Page:Friedrich Engels - The Revolutionary Act - tr. Henry Kuhn (1922).pdf/44



Since the closing of the discussion "As to Politics" was announced in these columns a correspondent, who prefers not to have his name published, sent in this question:

"I'm no 'pure and simple political Socialist,' as you will see; and I am no 'pure and simple physical-forcist, as you will also see. I believe with you that political action is necessary. The Labor Movement may not step down from the plane of civilized methods. If it did, none would be better suited than our capitalist masters. I hope I've set myself clear on that score. I also believe with you that the ballot is just so much paper thrown away, without the physical force to back it up, or, as you have neatly said, 'to enforce the Right that the ballot proclaims.' I've set myself clear on that score also, I hope.

"Now, what I want to know is this: Does it follow, as you seem to think, that we must have the Industrial Workers of the World, I mean an Industrial Union, to supplement the ballot? I think not. I think we should concentrate our efforts, instead of dividing them. Why should we divide our efforts, and our money, and our time between a political and an economic organization? I'll watch the Letter Box."