nations has been followed by the war of the classes. The class
struggle is no longer fought by resolutions and demonstrations.
Threateningly it marches through the streets of the great cities
for life or death."

CHAPTER XV

PATRIOTISM RIDICULED AND DESPISED

Though it is evident that there can be no patriotism in men who are
doing their utmost to overthrow our government by stirring up
class-hatred and inciting rebellion, still most of the citizens of our
country have never realized the extent to which Socialists ridicule and
despise patriotism and abhor its very name.

"The Call," September 25, 1912, in answering the charge that Socialism
undermines patriotism, says: "So it does, and is proud of it, if by
patriotism is meant that mawkish sentiment which causes a man, for the
sum of $15 a month, to go out and get himself killed in defense of a
country of which he owns not a single foot and can never hope to own
any. If a wage slave is paid only enough to live on, anyhow, what
difference to him does it make whether his boss is a Britisher or a
Chinaman?"

The Socialists often succeed in stirring up violence during strikes to
develop the spirit of revolt; then, when it becomes necessary for the
state to protect the lives and property of its citizens, the lovers of
rebellion and disorder do their utmost to incite hatred and contempt
against the soldiers who are sent to preserve order.

On February 10, 1912, there appeared in "The Call" an article which
reads as follows:

"The capitalist class, alarmed at the amazingly rapid growth of
anti-militarism in this country, is endeavoring, through church and
government, to combat this just sentiment, and by law and precept
to create an artificial respect and love for the soldiers' uniform
and the American flag.

"'Respect the uniform, honor the flag,' is their cry, and they are
foolish enough to believe that if they raise their voices loud
enough, we, the workers, will become infected by their fictitious
enthusiasm, and shout with them.

"'Honor the uniform!' Oh, surely! Honor the trappings and gold lace
with which they are dressing up their weak-minded scabs! Honor the
uniform which has the power to transform a decent but ignorant boy
of the working class into an unthinking savage, who would, if
ordered to do so by a superior in rank, shoot down his aged father
or k