The Hattiesburg news. (Hattiesburg, Miss.) 1908-1917, 1914-07-30
SOCIALISTS LAY PLAN
FOR ANT+WAR STRIKE
MORRIS HiLLQuiT, LEADER IN
MOVEMENT, EXPECTS EURO
PEAN CONFLICT.

New YORK, July 30.-Morrfs Hill
quit, Socialist leader and propapan-
dist, describes the socialist view of
the prospect of European war, de
clared he was convinced that, even
if the socialist party did not prevent
the war; at least it would play a pow
erful influence in stopping it, once
1t was under way.
''In Copenhagen, in 1910, general op-
position to war on general grounds
was strongly brought out" he said.
at was decided that if two or more
nations should propose war the So
cialist representatives in the parlia-
ments should do all in their power to
prevent it. If war was declared it
was the duty Of the socialists to take
practical steps to put an end to the
combat. The measures to be taken
were left to the discretion of the So
cialists in the countries affected.
while these measures were not
definitely laid down, it was generally
agreed that general strikes would be
practical methods of stopping a war
If, for instance, a general strike was
declared the paralysis of transporta-
ton alone would almost stop war.
Then, again, the manufacture of am
munition might be stopped altogether.
Depends on Socialists.
''In this particular war, which
threatens Europe generally, l reckon
very strongly on the labor and So
cialist movements. The countries in
volved-Austria and Germany in par
ticular-have strong labor movements
Italy too. has felt the power of strikes
lately, and the situation in ST. Peters
burg is too well known to comment
on. France, Austria and Italy all have
socialist parties which have develop
ed splendid anti-military attitude.
"The case of Russia is a special one
The last war brought about revolu
ton, and the country is in the same
condition now. The spirit of the revolt
among the workers is raising it's head,
and If Russia takes sides or partici-
pates. in a general European war it
would mean just what it meant in the
Japanese war. The army would be dis
and rebellious, and most likely
would suffer defeat The socialist
party in Russia is much better prepar
ed than it was ten years ago.
Internal Conditions a Factor.
Similar apprehensions may be en-
tertained by Germany and Austria. +
think, however, the powers will be slow
to go to war, not alone on account of
the doubtful outcome of the struggle, |
but because of their internal condi- |
lions. Italy fears for her safety. There |
IS strong peasant movement there"
There will be a meeting of the Inter-
Socialist and Legal Congress
n Vienna August 90, unless by that /
line the war rumors have not ,abated.
Mr.. Hillquit, who will be delegate, as
veil as Meyer London, said the con-
sress would take very energetic
'tand and decide on very practical
measures for stopping, if not Actually
wars.
Meyer London was also much inter
,sted in the socialist attitude toward
var.
at is the opportunity of the century
or the socialists to show their power"
lie said. There is no socialist party in
,ervia to amount to anything, but Aus
ria, Germany and France all have
trong socialist and labor parties. AL
eady they have called huge anti-war
meetings. in the continental capitals"