Saturday news. (Watertown, S.D.) 19??-19??, 1917-04-05
DIT @ RIAL
LABoRING MEN AND MILITARIsM,

Now that America seems about to become a part of the
fearful struggle that has been rending Europe for nearly three
ia the settlement of the war, it might be well to call attention
to the attitude of American labor with respect to mEtarlsm
Secretary Daniels has been making frantic appeals in
the press to the young men Of America for recruits for the
army and navy. Enlistments have been few and far between
in comparison with the needs Of the hour.
If Secretary Daniels had taken the time and trouble, when
he became a member Of the presidents cabinet, to mingle and
commingle with the laboring men, from whose ranks come the
major portion of the enIistments during periods of peace, he
would not wonder why there have been so few enlistments
American labor is opposed to war. Not only is it opposed to
war, but it is opposed to miltarism IN time of peace.
1t is difficult for Secretary Daniels, or anybody else, for
that matter, to convince the American laboring men that
Americas future is seriously threatened by German supre-
macy in Europe. If it be true that such is the case, the tan
sible evidence thereof has never been sufficiently impressed
upon American labor TO convince the averag laborer that his
duty lies in and OF and with the army.
We are not discussing the ethics of preparedness, nor
are we expressing the view that during a time when militarism
is rampant in other parts Of the world America should view
with indifference the conditions surrounding her.
We are merely saying that, in our opinion. American la
Dor is arrayed almost as one against militarism, which may
account for the comparatively few recruits for the army in
recent years.
The American laboring man knows that, judged from hui
man history, SO far as the world has any knowledge concerning
it, miltarism results in war. No nation for the past six
thousand years has thoroughly prepared for war without get
ting what it prepared for. There will be no exception to this.
rule for the next six thousand years, unless human nature
undergoes a radical change.
This does not imply, however, that we entertain the least
element of doubt with respect to the loyalty of American labor
IN the present crisis; The American laboring men in a ma
honal crisis. like the laborlng men In their respective countries
now involved III war, will render loyal service to and for their
country.
But when this horrible war shall have been brought to a
close, and if America exerts any influence in debating the
terms of peace, there will be bitter disappointment among
Americas laboring men.i if militarism throughout the world is
not dethroned.
It will be useless-utterly useless-to sign treaties pro-
viding for the adjustment of future national controversies
through some universal court if militarism is to be allowed a
foothold IN any OF the nations involved.
1t follows, then, that the greatest measure Of assurance
sf safety from future wars lies in disarmament This titanic
struggle will have been In vain if miltarism is not wiped off
the face of the earth.
Hence unless America goes into this war with a determine
alton that autocracy in the form Of miitarism shall be over
thrown wherever found, it would better keep out Of it. The
iaborlng men OF America will be satisfied with nothing less.
Labor pays the financial cost of all wars. We care not
now much OF an income tax John d. Rockefeller pays, or what
amount Tor the. same purpose Mr.. J. Pierpont Morgan contrib
u tes 70 the national treasury, labor eventually meets the cost.
Labor, therefore, has a right to a voice iii the settlement
nf this worldwide conflict. The president, the ex-president,
the cabinet officers, the senators and the congressman would
labor.
Inc laboring men Of America, il we correctly interpret the
trend Of their thought, Will eventually stand almost as a unit
AGAINST the forces that demand the ~perpetuity Of mnitarism.
80