The important point in Ross Winn’s view of this subject appears to be that he is tired of talk and wants action. Under those circumstances, it might seem advisable for him to act. I hardly think that Interloper, Kate Austin, or anyone else among us, will object to his starting a general strike, if he can, for almost any purpose on which it is possible the proletariat might be induced to unite. His critics have but excused themselves from taking much interest in the project, because they doubted its feasibility.

My own view has long been that, in the army of the social revolution, the Anarchists are the reserve, who have been thru the experience of Socialists, Single Taxers, Populists, Bryanites, Greenbackers, Trades’ Unionists, etc. They do best to hold back and advise, except at certain crisis of victory, defeat, or trembling balance, when they come up with very great effect, as they did in the general strike of Belgium for universal suffrage. The Socialists are at present the main body, and the Trades’ Unions the light troops in front. It might seem a grave impeachment of this parallel to remark that the army has no general. That, however, has frequently happened, when allied forces acted together. A common purpose prompts each to support each, and a common need directs those who know the most how to do it with advantage. The less seasoned and combined forces—the Unions—will attempt their general strike when they see a place to strike at, as they did in Belgium. Whether they can be shown one by us Anarchists is not so certain. But we need not be wanting on occasion anymore than then.

C. L. James