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Title: Prison Impressions Author: Clara Gilbert Cole Date: 1918 Language: en Topics: Poetry, prison, World War I Source: Retrieved on 10th September 2021 from https://forgottenanarchism.wordpress.com/2016/04/07/prison-impressions-clara-gilbert-cole/ Notes: Published in Chorely, Lancashire by The Universal Publishing Company (Sidney R. Campion), [1918]
I append a preface to explain why I was imprisoned, also to show how I
was handicapped in recording these impressions. I wish to forestall the
critics who seek correct literary form or literary ability. I did not
write against war in order to obtain a literary reputation; neither in
protesting against it did I wait to acquire one. Intense pity for
suffering humanity and anxiety to spread the gospel of International
Brotherhood (by which means alone man can express the greatest that is
in him) ceaselessly urges me to protest against the demoralisation and
slaughter of men through unnecessaru war. Whilst in prison, I petitioned
for pencil and paper – my only request was refused. I had a slate and
was allowed to send out one letter a fortnight. That letter consisted of
a folded sheet with four sides, one of which was occupied with printed
instructions. All that is contained in this little book was written in
prison and sent home in my fortnightly letter. Space being limited, the
difficulties were great.
We were imprisoned for speaking the truth: no statement we made was
refuted. To relate briefly the cause of our arrest, I will go back to
Wednesday, May 10, 1916, when Rosa Hobhouse and myself set out from
Knebworth, Herts., on a walking tour distributing literature for Peace.
We were trying to create an atmosphere of love and brotherhood between
all nationalities, instead of this deplorable feeling of hatred which at
present exists and is daily being fomented by the Press.
We had walked 50 miles and distributed 2,000 leaflets when we were
arrested near Kettering, and detained in the police cell five days.
After being twice remanded, we were brought up under the Defence of the
Realm Act and were fined £50 each, or three months’ imprisonment. Not
considering ourselves guilty, we refused to pay the fine or allow it to
be paid for us, and were taken to Northampton prison. History has taught
me that new ideas are always born in pain, so we are contented to suffer
and be misunderstood in order that future generations might reap the
benefit.
CLARA GILBERT COLE
85, Camberwell Grove,
London, S.E.
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To the Conscientious Objector.
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