Page:Johann Jacoby - The Object of the Labor Movement - tr. Florence Kelley (1887).djvu/23

 22 ing adequate opportunity for free instruction. It is the further duty of the State to assist the development of the co-operative system by reform of the bank and credit system and by affording to co-operative effort the support of State-credit.

Such help being possible only on the part of a free State, it follows that all workers, and all friends of the workers, must aim primarily at establishing true freedom within the State. Political and social freedom, freedom of the citizen without the sacrifice of the majority of mankind as wage-slaves; this is the task of our century. The achievements of the policy of blood and iron, the clang of arms in these, our days, the chase and struggle for wealth and sensual enjoyment, these are but ripples upon the surface of the stream of the spirit of our time. In the depths, still but ceaseless is the forward movement of our knowledge of nature and of mind, and with this knowledge the consciousness of the sovereignty of man, that thought which moves the world, the Liberty, Equality, Fraternity of all. Though years may pass in vain, the word of scripture shall yet be fulfilled, the joyful message which the electric wire sped as its first greeting from free America to Europe still armed to the teeth:

"Peace on Earth; Good Will to Men!"