William
Anderson was
born in Gamrie, Scotland, in 1877. Educated
at elementary school he was apprenticed to a manufacturing chemist.
He joined the Shop Assistants' Union and in 1903 became one of its
organizers
Anderson joined the Independent
Labour Party and
served as its chairman (1911-14). H e was elected to the House
of Commons for Keighley in 1911. He moved to the Attercliffe division
of Sheffield in December 1914.
Anderson, who was married
to Mary
Macarthur, was
also chairman of the Labour Party (1914-15).
Defeated in the 1918 General Election, Anderson
died of influenza on 25th February
1919.
(1)
William
Anderson, statement issued on behalf of the Independent
Labour Party (1914)
We
are told that International Socialism is dead, that all our hopes
and ideals are wrecked by the fire and pestilence and European war.
It is not true.
Out of the darkness and
the depth we hail our working-class comrades of every land. Across
the roar of guns, we send sympathy and greeting to the German Socialists.
They have laboured unceasingly to promote good relations with Britain,
as we with Germany. They are no enemies of ours, but faithful friends.
In forcing this appalling
crime upon the nations, it is the rulers, the diplomats, the militarists
who have sealed their doom. In tears and blood and bitterness, the
greater Democracy will be born. With steadfast faith we greet the
future; our cause is holy and imperishable, and the labour of our
hands has not been in vain.
Long live Freedom and
Equality! Long live International Socialism!
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