CLASS-CONSCIOUS CAPITALISTS

Grey River Argus, 10 June 1943, Page 7

CLASS-CONSCIOUS CAPITALISTS

The capitalists have taken longer to achieve class-consciousness than did the workers. Class-consciousness develops primarily from the need to face danger in common. The workers, helpless victims of nineteenth century industrialism so long as they stood alone, felt that need very early. The individualistic capitalists of that epoch, self-confident in the triumphant expansion of British industry, could safely ignore all but their own efforts 'and achievements, and: remain unaware of themselves as a class or of tile need for combination. Now times have changed. British capitalism is challenged by foreign competitors without, by the working-class movement within. It is in danger, it becomes conscious of its social and political position, it organises and schemes to preserve its privileges and to defeat its challengers.

This makes our fight for socialism harder. But it also means that we need have no illusions. We know now that we must destroy, and not merely seek to circumvent, the economic power of the big capitalist combines. We know now that as soon as Labour gains political powex it must use the economic power ot the modern State, not merely to “guide’’ 'the economic system, but first of all. actively to undermine the feudal strongholds of the barons , of monopoly capitalism. And knowing these things, we need only the will to act. —“‘Tribune.