Thomas Seltzer

“ This is not a plea for art for art's sake in literature. Modern economic conditions, the conditions in which the workingmen live, in fact, our whole economic life, are legitimate subjects for the art of the novelist. ”

“ He must be free from all preconceived notions, even though they be scientifically true. He must devote himself merely to the reproduction of life as an impartial observer sees it. The less hampered he is by theories, the more likely he is to see and depict life as it actually is. ”

“ But when he became a Socialist and transferred his Socialism to his art, his fiction lost artistic unity and proper perspective. In "Mother," for example, the characters are not essential to the dramatic action of the story. They are brought on the stage to further a preconceived idea. In fact, "Mother" is a novel with an idea for its hero instead of a human being. The old form of hero-worship of man has here been turned into the hero-worship of an abstraction.
Let novelists write Socialistic novels if they must, but let them not think they must for the sake of Socialism. ”

“ This does not mean that the editor will not admit to the columns of the Masses new, unknown geniuses as soon as he discovers them.
In fiction the Masses intends to maintain an equally high standard of excellence. It will publish the best that can be had, not only in the United States, but in the world. It will not publish a story merely because it is original, that is, because written first in the English language. A good story from a foreign tongue, we believe, is preferable to a bad American story. ”

“ A NEW Socialist magazine requires no apology for its appearance. The hollow pretense of fulfilling a much-felt want with which every capitalist periodical enters the field is in the case of Socialist publications a genuine reality. The Socialist movement is a growing movement and naturally creates a growing literature. As the sphere of its activity extends and its means of propaganda increase and diverge, it automatically evolves new organs of expression.
The Masses is an outgrowth of the co-operative side of Socialist activity. ”

“ But life in all its complexity does not immediately reveal the Socialist philosophy. Otherwise all honest men would be Socialists. Much study is needed before the truth of Socialism can be understood. Consequently, the novelist who sets forth Socialism in his works is very likely to be didactic. ”

“ The Masses will print cartoons and illustrations of the text by the best artists of the country, on a quality of paper that will really reproduce them. This is a luxury which the Socialist press hitherto has been unable to afford, but it is a necessary luxury. Poor illustrations poorly reproduced are worse than worthless. ”

“ Young belongs to the class of artists—there are many such nowadays—who stifle in the air of the capitalist editorial office. He wants his artistic lungs to expand, and he will take bracing constitutionals once month in the Masses. ”

“ The history of co-operation in European countries has demonstrated its value, and there is no reason why a great co-operative cannot be built up here, too, in as short a time as it was built up in Germany. ”

“ It can become a mighty weapon in the hands of the American party. It can help vastly to accelerate Socialist propaganda. Where other Socialist appeals fail to obtain a hearing, the appeal to the revolt against high prices and the increased cost of living will be heard.
The Masses will watch closely the development of the American co-operative organization, and will keep its readers informed of its work and progress. ”

“ This is the same Novoye Vremya that has made itself the handmaiden of the Black Hundreds, and, since the defeat of the Russian Revolution, has been systematically fomenting race hatred and hostility to foreign countries. Lately it took to pouncing upon America and ridiculing its love for the "dollar." ”

“ Infant though it is, it has quile outgrown the experimental stage and proved its vitality. The significance of a powerful co-operative organization for the Socialist movement in this country cannot be questioned. ”