The labor world. [volume] (Duluth, Minn.) 1896-current, 1919-02-08
BOLSHEVISM IN AMERICA?

Bolshevism cannot wiggle it's way into
our political or social life without
turning topsy turvy all our American
institutions. It means that we must
destroy everything we have and build
all over again.
Bolshevism appeals to the restless
and impatient ones Of daring and ad-
venture, for it offers short cut route
to the emancipation of labor by the
very simple, but cruel method Of kill
ing off all who stand in its way, and
particularly those who profit now from
capitalism.
Bolshevism as applied in Russia sets
up dictatorship to take the place OF
Czarism, and to rule in the same man
ner, save. that the workers are its
beneficiaries, rather than the upper
classes who profited from the former
system.
Bolshevsm rules by force. It is a
form of political and social absolutism
conducted for the benefit of the prole-
tariat to the exclusion Of all others,
including the skilled and technical
workers who are numbered among the
bourgeoisie.
Bolshevism, for the present at least,
does not trust the people. It is OPP
posed to democracy as bitterly as is
Czarism, Kaiserism or any other form
Of autocracy. It will not let 60 Of its
dictatorship; it will not admit Of the
freedom of the masses, not until its
economic -politico system has been
firmly established, and all others have
been completely and permanently de-
stroyed.
Bolshevism is: a theory of govern
ment forced with the sword upon the
people, led by small minority Of in
tellectuals, and held by the sword in
the same manner as Czarism ruled fol
centuries, identical in form, though
widely different in aims and pur
pose. -
Bolshevism is the natural child Of
Czarism and its like may be found il
any land where there is political O.
industrial tyranny. It is scattered
throughout America and crops out herr
and there, zzwherever the Cars O.
Wealth rule with might.~.and main. b.
the same token it has few adhcrent
where human rights are recognized AM
social justice is practiced.
Bolshevism may be averted in thi
country if Capitalism can get lesso1
from what is going on in Russia. I
can be averted by conceding to labo
the right to manage it's own affair
without interference from employers
It can be averted by substituting
democracy in industry for the czarisr
which now generally obtains.
If Bolshevism comes to America
will not come through the America
trade unions, but through the grea
mass of unorganized workers who wi
have been "booted and scourged
until they can stand it no longer, an
then, like the legendary worm, wi
turn and administer the same trea
ment to their oppressors. Should the
start, their anger and desire for vel
geance will know no compromise, an
they will not stop until they are eith'
shot down or capture the whole work
It is a pretty good time to make
complete survey of the. world stu
tion and profit from what is goin
on III Europe. The war has taught I
all some things we diG not know
fore. Some new things have come
US since the war ended and one of the
has developed in the Russian situatio
Let us not be fcstered by that so
here. Let us be Americans and me
the issue in an American way.
And what is the American way?
is merely to recognize the Independent
Of American labor. It is to grant
the workers the right Of voice
determining the laws within. indust,
and commerce: which affect the,
equivalent to the voice which they ha,
as citizens in determining the legi
4ative enactments which shall Cover
Them. This would be industrial fire
dom, if you please, the acme of hmm;
liberty. America has its choice b
tween this and =lBolshexism. Whit
shall it ::choosef :;s.. ~ 1..::>. ........