In the juggling of events such a war would cause, in the reshuffling of the international cards and the making of new treaties and alliances, the Oligarchy had much to gain.

And, furthermore, the war would consume many national surpluses, reduce the armies of unemployed that menaced all countries, and give the Oligarchy a breathing space in which to perfect its plans and carry them out.

Such a war would virtually put the Oligarchy in possession of the world-market.

Also, such a war would create a large standing army that need never be disbanded, while in the minds of the people would be substituted the issue, "America versus Germany," in place of "Socialism versus Oligarchy." And truly the war would have done all these things had it not been for the socialists.

A secret meeting of the Western leaders was held in our four tiny rooms in Pell Street.