The labor argus. [volume] (Charleston, W. Va.) 1906-1915, 1911-07-13
Who are the
Peacemakers?
Continued from page nne.)

of Socialism is admitted
ly an effective factor for nterna.
tional peace.
Insofar as your society stands for
the principle of universal peace, we
are therefore in perfect accord,
but l fear that our conceptions OF
the causes of war and our methods
of combating the evil are so radi-
caly at variance as to preclude II
practical cooperation.
The Socialists discern the prime
cause of all modern wars III the COM
petition of the capitalistic class OF
all leading nations for the world
market. Underpaying their work
ers at home and thus reducing their
capacities for consumption, the cap
italists of every country are honi-
cally burdened with a surplus of
manufactured commodities for
which they must find an outlet in
foreign markets. The struggle for
foreign markets is the foundation
Of the International policy of all
Capitalist-ruled countries. In its
milder phases the struggle express
es itself in tariff wars M diplomat
ic chickering's; in it's acutest form it
leau9 10 SaHSUlnaTE cOHlllctS. NHel
the capitalists OF one nation etfec-
lively bar the way of those of an
other nation to Il profitable foreign
market. the latter at once discov-
ers a multitude of patriotic. ethical
and philanthropic grounds for war
upon the ob~Streperous nation: the
complacent government and venal
press promptly the sacred
cause, and the emotional. thought
less masses of the people are ever
ready to offer their lives and limbs
lin the service of their country
The huge capitalist interests en-
gagged in the manufacture of deau-
ly and in furnishing war
supplies for profit. naturally con-
tribute their honest share towards
fostering the salutary spirit of ma
tional pride and patriotism.
In earlier ages wars might have
been caused by religious, ethical o.
dynastic motives, or might have
been due to the general low fol
fight inherent in the savage. but
modern wars are cool, calculated,
industrial enterprises. They are
the International symptoms of Z
diseased competitive industrial sys.
tenn, just as the class wars at home
are its national symptoms. The So
C~ialists hold that wars between ma,
lions will disappear completely only
with the disappearance OF the sys
TEN which inevitably breeds them
b. capitalist system of privately
owned. competitive industry.
We do not underestimate the powe
and beneficient influence of anti
military propaganda in the meal
while, but we believe that Sucr
propaganda. in order to be effective
must be based upon 4 sound under
standing of the causes o
war and must be carried on in con
junction with Il genera movement
for the abolition of the war-breed
ing capitalist system. And abov'
all, it must be carried on by tn,
classes primarily interested i'll tn
aboriuion OF wars, the workin:
classes. The classes and the mel
who cause wars and thrive upol
hem cannot intelligently and hon
eStly combat them. Men who ar
daily engaged in the fierce struggl
for the control of international Stee
market. cannot avert the necessar
consequences CT their diSaStrou
work by sentimental after-dina@
peace speeches.. Men who derive &C
lossal fortunes from the manufac
ture of armor plate cannot escap
responsibility for war by using par
of their wealth for rhe erection c
gorgeous Peace Temples. Men VIII
are responsible for such carnage a
that of Homestead are the last one
to be accepted by a self-respectin
working class as apostles of univel
sal reace. In the interests of trl!
pstce between the nations ami
tue struggle against the pernicio-