THE PEACE CRUSADE IN OLDHAM - NEWSPAPER LETTERS

OLDHAM CHRONICLE
9th August 1917 (Thursday)
THE PEACE MEETING

Sir, I read with shame and disgust of the riot at the I.L.P. meeting. Have we really come to this then, after three years war against German militarism, that we cannot allow anybody to talk about peace? Is there not enough suffering and loss in the country, and isn't it time we began to listen to reason? What are we fighting for, after all, if we are to allow military hooligans to dictate to us whether or no we shall have a meeting? Talk about restoration in Belgium etc.! Who is going to compensate for personal injuries to peacful citizens or restore value of property smashed? Do our Colonial cousins want civil war? they are going the right way for it. Has the cause for which we entered the war become so weak that it can't stand peaceful discussion? I venture to assert that it is a poor cause, and a losing cause, that is afraid of the arguments of a despised minority. But that minority may take courage from the lessons of all history that they will yetcome out on top and be admired for their stand against the unreasoning madness of the mob.
A.C.