The God of War.

Timaru Herald, Volume XIC, Issue 13432, 2 November 1907, Page 3 (Supplement)

The God of War.

The "Review a of" : Internationalism" contains a paper bv Lord Ave bury, entitled, "Which, is Best: Peace or War!" He ! reckons that the total expenditure, of Europe on military and naval matters /is four hundred millions sterling a year. The .debts of the world amount to six thousand millions sterling. The greater part of this sum has been wasted on war and preparation for war. He says : "The condition of Europe cannot be viewed without alarm. Russia is poisoned with Nihilism, Germany alarmed by Socialism, France honeycombed by Anarchy. There is ho justification for recent Anarchist crimes, but nothing happens in this world without a cause. Continental workmen are'working terribly long hours* for very low wages. If anyone will read the recent reports from Italy he will see the miserable condition of, the agricultural labourers in that country; the wages of workmen in continental countries are very low, and their hours long; while the small proprietors in France and elsewhere are no better off. I sympathise very much with the desire for an eight hours' day, but if adopted at all it must be international. If, however, the present mili : tary system is maintained no relaxation of hours is possible. The only way'to' secure the "eight hours" is to diminish military and naval expenditure. The' taxation necesary to', support" the Army and Navy compels every man and woman in Europe to work perhaps an hour a day more than they .otherwise need. -In fact, the religion of Europe is not Christianity,'" but the Worship of the God of War."

He makes an effective, contrast between the United States of. America with 90 millions of population and expenditure

on armaments of 40. millions on the one side, and on the other the disunited States of -Europe, with a population of 350 millions expending annually 200 millions sterling on armies and fleets. Such' is the burden of militarism which must be removed before there can be any competition on even terms . between European ■manufacturers and : those of the United States. The sufferings and hardships of the working classes, which cannot' be reduced as long as- the present expenditure is maintained, are leading to a rapid ■ development ■ of Socialism:- 1 -. "Unless something 'is done the condition of the poor in Europe will grow worse and worse. It is no use. shutting our eyes. Revolution may not come soon, not probably in our time, but come it will, and as sure as fate there will be an explosion such as flie world 'has v hever seen."