Let The Working Class Refuse From The Spokesman-Review, April 24, 1914

Tue., April 6, 1999

To the Editor of The Spokesman-Review:

We are at war with Mexico. What for? Because a stubborn Mexican refused to order some big guns to be fired as a salute to our flag, unless we in turn saluted the Mexican flag.

And because the formalities of an antiquated international code of ethics or honors have not been carried out in all their silly details, it has been decided to resort to the brutal, barbarous, hellish method of war. Many lives will be sacrificed; parents, widows, and sweethearts will experience years of heartaches from the loss of loved ones, sickness and wounds will leave their indelible stain on many others, much property will be destroyed, additional taxes must be levied - all, what for?

What a price we must pay for this thing of doubtful value, the national honor!

In years past honor between individuals of high rank was satisfied in this same barbarous way; a duel was fought with swords or pistols. Today the practice is obsolete. We must show our disapproval of this uncivilized thing, war, as a method of settling disagreements between nations, as we have done in the matter of dueling between individuals.

War between nations will cease when the men who form the rank and file, the working class, refuse to take part in the game in which they have nothing to gain, and everything to lose. A.E. House, Spokane.

NEWS OF THE DAY Troops Rush Toward Mexico; Villa Friendly More Slain at Vera Cruz General Villa Declines to Have Rebel Army Dragged Into War with U.S. Mexican Rioters Attack Americans Troops at Fort Wright May Move

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