(3) The great task of the socialist parties at present is education,
agitation, and organisation in the widest sense, with a view to the
physical and moral regeneration of the working class, so as to fit it
for its great mission. To rouse the class consciousness of the workers,
to increase their capacity and efficiency for the class struggle, is the
daily task of international socialism.
(4) The struggle for equal and direct universal suffrage, for the
popular initiative and referendum, is an important phase of the
political struggle, and is fitted to have a good influence on the
political education of the workers.
(5) The more purely political struggle of the Socialist Parties should
go hand in hand with the more purely economic struggle of the trade
unions.
(6) The right of association, of combination, of free meeting, of free
speech, and of a free press, is an essential part of the worker’s claim
of rights.
(7) The demonstration of the 1st of May is specially recommended in all
countries as a means of securing an eight-hours’ working day. The
eight-hours’ day is most desirable for improving the family life, the
education, the health, energy, intelligence, and morality of the working
class.
(8) But the eight-hours’ day is only the most urgent part of a large
system of protective legislation in favour of the working class. Besides
an eight-hours’ day for adults, they demand special legislation for
children, young people, and women; proper rest for all ages; restriction
of night work; abolition of the sweating system; effective inspection of
factories, shops, and of domestic labour, as well as of agriculture.
(9) They are very strongly opposed to militarism, which they consider
due not so much to national or political differences, as to the struggle
of the capitalist classes for new markets. They believe that war will
end only with the ending of capitalism. The present standing armies are
the instruments of the ruling and exploiting class, and should be
abolished. Their place should be taken by a citizen army or the armed
nation; that is, the entire able-bodied manhood of the people should be
trained and equipped on a democratic basis, like the Swiss army. The
Socialist Parties of the various countries are recommended to vote
against expenditure for existing army and navy.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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