Let us try and not strike too soon, when our numbers are too small, or before more of us understand the use and manufacture of the weapons.
To avoid unnecessary bloodshed, confusion and discouragement, we must be prepared, know why we strike and for just what we strike, and then strike in unison and with all our might.
Our war is not against men, but against systems; yet we must prepare to kill men who will try to defeat our cause, or we will strive in vain.
The rich are only worse than the poor because they have more power to wield this infernal “property right,” and because they have more power to reform, and take less interest in doing so. Therefore, it is easy to see where the bloodiest blows must be dealt.
We can expect but few or no converts among the rich, and it will be better for our cause if they do not wait for us to strike first.
Again, on February 21, 1885, from the same paper:
The deep-rooted, malignant evil which compels the wealth-producers to become the independent hirelings of a few capitalistic czars, can not be reached by means of the ballot.
The ballot can be wielded by free men alone; but slaves can only revolt and rise in insurrection against their despoilers.
Let us bear in mind the fact that here in America, as elsewhere, the worker is held in economic bondage by the use of force, and the employment of force, therefore, becomes a necessity to his economic preservation. Poverty can’t vote!
In the same issue also appeared the following: