Already the nations have begun the competition in the building of tanks, battleships and airplanes. These instruments of destruction are built for use, and when the time comes, they will be used as they were between 1914 and 1918.
Again there will be the war propaganda—subtle at first, then more and more open. There will be stories of atrocities; threats of world conquest. "Preparedness" will be the cry.
Again there will be the talk of "My country, right or wrong"; "Stand behind the President"; "Fall in line"; "Go over the top!"
Again fear will stalk through the land, while hate and war lust are whipped into a frenzy.
Again there will be conscription, and the straightest and strongest of the young men will leave their homes and join the colors.
Again the most stalwart men of the nations will "dig themselves in" and slaughter one another for years on end.
Again the truth-tellers will be mobbed and jailed and lynched, while those who champion the cause of the workers will be served with injunctions if they refuse to sell out to the masters.
Again the profiteers will stop at home and reap their harvests out of the agony and the blood of the nation.
Again, when the killing is over, a few old men, sitting around a table, will carve the world—stripping the vanquished while they reward the victors.
Again the preparations will begin for the next war. The people will be fed on promises, phrases and lies. They will pay and they will die for the benefit of their masters, and thus the terrible tragedy of imperialism will continue to bathe the world in tears and in blood.