects to which it has given special attention are the emancipation of woman, socialism, and usury. The juridical, historical, and philosophico-theological sections have also done considerable work having important bearings on sociology, economics, and political economy.

In 1873 the Catholic social-reform movement was definitely organized in France by the foundation of the Catholic working- men's circles or clubs, which soon spread into every nook and corner of the country. Central committees were founded in every town, with sections of propaganda, finance, and external relations, and the collaboration of the upper classes was obtained under the title of active associates, subscribers, and lady patron- esses. The movement found able leaderSj two of whom, the Count Albert de Mun and the Marquis Rene La-Tour-du-Pin Chambly, deserve special mention, both for their scientific attainments, their zeal, and their practical self-devotion. New organizations have arisen, even more ardently devoted to the principles of Catholic social reform, such as the circles for social studies, and the Catholic young men's societies, and numerous congresses in the interests of the movement have been held at Paris, Reims, Lyons, and other parts of France.

The circles for social studies were founded four or five years ago, imitating in their organization that of the socialists. Each group contains not more than fifteen or twenty workingmen, and holds weekh- meetings for the study and discussion of social and economic problems, at which the presence and assistance of some well informed priest or layman of rank are often invited. The chief promoter of this organization was the indefatigable Leon Harmel, a wealthy manufacturer whose devotion to the interests of his employes and the class which they represent has earned for him the affectionate nickname of "the Father of the Working- men of F"rance."