I do not need to place before those of our readers who are schooled in
socialism any comments on the causes of this war--the fact itself as it
stands is of a stupendous, terrifying magnitude. And it is with this
fact that we have now to reckon. Russia, France, Belgium, England,
Servia, Montenegro and Japan are now involved in this battle for
"freedom and culture," which means fighting against Germany, against the
world which has given birth to Goethe, to Kant and to Karl Marx! It
would be laughable were the situation not so desperately grave.
Socialism in each of the West European powers has done all it could to
prevent the war. Its strength could not sufficiently prevail--it was not
enough. On Aug. 1, 1914, socialism in each country found itself
confronted with the hideous certainty of war. What was to be done?
On the 1st of August there was no longer any possibility whatsoever of
sending a letter or telegram across the German frontier. The telegram of
condolence which we sent to Paris on the assassination of Jean Jaures
never arrived. Socialism in each country was forced back entirely upon
itself.
At the time when I am writing this letter, Aug. 21, we in Germany know
absolutely nothing concerning the details of the action taken in the
Belgian and French Parliament.
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