Now, since “war is hell” and the business men want hell and the politicians declare hell—why not let these gentlemen go to hell?
(3) Suppose we should have two laws passed and suppose we were in political position to rigidly enforce these two laws:—
First Law,—Requiring that when Congressmen and Senators are elected there shall be elected at the same time an alternate for each and every one of the Congressmen and Senators elected—to fill easily and promptly any vacancies that may occur from any cause.
Second Law,—Requiring that all Senators and Congressmen who vote for war and thus “declare war” shall be forced, according to this law, to instantly resign their offices, and, by special draft provided for in this law, be forced to join the army immediately, infantry department, and, with the common instruments of war (rifles, swords, etc.), fight on the firing line, as privates, without promotion, till the war is finished or till they themselves are slaughtered.
It is significant that:
“Universal military service, adopted by all the great states on the Continent, in imitation of Germany [following the Franco-Prussian War], has, by making the young men of wealthy families join the army, personally interested the members of the governments and parliaments in avoiding war.”[[182]]
When, in 1909, the Spanish War in Africa became intense and dangerous, the Spanish government renewed an old “exemption” law permitting wealthy and “noble” and elegant Spanish gentlemen to send substitutes to the war and thus avoid the hell of the firing line themselves.[[183]]
Our “Dick” Military Law, passed by Congress in 1903, exempts Congressmen, Senators, judges, etc.,—also (by agreement with the State laws) preachers and priests—exempts all these from the clutches of the War Department, though that same law sweeps millions of other men—all able-bodied, male citizens over eighteen and under forty-five years of age—sweeps millions more than before into the absolute control of the Department of Slaughter. (See Section 11, below.)
Does it not seem that if war is good enough to vote for or pray for it is good enough to go to rifle in hand? If not, why not?
Those who vote for or pray for blood-stained victories should be forced to go after them. (See Chapter Eight, Section 14.)