The Commonwealth. [volume] (Everett, Wash.) 1911-1914, 1912-08-09

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On the other hand, the enemy has not
overlooked this change in the attitude OF
the workers. The platform of both the
political wings of the master-class prom
Use remedies that are designed once more
to deceive the working class.
These promises, meaningless as they
are to the workers themselves, yet can
not fail to impress US as being a recog-
milton of the soundness of the demands
of our own convention. Nor did we fear
that the enemy can harm our cause by
stealing our thunder, for he does not
know how to use it after he has stolen
it.
The time has passed in which the
workers can be appeased by mere prom
ises. Neither will they beg for relief.
They are preparing to take possession
of the powers of state, The workers
have learned from their enemy how to
use the political powers in behalf of a
class; they have been taught through
bitter object LESSONS how to legislate in
behalf of one class as against another
class. They have learned that courts
and judges can be used to good advan-
tage by and for those that control them,
and they are now learning to heed these
lessons.
Having won the battle for possession
of all the power of state, the working
class will not be allowed to use their
power for its own benefit just as, form
erly, its master has used this same
power against it. The workers will
through their government legislate, ad-
minister and define laws for their own
benefit, just as they have seen their
masters do. This is the meaning of our
convention and our platform to the
workers.
In this spirit I shall, to the best OF
my ability, carry our message to the
factory, the mill and the mine; to the
metropolis, the city and the hamlet; to
every corner of the land, wherever the
workers are willing and ready to listen
and learn.
Since the worker is prepared to do his
own governing, any attempt to dissuade
him from so doing is worse than folly.
IT Is TREASON TO HIM AND HIS
CLASS. Nor can the belief that gov
eminent is powerless stand as an excuse
for such treason.
For centuries this political power has
served well those who have controlled it.
By means of this power, exploitation has
been legalized; property rights have been
placed over the rights OF man; privilege
has become a vested right. The corpor-
alton created by the state cannot be
jailed, while man can.
The master class we'll understands the
benefits that accrue to it through con-
troll of this political power. Therefore,
it prizes it highly. Therefore, also, it
will not voluntarily yield to the working
class its possession.
Yet, Just at a time when, as ever be-
fore, the workers are ready to control
this power, We behold voices that warn
the workers against its conquest. Can
these advisers be sane! If so, can they
be sincere?
I can never consent to advise the
workers to 90 into the street and, barred
of all means of defense, meet their mas
ters who are entrenched behind rapid
fire rifles and gatling guns.
With all the powers of a state in the
hands of the workers. with the legisla-
lures, the executives, the courts, the
militia and police in their control, the
tables are turned. No blood viii be
shed, for without these powers the mas
ter viii not and can not fight.
This should be understood by even the
densest mind. for it is so plain and OBJ
yious. This is what I hold to be the
meaning Of our platform. This is the
message that, as you send me on my er-
rand shall carry TO the doWntrodien.
the oppressed and the suffering
In this. our campaign, it IS necessary
that we stand as a unit. Against the
cause Of the emancipation Of the working
class an other issues are as nothing
Our each little hobby. our faults. our
p+suliariti-s. our sins. big or small not
one OF an 5f these IS SO important as 10