Editorial Article for l'Humanite, Written by Jean Jaurès on the Night
He Was Assassinated, July 31.
If we put things at their worst, if we take, in view of the most
formidable hypothesis, the necessary precautions, let us keep the
lucidity of our spirit, the firmness of our reason. To judge from all
the common elements, it does not seem that the international situation
is desperate. To be sure, it is grave, but all chances of an amicable
adjustment have not disappeared. On one side it is evident that if
Germany had a design to attack us she would have proceeded according to
the famous sudden attack. On the contrary, she has allowed days to pass,
and France, like Russia, could have put to profit this delay, the one,
Russia, in order to proceed to a partial mobilization, the other,
France, to take precautions compatible with the maintenance of peace.
On the other hand, Austria and Russia have entered into direct
negotiations. Russia demands of Austria what treatment she reserves for
Servia. Austria answers that she will respect her "territorial
integrity." Russia figures that it is not enough and that it must also
include that "the sovereign rights of Servia are guaranteed."
Even if discord comes between the views of Austria and those of Russia,
one could measure the distance of the ideas and work on a solution of a
problem whose points are determined. It is then, it seems, that the
English idea of mediation which seeks a form, its means of expression,
but which in the end will prevail, for it embodies the profound
sentiments of the people, and without doubt the desire of the rulers
who feel rising toward them, like punishment, this peril of war, with
which for a moment they thought of playing like a diplomatic toy.
If we judge what war itself will be and the effects it will produce by
panic, sinister rumors, economic difficulties, monetary difficulties,
and the financial disasters which the mere possibility of a conflict
creates; when we think that even now we must postpone payments, and
prepare to decree a forced circulation for the paper certificates, one
asks if the most crazy or the sanest of men are capable to open such a
crisis.
The greatest danger at this time is not, if I can say it, in the events
themselves. It is not even in the real dispositions of the
chancelleries, however guilty they may be; it is not in the real will of
the people; it is in the nervousness which is gaining, in the worry
which is spread, in the sudden impulse which grows from fear, of the
growing uncertainty, prolonged anxiety. To these crazy panics the crowd
may give in, and it is not sure that the Governments, too, may give in.
They spend their time (delicious occupation) to frighten and to reassure
each other. And this, do not mistake, can last for weeks. Those who
imagine that a diplomatic crisis must be or can be settled in a few days
are mistaken. Just as the battles of modern war develop on an immense
front, last seven or eight days, the same way the diplomatic battles,
placing now in the game entire Europe and involving a number of powerful
nations, will spread necessarily over several weeks. To resist this test
one must have nerves of steel, or, better still, they need a firm
reasoning, clear and calm. It is to the intelligence of the people, it
is to their reasoning, that we must now make an appeal if we wish them
to remain masters of themselves, escape the panics, dominate the
excitement, and supervise the march of men and things, to spare the
human race from the horror of war.
The danger is great, but it is not unavoidable if we preserve clearness
of mind and a strong will, if we have both heroism of patience and
heroism of action. The clear view of our duty will give us the power to
accomplish it.
All the militant Socialist members of the Federation of the Seine are
called, for next Sunday morning, to Wagram Hall, to a meeting where the
situation will be explained, where the action which the International
expects of you will be defined.
A number of meetings will keep in action the thought and will of the
proletariat and will prepare the magnificent demonstration which will be
a prelude to the labors of the International Congress.
What counts now is the continuity of action, the constant awakening of
the reason and conscience of the workers. There lies true salvation.
There lies the guarantee of the future.
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