At the same time the Paris branch of the International Association put forth a manifesto addressed "To the Working-Men of all Countries," from which I take these passages:—
"Once more, under the pretext of European equilibrium, of national honor, political ambitions menace the peace of the world.
"French, German, Spanish working-men! let our voices unite in a cry of reprobation against war!
* * * * * *
"War for a question of preponderance, or of dynasty, can, in the eyes of working-men, be nothing but a criminal absurdity.
"In response to the warlike acclamations of those who exonerate themselves from the impost of blood, or who find in public misfortunes a source of new speculations, we protest,—we who wish for peace, work, and liberty.
* * * * * *
"Brothers of Germany!….our divisions would only bring about the complete triumph of despotism on both sides of the Rhine.
* * * * * *
"Working-men of all countries! whatever may be the result of our common efforts, we, members of the International Association of Working-Men, who know no frontiers, we send you, as a pledge of indissoluble solidarity, the good wishes and the salutations of the working-men of France." [Footnote: Testu, L'Internationale, pp. 279-80. The General Council of the International Working-Men's Association on the War, p. ii.]