“She is right, Johann. There are some things beyond my power, or yours, to alter. We may change social conditions, we may care for men’s health, we may add to the comfort of their lives; but how are we to war against evil passions, how can we prevent such wrongs as that poor creature has suffered, how root out the superstitions which thrive under the name of religion, and darken the whole nature of mankind?”
“Even here we can do something,” was the firm reply. “We do not believe that there is anything in human nature so fixed that it cannot be transformed by the right means. Do away with marriage, and you abolish the degradation of love; merge the household into the community, and you render it impossible for the happiness of the child to be blighted by the prejudices and ignorance of its parents.”
Maximilian looked at him in some consternation. This was the first time that Johann had expounded this part of the doctrines of his sect, and the new disciple was somewhat taken aback.
“Is that part of the Socialist programme?” he asked. “Do your friends aim at abolishing marriage and the family?”
“I will not go so far as to say that it is a recognised item in our programme,” was the answer. “Many Socialists are not educated up to these views, and others regard them as something that can better be dealt with at a later stage, after we have brought about the economical freedom of society. But personally I cannot see how we can ever make the species really happy until we have thoroughly reorganised society on these points as well.”
“But surely the people in general would never consent to such steps as these. If you had a Republic to-morrow you would have the majority against you.”
“No doubt that would be so at first. We can only wait, and do our best to enlighten them.”
“Well, at all events I am glad you do not make that a vital question,” said Maximilian, a good deal relieved. “I do not think I should care to hint at anything of that sort to the Chancellor.”
The revolutionist sighed. He saw that his pupil was still lagging far behind his own position, and that it would be necessary to use great caution in bringing him on.
Presently Maximilian spoke again.