Preface to the Third American Edition

Since its first appearance in 1890 Father Cathrein’s book has gone through eight large editions. It has been translated into Spanish, French, English, Italian, Polish, Flemish, Bohemian, and Hungarian. The Rt. Rev. Bishop of Muenster in a special rescript recommended the work to the serious consideration of his clergy. Liberal and Protestant papers, as, for instance, the Deutsche Reichs- und Staatsanzeiger, have referred to it in terms of the highest praise, calling special attention to its thorough presentation and striking refutation of socialism. Competent critics have declared the present volume to be the best refutation of socialism to be found in the German language. Thus in 1894 (No. 691) the Protestant Reichsherold avers: “Cathrein is the author of the best refutation of social democracy that has ever come to our knowledge.” A critic in the Kreuzzeitung speaks of our author’s presentation and criticism of socialist theories as “exceptionally thorough.”

This generous praise bestowed from such different quarters gives proof that Father Cathrein’s accuracy and thoroughness may be relied upon, and renders any commendation on our part perfectly superfluous. However, a few words of explanation as to the making of the present edition may not be out of place.

The first and second American editions of this work were prepared by Rev. James Conway, S.J. But, keeping pace with the increasing importance of the subject, the German original, from being merely an extract from the author’s larger work on Moral Philosophy, has now far outgrown its initial proportions. It has been completely recast and expanded into a complete though succinct treatise on socialism in all its aspects. In view of the quickened activity and growing influence of socialists in the United States it became highly desirable to have an English version of this book in accordance with the latest German edition. As, however, Fr. Conway was prevented by other duties from taking the matter in hand, I resolved to take advantage of a stay in Europe to prepare a new translation in collaboration with the Reverend Author, who has aided me with many valuable suggestions and additions.

Besides comprising all of the matter contained in the eighth German edition, the present volume offers a reliable account of socialism in the United States compiled from authentic socialist sources. Also in other respects the book has been adapted throughout to American conditions. It has thus been increased to more than twice the size of the former American editions, and may rightly be styled an entirely new work. Of course, Fr. Conway’s version was incorporated in the present text wherever possible. Fr. Conway has also kindly consented to see the book through the press, for which I beg to offer him my sincerest acknowledgments.

A copious alphabetical index will no doubt enhance the practical value of the work.

VICTOR F. GETTELMANN, S.J.

VALKENBERG, March 17, 1904.