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Sun (Christchurch), Volume I, Issue 151, 1 August 1914, Page 8

The International Socialist Bureau has be*m discussing the best means to prevent the extension of the conflict which has been precipitated in Southoast Europe. A general strike and revolutionary action was suggested, but no definite decision was arrived at. It is one of the great ideals of the trained Socialist thinkers of Europe to ■devise some means of effecting international "peace! They abhor war in all its forms' because of the belief that wails one of 'the methods by which Capitalism seeks to gain further advantages over the worker, with a view to the more Comprehensive exploitation, of the''proletariat.- Mr Philip Snowden, ■MiP., voices the feeling in these apt words: —-'' The workers are the victims of' war, not th ega iners by it. Mil i - tarisnl and -Imperialism are the adjuncts of Capitalism. It is'.not for the benefit of the different nations that nxmed camps and navies are maintained. By the abolition of Capitalism so'much of war as is due to economic means will be abolished, and the vast sums which nations now spend upon war and preparation for war, \yill be available for-more useful purposes. The orowth of international Socialism is the greatest safeguard of peace, and its final triumph will bring the end of war." This is, of course, an exalted ideal Avith a selfish motive underlyingit. It has to- be recognised that true Socialism is developing at a remarkible rate of expansion in Europe. The vote in Germany at the last election numbered between four and five million. The Socialists, with the Radical-Socialists, in the French Assembly, control the political situation. Of course, the Socialists, even as MiAndrew Carnegie and Mr Norman Angell, have not the slightest hope of achieving their ideal in the '■■ present state of civilisation, but a high ideal; even if it avoids realisation itself, may help to keep the eyes of I its worshippers "exultingly on the stars."