Page:Masterpieces of German literature volume 10.djvu/586

 social independence endangered by it, and the Socialism and Communism concealed in a demand which does not give the slightest occasion for such a howl; and add that since we have, after all, been living in a state of Socialism and Communism, as those guarantees of dividends on railroads and all the other above-mentioned examples show, we will continue right on in that state.

A further consideration is that, however great was the advance in civilization accomplished by the railroads, it drops to the vanishing point in contrast with that mighty advance which would be accomplished by the association of the working class. Of what avail are all the hoarded wealth and all the fruits of civilization if they exist for only a few, and if the majority of the human race always remains the Tantalus who reaches in vain for these fruits! Worse than Tantalus—for he at least had not produced the fruits for which his parched lips were condemned to pant in vain! This, the mightiest advance of culture which history could know, would justify the helpful intervention of the State if anything would. The State furthermore can furnish this possibility in the easiest manner through the banking institutions (a matter into which I cannot go at length here) without assuming any greater responsibility than it did by the guarantee of dividends to the railroads.

Finally, Gentlemen, what, after all, is the State? (Quotes statistics which may be summed up as follows: In 1851 the percentage of the population of Prussia having more than 1,000 thalers ($750) annual income for each family of five persons was less than ½ of 1 per cent.; of those having less than 100 thalers ($75) for such a family was 72¼ per cent.; those having 100 to 200 thalers, 16¼ per cent.; and 200 to 400, 7¼ per cent.) The two lowest classes form, therefore, 89 per cent. of the population; and if you take also the 7¼ per cent. of the third class, who must still be considered in oppressive poverty, you have 96¼ per cent. of the population in a most needy, unfortunate situation. The State, therefore, belongs to you, Gentlemen, to