Editorial, March 9, 1934, Page 2

To the Editor:

        I am neither a member of the Anti-War Committee nor of the Social Science Club, yet my first impulse was to agree with editorial opinion in condemning the proposed anti-war strike.

        But when I considered how immediate and vital the problem of war has become, I realized the necessity of such a demonstration, drastic as it may be. We don't want to believe that war is threatening. A large shipment of nitrates to Europe and Japan does not necessarily mean preparation for war, we tell ourselves. I have heard students say, "Why all this anti-war talk? We won't have war."

        In 1912 and 1913, Europe was torn by a series of Balkan Wars. Yet the mass of people was in no way conscious of the impending disaster. In spite of the apparent desire of the man in the street to maintain peace, we were not dragged into the World War. We plunged headlong. A large number of the first volunteers were recruits from colleges throughout the country. As soon as the bands began to play and the soldiers started parading, the blood of the people was fired. Chauvinism is easily aroused.

        Our only method, then, is to combat propaganda with counter-propaganda. Our aim must be to impress on those who determine the policies of this country that neither students nor faculty will support a war. The Anti-War Strike and Anti-War Week should receive our wholehearted support. Only then will this movement accomplish its purpose of bringing to the attention of the public our attitude on the war question.

H.

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May 20, 2004