Introduction to Literary Chinese - Lesson 36, Text 1

Adapted from the 1927 book by J. Brandt

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The Danger for the Parliamentary System (continued)
Most of the continental countries of Europe have taken to socialism. Only England has been able to preserve completely her pre-war representative government. But the present great strike is a challenge to revolution under pretense of question of wages.
The parliamentary government of England was a stronghold of the European representative form of government. Now it is in danger of being overthrown by socialism. In that case the European representative government would be seriously affected. Some people say that radicalism in England is but a false alarm.
Why so? It is because the English labor party will tnever allow the communists within their ranks to resort to violence. Nevertheless it is still a question whether the conservative party will be able to restrain the reactionary elements of the party so that they do not run to fascism.
Therefore, although England may have no anxiety concerning communistic rule (of the country), still there is for her danger of a dictatorial government like that of Italy. It would also affect the parliamentary system.
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