The Unpopular Review, Vol. 2, No. 4, October-December 1914, including Vol. 2 Index

An incisive essay opens a window onto the fevered debate over free speech at the outbreak of World War I, where the author dissects a new “martyrdom” that activists claim when their rallies are redirected or police intervene. By contrasting genuine persecution with the trivial inconveniences of crowd control, the piece challenges the notion that opposition to the establishment automatically warrants special privileges. It delivers a measured history of how societies have long balanced the right to dissent with the protection of ordinary private rights, pointing out that the current clamor often seeks exemption rather than equality.

The writer’s sharp wit and careful reasoning bring to life vivid scenes—from a speaker forced a few blocks north of a statue to confrontations in Union Square—while exposing the gaps between idealistic slogans and practical law. Readers will discover how these early‑twentieth‑century arguments echo contemporary debates about protest, policing, and the limits of expression. The essay remains a thought‑provoking guide for anyone curious about the persistent tension between liberty and order.