The October 1911 issue of The Masses, Volume I, No. 10, focuses on themes that are central to the socialist movement: exploitation and the plight of workers. In particular, this issue delves into the mistreatment and poisoning of factory workers, a topic that was gaining widespread attention at the time. The issue sheds light on how thousands of workers are being harmed daily due to their employment, with many being unnecessarily killed or injured each year solely for the benefit of greedy employers.
Additionally, this edition highlights the growing consciousness and activism among the working class, as evidenced by the increasing interest in the conditions under which they work and live. The publication presents a call to action, emphasizing the urgent need to challenge and reform these exploitative practices. While individual articles touch on various aspects of worker mistreatment, the issue as a whole serves as a powerful indictment of the capitalist system’s impact on the lives and wellbeing of the working class.