Part 051 - PAMPHLET 039 051

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of socialists allowing themselves to be used in the slaughter of their brothers in the cause. A great continental uprising of the working class would stop the war; a universal protest at public meetings will not save a single life from being wantonly slaughtered. (Aug 15 1914) If ever you shoulder a rifle, let it be for Ireland. ... You have been told you are not strong, that you have no rifles. Revolutions do not start with rifles; start first and get your rifles after. Our curse is our belief in our weakness. We are not weak, we are strong. Make up your mind to strike before your opportunity goes. (Sept 5 1914) The independent elements are everywhere as- serting themselves, and there has already devel- oped a fierce fight to prevent the Irish Volun- teers being -- as Mr Redmond intended -- handed over to the War Office. Up to the time of writing, the Provisional Committee of the Irish Volunteers has stood firm. They have refused the offer of the War Office to supply officers to the Irish Volunteers, and insisted upon being officered by men of their own choosing under their own control, and they have stated that they prefer to buy and own their own arms rather than get them from Lord Kitchener and know that they are subject to his recall. ... It is feared that ... the British Government would commandeer the foodstuffs of Ireland. ... It is determined on all hands that should this be done resistance will be offered, and the export of this food fought against even to the extent of armed resistance. (Sept 5 1914) For some of us the finish may be on the scaf- fold, for some in the prison cell, for others more fortunate upon the battlefields of an Ireland in 45