Will This Anarchistic Association Be “Stamped” Out? [excerpt]

     Since the Buffalo tragedy I have used the term Anarchism more frequently, probably, than in the entire fifteen years previous. As a matter of fact I do not like to call myself an Anarchist, it being a term which expresses so many different meanings to different persons. But since the philosoply [sic] and its exponents have been so bitterly maligned, we have done what we could to bring about a better understanding. Personally I prefer words which do not have to be explained. I believe in Anarchism because to me it means SELF-CONTROL. The best of people refrain from murder, arson, robbery, and the like, not from a fear of the law, but because there is a law in their own consciousness which is more effective than any statute law. We need a greater sense of personal responsibility, rather than less. We should not delegate responsibility for our actions to pope or policeman, nor should they have power to grant us absolution for our invasion of others. More than bullets or ballots do we need self-knowledge and self-control.