Evening journal., 1917-01-09
LIEBkNECHT'S SPEECH
AII HIL InI-HlI

Al HIS NVN MI VI All ihb.
The following is a translation from
the Berlin "Tageblatt," Of the ad-
dress made by the famous German
socialist. Karl Liebknecht. at his
court martial. This court-martial was
held some time ago, but the "Tage-
blatt," with the account of it, has only
recently broken through the blockade.
"The present war is not a war for
the defense OF national integrity, nor
for the liberation Of oppressed ma
tionalities, nor for the well being OF
the masses.
From the point of view OF wage
earners it only means the extreme
concentration of political oppression,
of economic Fleeing, and military
butchery OF the bodies and souls OF
The working people to the advantage
OF capitalists and absolutists.
THE German Government is an in
strument for oppression and exploit
alton of the masses of the working
population.
1T serves solely. both at home and
abroad. the interests Of junkerdom OF
capitalism, and Of Imperialism.
1T is the most reckless represen-
tative OF imperialism, the strongest
driving force for competition in arm
aments among the states.
1T contrived, with the Austrian
Government 70 bring about the war
II has stage-managed the war by de-
cciying the masses Of the people, and
even The re,chstag. n concealed
among other things. the ultimatum to
Belgium. and the cars telegram oil
July 20 1914. II is now trying to
keep up The wav spirit among the
masscs by objectionable means.
"It is conducting the war by
methods which are mons;rous; lnva-
sion Of Belgium and LuXeiuburg. pols
onous gases Ctho use of which has
now become common to all bclliger-
cnts). Zeppelin bombs. which are de-
vised TO destroy every living thing
within a largo radius, be the victims
combatants or non -combatanfs; u
boat war against merchantmen, the
torpedoing OF the Lusitania; the sys-
tcm OF hostage: forced contribution
from conquered" countries: the sys-
tematic propaganda amongst Okran
ians. Poles. Irishmen. Moham.
tematic propaganda amongst nam
medans. etc. held as prisoners Of wal
to make them turn traitors and accept
either military or spy service against
their respective countries for the ben
cfit Of the central empires.
"The German Government has. by
using the state OF siege. enormously
increased political lawlessness anc
economic exploitation. II refuses de-
mands for all serious political and so
ciai reforms. II has utterly failed tC
organize the provision for the people
of economic resources during war
purely to safeguard the interests ol
capitalists and agrarians. thus open
ing the way 10 appalling usuary ant
misery OF the masses. It refuses e
abandon its war aims OF conquest
and thus constitutes the chief obsta
Gle to an immediate opening o
neace negotiations. II suppresse'
through the censorship the pOssibilit!
Of public knowledge OF facts which
are irksome to il. The system o
The German Government is based OF
real hostility to the nations will an'
had faith toward the masses OF th'
people.
"A most bitter fight against thi
system Of government is the duty o
every representative OF the interests
OF the wage -earners.
This resolution is. in its last logl
cal conclusion. international. II es
tablishcs the same duty for the so
cialists Of other belligerent countries
toward their government and govern
ing classes. II acts internationally
stirring up from land to land an IN