The other party is made up of those who cannot see wrongs when
practiced upon others, who are blind to injustice for fear of the
unjust, and who, being told of possible improvements, antagonize their
instructors, in defense of the private interests of themselves or their
masters, that might by change be jeopardized.
One party represents the cause of the people; the other the selfishness
of kings, nobles and plutocrats.
The fight now is not simply a continuation of the old fight that
has been going on from ancient times, but is the world climax, the
end of the struggle. Those who produce and trade and teach, earning
their money by honorable exertion, are forming all along the line,
against those who are too lazy to work, too stupid or too proud
to trade or teach, but who wish to grow rich by acquiring other
people's property. The honest masses who believe in law, order and
progress, are approaching a decisive contest for permanent supremacy
with the dishonest classes who, in order to defend their systems of
plunder, utilize in their service the combined forces of ignorance,
superstition, toadyism, lawless cunning and the force of arms.
If the lawless, irresponsible dictators of industry and commerce are
successful, then liberty, constitutional government and personal
security are at an end, civilization is derailed into an abyss, and
retrogression displaces progress through another age of barbarism.
Gold becomes the only God, and bayonets the only prod to duty. The
university, the press and the pulpit will all be made permanent
attachments to the one despotic machine which is to control every
source of communication and instruction, and stifle all thought and
aspiration that does not strengthen the ruling power.
On the other hand, the people's victory will end class rule forever,
and gradually abolish all special privileges and monopolies by means
of which one man holds an unjust advantage over another. The people
holding the reins of power will apply the best talent, experience and
energy possessed by man to the establishment of justice, order and
public achievement. This is the situation confronting our country and
the world. It is the situation as it confronts every individual man.
The war is universal. There are no non-combatants. Everyone is affected
by the outcome. Each has the power to help decide the result. Whether
in compliance with or against our will, each of us must participate and
assist one side or the other.
Which shall it be? The party of the people or the party of tyranny.
This question presents itself alike to the citizen of America and the
inhabitant of Europe. Since the historic people's victory at Chicago,
July 6, 1896, the people's party in America has taken the name "REGULAR
DEMOCRATIC." In Germany, France and England it is known as the "Social
Democracy;" in the Balkans and Asia Minor it is the "Greek;" and in the
West Indies, the "Cuban Army."
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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