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November 23, 1934, Pages 1, 3


Dr. Neumann and Reverend Spofford
Stress Need for Fight Against War


Say Those Opposing Fascism
    Should Be Supported
        By All Students


            Dr. Henry Neumann of the Brooklyn Ethical Culture Society and Reverend Dr. William B. Spofford were the speakers at the Anti-War chapel Wednesday. Beatrice Gumberg, chairman of the Anti-War League, presided. Miss Gomberg gave a resume of the facts concerning the expulsion of twenty-one C.C.N.Y. students. She was about to read two resolutions of protest when Dean Adele Bildersee denied that privilege on grounds of unconstitutionality of such a movement in an open assembly. The Dean said that it is necessary to study this question from all angles and then pass on resolutions in individual clubs, but not en masse.

            To the questions asked during open forum on the relationship between opposing war and the C.C.N.Y. situation, Rev. Dr. Spofford replied that students who tight Fascism should be supported by all other students. To the question, "What can students do to show their interest?" he suggested membership in the League Against War and Fascism.

            To this last question Dr. Neumann answered that "we still have democracy; we are still free to voice our protests." He added that he would like to join a league which. has not been organized as yet, namely a League Against War, Fascism, and Violent Revolution.

            Dr. Neumann said in his address that the most important and most encouraging news is the fact that Russia, "who was most contemptuous of the League of Nations, is now a member." Some may attribute a selfish motive to her move, he continued, but we can believe that "These hardheaded, realistic Russians" may genuinely desire peace in order to alleviate the former harshness and frugality of their citizenry.

            "Russia's record for peace stands up as admirably as that of any other country," Dr. Neumann said. Russia has completed treaties of peace with many countries. "You students have a vital interest in stopping the next war, so study and be true, thoroughly loyal to the light you see," he continued.

            Miss Gomberg announced that Dr. Treadwell Smith, who was, scheduled to speak, sent in his place the Reverend William. Spofford, secretary of the Church League for Industrial Democracy and editor of The Witness, an Episcopal church paper. Reverend Spofford said that "the right of an individual to a full life is being denied today:" Students not only want culture but the right and opportunity to earn a living. Why should millions be starving when "warehouses bursting with goods are on hand?" he asked. Why should the government spend money to clear the Newport Coast for the rich to play, and on the other hand, reduce the fund which could alleviate the misery and want of thousands of workers, he asked.

            War not be discussed without an economic background and study, he continued. "What is this Fascism that is appearing just around the corner?" the Reverend asked. "Capitalism gone nudist,"say those who see in Fascism the means of destroying those civil liberties assured by the Constitution of the. United States. Fascism definitely supports the "economy of scarcity" theory in order to maintain the profit system. Fascism seeks to obtain world markets as a means of getting rid of surplus goods. This is one of the main causes of war.

            "Only as you remove the profit system" can you get rid of the economic causes of war and thus war itself. It you do not want war, fight Fascism! "I am in favor of the American League Against War and Fascism."

(Continued from page 1, col. 5)


"Right of an individual to a full life is being denied today." Students not only want culture but the right and opportunity to earn a living. Why should millions be starving when "warehouses bursting with goods on hand?" he asked. Why should the government spend money to clear the the Newport coast for the rich to play, and on the other hand. reduce the fund which could alleviate the misery and want of thousands of workers, he asked.

War cannot be discussed without an economic background and study, he continued. "What is this Fascism that is appearing around the corner?" the Reverend asked. "Capitalism gone nudist," say those who see in Fascism the means of destroying those civil liberties assured by the Constitution of the United States. Fascism definitely supports the "economy of scarcity" in order to maintain the profit system. Fascism seeks to obtain world markets as a means of getting rid of surplus goods This is one of the main causes of war.

"Only as you remove the profit system" can you get rid of the economic causes of war and thus war itself. If you do not want war, fight Fascism! "I am in favor of the American League Against War and Fascism."


 

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May 20, 2004