Fabians

Fabians, or Fabian Society, a Socialist organisation, started in London in 1883, in order to spread information tending to the abolition of private property in land and of capital vested in other hands than those of the community. Branch societies have been established in provincial towns, in several British colonies, and in New York. The name is presumably derived from the advocacy of a "Fabian policy" [Fabius, Q. M. V.] - i.e. they hope that capitalism will wear itself out; and that circumstances will inevitably bring about the "socialisation of industry." The work of revolutionising public opinion is carried on by means of lectures and publications, such as Fabian Essays and Fabian Tracts.