FRIENDS OF HUMANITY WILL DEPRECATE WAR
Verse and a look at Eugene Debs concentrating on his anti-war imprisonment and his views on Christianity and society.
Eugene Victor Debs (November 5, 1855 – October 20, 1926) was an American socialist, political activist, trade unionist, one of the founding members of the Industrial Workers of the World (IWW), and five-time candidate of the Socialist Party of America for President of the United States. Through his presidential candidacies as well as his work with labor movements, Debs eventually became one of the best-known socialists living in the United States. Early in his political career, Debs was a member of the Democratic Party. He was elected as a Democrat to the Indiana General Assembly in 1884.
Debs was noted for his oratorical skills, and his speech denouncing American participation in World War I led to his second arrest in 1918. He was convicted under the Sedition Act of 1918 and sentenced to a 10-year term. President Warren G. Harding commuted his sentence in December 1921. Debs died in 1926, not long after being admitted to a sanatorium due to cardiovascular problems that developed during his time in prison.
Of Deb’s speeches on war, I found examples on the internet which are included below:
The following excerpts from Eugene Debs displays the espionage act for which he was imprisoned, his thoughts on the speech leading to these actions, his views on Christianity, and views on the revolution in Russia of the time, as well as general views on war. The pdf book is available with this link.
I found a speech he made in 1902 in nearby Butte, Montana to the miners of the time. I have included an excerpt from it as well of his thoughts. I found it interesting.
That’s what I have today to accompany my little verse. I had been curious about Eugene Debs for sometime. I have a little better understanding of him now.
171st Posting, February 26, 2024.