Victor Hugo saw what must come. The Americans came to Europe as the champions of liberty. They renounced in advance any selfish gains from the great world-war. To many, and not least to the Germans, it came as a surprise that America, "the land of the Almighty Dollar," should be the one to show such unselfish idealism. But this is typically American. These people like to do big business and make money, but they are also willing to sacrifice property and life in order to realize the ideals which make existence grander, richer, and more beautiful. They have a more spontaneous enthusiasm for their ideals than that possessed, perhaps in a paler form, by other races who seem less materialistic and even more spiritually cultured. Björnson, who visited America during the winter 1880–81, exclaims: "Strange that so many of the great spirits among these people and—so far as I am able to judge—so much of their best culture should have a superspiritual element, a sentimental, idealistic, visionary quality, which is the last thing in the world I had expected to encounter in America." An American may sometimes use big words, but he is never declamatory. Impulsiveness and enthusiasm are leading traits in his character. His ideals are simple and not warped by a life-weary civilization. His morality is built upon the right and liberty of the individual, and it is this passion for individual freedom which spells "democracy" to an American.—Fridtjof Nansen, Scandinavian American, July–August, 1919. O. B. Y.
The I.W.W.—A Statement of Its Principles, Objects, and Methods.—This is an authoritative statement from I.W.W. leaders. The I.W.W. is not a secret organization, but pursues its aims by educational propaganda and publicity. It is "One Big Union," differing from other labor unions in that it unites all workers irrespective of their crafts or occupations. The preamble of the I.W.W. constitution is quoted, the first sentence of which is: "The working class and the employing class have nothing in common." At the time of organization in 1906 this preamble contained a paragraph calling for political action, but in 1908 this was struck out, making the organization distinctly non-political. The I.W.W. is a professed "militant organ" to fight with the employing class for better laboring conditions. Its second object is to serve as a "productive organ" when capitalism collapses, which is expected in the near future. However, production itself will not collapse, because the industrial unions of the I.W.W. will be ready to carry it on by means of a system of industrial communism. I.W.W. leaders prefer to describe their methods as "direct action." By this they mean that the workers should act themselves instead of through salaried representatives. Occasionally strikes and boycotts are resorted to for temporary gains; another method is "striking on the job," or a "withdrawal of efficiency," until concessions are granted. Rioting is not resorted to; the strike breaker is chased with "mental dynamite." I.W.W. members are patriotic in an international sense. The estimated increase in membership in the last thirteen months is fifty thousand. The I. W. W. considers its educational work of primary importance. The Publishing Bureau has a booklist, and there are twenty-one weekly and monthly publications. A "General Handbook" is soon to be issued.—John Sandgren, Editor, The One Big Union Monthly. R. W. N.
An Inside Survey of Soviet Russia.—Recent tendencies indicate that the forces of reaction are gaining rapidly in Russia. While the Bolshevists have kept the Red Army enthused with propaganda and military success, the people, as a rule, have become sympathetic toward Kolchak. The peasants, who were at first attracted to the Bolshevists, have lost faith in them. With war and famine constantly confronting them, the peasants long for the bread and peace of former days. Freedom accompanied by famine and destitution has led them to ridicule ideals, such as collective government and the equalization of all rights and property. The Bolshevists, however, are in complete control. This is due to the fact that they have abandoned their principles of democracy and have established a system of military and civil discipline which has enabled them to crush opposition with a firm hand. The only organization not under their control is the church. The opposition has gradually gathered around the church because the Bolshevists fear a popular uprising if they attack the church. There is great tension on both sides. The
