ns to the great strikes in Belgium, Russia,
Italy, France, Scandinavia, and other European countries, that were so
widespread as to merit being called general. If all the workers can be
induced to stop work, even for a very brief interval, such action would
be regarded as the greatest possible manifestation of the "collective
power of the producers."

Direct action, a term translated directly from the French, is more
difficult to define. This method sets itself in opposition to the
methods of the capitalist in retaining control of industry, which is
spoken of as indirect action. Laws, machinery, credits, courts,
and constabulary are indirect methods whereby the capitalist keeps
possession of his property. The industrialist matches this with a direct
method. For example, he engages in a passive strike, obeying rules
so literally as to destroy both their utility and his work; or in an
opportune strike, ceasing work suddenly when he knows his employer
has orders that must be immediately filled; or in a temporary strike,
quitting work one day and coming back the next. His weapon is organized
opportunism, wielding an unexpected blow, and keeping the employer in a
frenzy of fearful anticipation.

Finally, sabotage is a word that expresses the whole philosophy and
practice of revolutionary labor. John Spargo, in his "Syndicalism,
Industrial Unionism and Socialism," traces the origin of the word to the
dockers' union in London. Attempt after attempt had proved futile to win
by strikes the demands of these unskilled workers. The men were quite
at the end of their resources, when finally they hit upon the plan of
"lying down on the job" or "soldiering." As a catchword they adopted the
Scotch phrase ca'canny, to go slow or be careful not to do too much.
As an example they pointed to the Chinese coolies who met a refusal of
increased wages by cutting off a few inches from their shovels on the
principle of "small pay, small work." He then goes on to say that "the
idea was very easily extended. From the slowing up of the human
worker to the slowing up of the iron worker, the machine, was an
easy transition. Judiciously planned "accidents" might easily create
confusion for which no one could be blamed. A few "mistakes" in handling
cargoes might easily cost the employers far more than a small increase
in wages would. Some French syndicalists, visiting London, were greatly
impressed with this new cunning. But as they had no ready trans