Price 10 Cent*
THE
OCIAL
[U^
VOL. 4
CHICAGO, JUNE, 1923
NUMBER 6
«— -
IN THIS ISSUE
i
CONVENTION RESOLUTIONS
SOCIALISM AND UNIONISM
REPLY TO FARMER-LABOR PARTY
REPLY TO WORKERS PARTY
THE COAL MINING SITUATION
CONVENTION MINUTES
REPORT OF THE PL E. C.
LETTER TO LOCAL SEC.
RES. ON POLITICAL PRISONERS
MISCELLANEOUS RESOLUTIONS
SOCIALISM AND UNIONISM
Adopted by National Convention Socialist Party, May 1923
Political action and industrial action are equally
necessary in the struggle for improvement of the
conditions of the working class, and for its ultimate
emancipation. Neither method is complete with-
out the other. The activity of the labor un : ons
and that of the working class party must be harm-
on : ously coordinated in order that each may be
brought to its highest efficiency. To promote such
coordination is today one of the most important
tasks of the Socialist Party.
It is the duty of the Socialist Party, its press,
and its auxiliary institutions, to give whole-hearted
support to the labor organizations in all their strug-
gles for higher wages, shorter hours, and better
working conditions, and in all their efforts to in-
crease their membership, to maintain and enlarge
their legal rights, and to spread a correct under-
standing of their purposes.
The Socialist Party has a right to ask of the
labor unions the opportunity to reach their mem-
bership for the purpose of presenting its views upon
subjects of interest to the working class as a whole.
It has a right to ask them for cooperation and sup-
port in defending political liberty and civil rights.
Experience shows that if these things are asked in a
fraternal spirit they will not in the long run be re-
fused.
It is neither the right nor the interest of the Social-
ist to attempt to dictate to the unions concerning
their internal affairs nor to interfere in the jurisdict-
ional and other disputes which sometimes unfor-
tunately divide the labor movement. The only
service it can render in this direction is to spread
such knowledge and such a spirit as will tend to
lift these controversies above the level of personal
and factional strife, and to promote their settlement
on grounds of principle .
Every Socialist who is eligible to union member-
ship ought to be within the ranks of Organized
Labor. Every member of the Socialist Party who
neglects this duty does injury to the Party as well
as to the unions.
It is not enough for Socialist workingmen to hold
formal union membership. It is their duty to dis-
tinguish themselves by activity* devotion, and good
faith within the union as well as within the Party.
Their influence should be used, not only to streng-
then the unions in their immediate struggles, but
also to cultivate among the rank and file an ever
deeper feling of working-class solidarity, and an
ever clearer understanding of economic principles,
By these means they can best hasten the normal
development of the American labor movement along
the lines of a closer industrial organization, a broad-
er outlook upon social questions, and a more far-
reaching purpose than it has hitherto attained.
The Socialist Party specifically points out the
error into which sincere, but too impatient Social-
ists, or persons reputed to be Socialists, have some
times fallen, of seeking to capture the unions, or to
force their own ideas upon them by schismatic or-
ganization within their ranks, and by factious at-
tacks upon their leaders. These methods have sel-
dom, if ever, yielded good results, and they have
often done grave harm* both to the unions concern-
ed, and to the Socialist Party. It is by convincing
the rank and file, not by dividing them, nor by dis-
crediting their officers, that progress is made.
SOCIALIST WORLD
THE SOCIALIST WORLD
Entered as Second-Class Matter at the Port-Office at Chica-
go, Illinois. January 26th, 1918, Under the Act of March
3rd. 1679.
Subscription Price: $1.00 a year. Single Copies 10c
All matter intended for publication must reach this office
not later than the 1 at of the month preceding date of iime
Published Monthly at 2418 W. MadUon St., Chicago. 111.
by the
SOCIALIST PARTY OF AMERICA
OTTO F. BRANSTETTER Bus. Mgr.
EUGENE V. DEBS
After a long period of devoted and unselfish
service to the workers of America, was rewarded
by the Capitalist Courts placing him in prison.
After an imprisonment of three years had shat-
tered his health the world saw this undaunted cham-
pion leave the prison with head erect, undaunted
and undefeated to renew his fight against Capital,
ism for the freedom of the working class to which
he belongs and to whom his life is dedicated.
Therefore be it resolved:
That the Delegates of the National Convention
of the Socialist Party, assembled in New York
extend to Eugene V. Debs our most sincere love
and greetings; and
Be it further resolved; That we assure Comrade
Eugene V. Debs that we rejoice that his health has
been restored and that his invaluable services are
again at the disposal o/ the Socialist Party and the
working class in general.
His work is an inspiration to the Socialists of
Aknerica, a work that will hasten the downfall of
Capitalism and the ushering in of the cooperative
commonwealth." Adopted.
LABOR EDUCATION
Whereas: The greatest need of the hour in the
rank and file of the American Labor
Movement is a more intelligent under-
standing of its history, aims, struggles and
ideals, and a more informed and efficient
leadership to guide and inspire it onward
to ever greater conquests on the indus-
trial, political, cooperative, and cultural
fields; and
Whereas: A number of trade unions, central labor
bodies and independent elements of the
labor movement have made more or less
successful attempts in the establishment
of labor schools and colleges; and
Whereas: Efforts are now being made to organ-
ize, coordinate, and bring into active co-
operation all these separate experiments
so that greater efficiency may be attain-
ed in this work and more satisfying re-
sults achieved;
Be it Resolved: That the Socialist Party of
America in Convention assembled ex-
tends its heartiest cooperation towards
the proposed union of efforts in the wide
and fruitful field of Labor Education,
and furthermore stands pledged to con-
tribute its resorces in this work, not neces-
sarily in the partisan spirit of Socialist
propaganda, rather in the wider aim of
helpfulness, to the end of enhancing the
strength, confidence, clearsightedness,
leadership and morale of a truly progress-
ive American Labor Movement.
THE NEGRO WORKERS
The National Convention of the Socialist
Party records its hearty appreciation of the Negro
Socialists who are doing so much to awaken the
Negro workers to a knowledge of Socialism. The
Convention commends to the earnest consideration
of all white wage workers the necessity of co-
operation with the Negro workers, encouraging
their organization in labor unions, and breaking
down the prejudices that still survive.
Not until the white worker recognizes that the
Negro worker is a part of the wage working class,
and has problems similar to his, will the Socialist
movement and the trade unions acquire the power
and influence that should be theirs. Every ten-
dency that promotes sympathy and mutual under-
standing between the Negro and white workers
must be encouraged for the purpose of strengthen-
ing the labor movement itself.
Above all, the white wage workers should wage
an unrelenung warfare of education against such
bigoted and reactionary movements as the Ku Klux
Klan, which aim to make of the Negro people a
race of serfs, to be perpetually exploited by a white
ruling class. Our Negro brothers are the special
victims of Klannism. Their fathers had a terrible
experience with this brutal and ignorant organized
prejudice against color. This reactionary move-
met against the Negro worker is equally danger-
ous to the white worker and both have a common
cause against it.
The Convention especially^ commends the organ
of the Negro Socialists, the Messenger, as a scholar-
ly publication of great value in educating Negro
workers, and fitting them to cope with the problems
that bear with peculiar harshness on all Negro
workers. The Convention urges the white com-
rades to aid our Negro comrades in extending the
circulation and influence of the Messenger so that
its service to the cause of emancipation may be in-
creased many fold*
SOCIALIST WORLD
REPLY TO THE FARMER-LABOR PARTY
Mr. J, G. Brown, Secretary,
Farmer Labor Party of the U. S.,
166 W. Washington St.,
Chicago, Illinois.
Dear Sir and Brother:
The National Convention of the Socialist Party
has earnestly considered the invitaion extended by
the Farmer-Labor Party to the Socialist Party and
other organizations of workers to attend a national
conference in Chicago, beginning July 3, to discuss
"such steps as may be necessary to bring about com-
plete unity of the political forces of the entire work-
ing class/*
The Socialist Party fully agrees with the
Farmer-Labor Party as to the desirability of unit-
ing the workers on the political field. The only
question is how soon and by what means this end
can best be attained.
A necessary condition to the establishment of a
really powerful political party of the working class
is the active support of at least a majority of the
-reat trade unions- Unless there is assurance that
this support is now obtainable, any attempt at this
time to effect the proposed "unity of the political
forces of the entire working class" would result in
disappointment.
Is there reason to believe that a sufficient
number of powerful national and international
unions favor independent political action at the
present time? We wish that we could answer
this question in the affirmative* Candol compels
us to admit that, while there are evidences of wide-
spread discontent with the parties of capitalism with-
in the ranks of Organized Labor, comparatively
few of the great unions are yet ready to take the
decisive step of launching a working-class party on
a national scale.
We are convinced that working-class opinion
is fast evolving in this direction, influenced thereto
by the logic of events as well as by the arguments
of those who already advocate independent political
action. We think, however, that it would be a
mistake to force the issue prematurely, or to take
such action as might give a delusive appearance of
political unity of the whole working class without
the reality.
The Socialist Party has decided to continue its
affiliation with the Conference ior Progressive
Political Action. h believes that by working
through state con' nces called by that body,
where the views of lo ibor organizations in each
state will be directly represented, it will at the
present juncture best advance the cause of working-
class unity on the political field.
For these reasons the National Convention of the
Socialist Party declines the proffered invitation to
the Chicago Conference.
With fraternal greetings, we are
(Signed) Wm. H. Henry
Algernon Lee
James Oneal
Committee.
SOVIET RUSSIA
The Socialist Party of the United States, as-
sembled in National Convention, reaffirms its posi-
tion in favor of the recognition of the Russian Gov-
ernment. The Russian revolution overthrew the
most cruel and despotic government of modern
times. If the revolution accomplished nothing else,
its achievement in this respect will always be
glorious in the long struggle of the working class.
Despite differences that have arisen with the
Communist International it is to the credit of the
Socialist and Labor parties of the world that they
continue to demand the recognition of the Soviet
Government. Any other position would be to range
working class organizations with czarists and im-
perialists. These enemies of the Soviet Gvorenment
cannot be our friends. They are our enemies as
well.
Differences in working class organizations never
justify support of the common enemy. To do so
would be to repudiate the class solidarity which in-
spires intelligent Working class action. For these
reasons the Socialist Party again records its demand
for the recognition of Soviet Russia. It hopes that
relations with Russia will soon be resumed, and
that through trade and commerce with the rest of
the world millions of suffering men, Women, and
children in Russia will be relieved.
RECOGNITION OF MEXICO
Whereas: The Government of the United
States has continuously refused to recognize the
present government of Mexico; and
Whereas: Certain financial and oil interests in
this country are maintaining an aggressive propa-
ganda and campaign in favor of the intervention of
the United States in Mexico; and
Whereas: The Mexican people for the first
time in their history have established a government,
which is primarily interested in the economic wel-
fare of the working masses; therefore
SOCIALIST WORLD
Be it Resolved: That we, the Socialist Party,
in National Convention assembled in the City of
New York on the 2 1st day of May 1923, demand
the official recognition of the Mexican government
by the United States; and
Be it Further Resolved: That we urge all local
organizations of the Party, as well as all sym-
pathetic organizations, to take advantage of every
opportunity to urge recognition of Mexico by the
United States.
THE FASCISTI
Whereas: The Fascisti of Italy, through force
and violence of the worst form, have almost de-
stroyed all that the Socialists, Labor and Liberals
have built in the thirty years of hard and faithful
labor for .the workers of that country; and
Whereas: The Fascisti menace, encouraged
and helped by the capitalists of all countries, is
spreading to other lands; and
Whereas: In the City of New York, an Anti-
Fascisti Alliance has been formed ander the aus-
pices of the Italian Chamber of Labor: be it
Resolved: That this Convention of the Socialist
Party endorses the work of the Anti-Fascisti Al-
liance ; and be it further
Resolved: That the Executive Committee of
the Socialist Party request every local affiliated
with it to cooperate and assist in the work of inform-
ing the American public and the American Labor
Movement of the nefarious work of the Fascisti, and
as to the best means of preventing the spread of
anti-social forces in this country.
POLITICAL PRISONERS
Whereas: More than fifty persons, indicted
under wartime legislation, and convicted in the heat
of jingoistic hysteria, are still languishing in prison
cells; and
Whereas: The court records show these men are
guilty of no active violence against Me or property,
but, are being held solely for expression of opinion;
and
Whereas: In the case of U. S. vs. Hammer-
schmidt, et al, twelve defendants now awaiting final
judgment by the U. S, Supreme Court, although
five years have passed since the World War, these
twelve defendants being the victims solely of anti-
war opinion, are still facing the prison bars; and
Whereas: The political prisoners who have
been released have not been restored to full rights
of citizenship; therefore be it
Resolved: That we, the Socialist Party mem-
bers, in Convention assembled, demand the im-
mediate and unconditional amnesty of all wartime
prisoners, both civil and military, and that we de-
clare the action of President Harding and his as-
sociates to be in direct violation of all historic pre-
cedence, as well as an offense to present day sense
of decency and justice; and be it further
Resolved: That we demand that the release of
these political and military prisoners shall carry
with it full amnesty in the restoration of all citizen-
ship rights held by the prisoners before conviction;
and be it also
Resolved: That we demand the dismissal of
the case against Hammerschmidt et al, in the city
of Cincinnati, Ohio.
SOCIALIST PRISONERS IN RUSSIA
Whereas: The Soviet Government of Russia
has imprisoned thousands of members of non-Bols-
hevik working class organizations many of them
having rendered heroic service against czarism and
even against the Allied Interventionists and czarist
generals; and
Whereas: This policy of repressing other or-
ganizations of the working class embarasses our
work for the release of our own political and class
war prisoners, and even erects barriers agamst rec-
ognition of the Soviet Government itself; therefore
Be it resolved: That the Socialist Party of the
United States, which has always opposed efforts of
the Allied Powers to intervene in Russia, and
whose activity in behalf of Russian recogmt-on
gives us the right to criticise and advise the Russian
Government protests against this policy of political
persecution, and urges the Soviet Government to
abandon it as injurious to itself and to the workers
of all countries.
INDUSTRIAL PRISONERS
Whereas: Thomas J. Mooney and Warren K-
Billings in California, convicted under perjured
evidence, and later proven beyond the shadow of
a doubt innocent of the charge for which they are
still held behind prison bars, for a period of more
than six years, and inasmuch as no tecnical legal
procedure has been found to provide for the release
of these men; be it therefore
Resolved: That we demand of the Governor of
California that Mooney and Billings be at once re-
leased with all citizenship rights restored, and their
cases be dismissed from the Courts of California.
Whereas: Sacco and Vanzetti of Massachusetts
have also been convicted as a result of capitalistic
frame-ups; be it therefore
Resolved : That we demand the release of Sac-
co and Vanzetti and call for the dismissal of their
case from the courts of Massachusetts.
SOCIALIST WORLD
SYNDICALIST LAWS
Whereas: There are a number of states in the
Union, notably California and Michigan, Wash-
ington and Pennsylvania, in which a Criminal Syn-
dicalist Law provides opportunity for the .most
vicious prosecution and persecution of the workers
in the industrial and political movements, and scores
of our fellow workers and comrades are serving
time in state prisons, convicted under these laws,
oftentimes by juries that were unquestionable pre-
judiced or terrorized into rendering a verdict pleas-
ing to the capitalistic interests;
Be it Resolved: That the Socialist Party, in
convention assembled, pledge its support to all or-
ganizations and bodies in their effort to remove
these laws from the States where they now exist;
and further
Be it Resolved: That all these aforesaid issues
be taken up by the Socialist Party Locals and com-
rades all over the nation, and given the widest
publc'ty to the end that innocent men imprisoned
under wartime hysteria and a class war persecution
may be freed, and laws inimical to the rights of or-
ganized labor and the interests of the Working clas^
may be blotted off our State and National Law
Books.
OPEN SHOP
The drive for the so called open shop (which
really means the non union shop) is again being re-
sumed, after a momentary defeat.
Great combinations of capitalists are undertaking
a determined campaign for the destruction of or-
gan'zed labor. They have millions to spend on
hiring thugs, spies, and disruptionists, and in sub-
sidizing a widespread anti-union propaganda. They
can afford to'lose millions in present profits, if there-
by they can assure thousands of cheap and sub-
missive labor in the years to come.
These exploiters care no more for the interests
of the public than for the welfare of their own
employees. They do not scruple to paralyze whole
industries, to throw multitudes of producers out of
work, to hold up building and curtail the output
of food* clothing and all necessaries of life, re-
gardless of the loss and misery they inflict not only
upon the wage workers and their wives and chil-
drens, but also upon the wor-king farmers and other
large classes.
The fight threatens to be a long and bitter one.
Prompt, united, and unflinching resistance is
Labor's only hope. The Socialist Party must and
will join in that resistance with all the forces at its
disposal.
The National Executive Comrnitee is instructed
to proceed without delay to the preparation and
publication of a series of leaflets, pamphlets and
small books treating in a popular yet scientific man-
ner, w^ith economics and labor questions, and suited
to be used in systematic propaganda and education-
al work, particularly among the organized work-
ingmen of the whole country.
WEST VIRGINIA
Whereas; In the State of West Virginia the
public officials in the mining districts have sup-
pressed all rights of free speech, free press, and
freedom of assemblage; and
Whereas: The coal mining companies are em-
ploying armed guards, thugs, and mercenaries of
the lowest order, in order to prevent the United
Mine Workers from organizing the workers in the
state of West Va.
Therefore be it Resolved: That we, the Soc-
ialist Party, in National Convention assembled at
New York on this 22nd day of May 1923, pro-
test most vigorously against the conduct of the
public officials of- W. Va., and demand that the
constitutional guarantees be restored to the work-
ers in that State; and
Be it Further Resolved: That we express our
profound sympathy with the United Mine Work-
ers in their fight to establish a decent standard of
living in West, Va.
CO-OPERATIVE MOVEMENT
The Convention of the Socialist Party notes
with pleasure the attempts made by workers in dif-
ferent parts of the country to establish a cooperative
movement, and urges the comrades everywhere to
initiate the work of organizing workingclass co-
operatives, and assisting those already in existence.
In going, thus on record in favor of cooperative
enterprise the Party is not unmindful of the possible
danger of over-emphasizing its importance at the
expense of other branches of the labor movement.
It is also cognizant of the fact that in some instances
the commercial nature of the undertaking may have
a tendency to weaken the fighting spirit of the
economic organization bound up with it.
It is therefore all the more urgent that the class
conscious workers take an active part in the work
of the cooperatives and guard jealously against the
possible pitfalls. As a general rule however, it is
the opinion of the delegates of this Convention that
the benefits of the cooperative movement are not
only in the material relief that may be gained by the
workers in utilizing their purchasing power, but also
in training and preparing the working class ult-
imately to assume control over the industries and
run them in the interest of the people.
SOCIALIST WORLD
THE COAL MINING SITUATION
Whereas: One of the richest of the natural re-
sources of this country lies in the immense deposits
of coal veins scattered throughout some thirty states
of the Union; and
Whereas: This natural wealth has been per-
mitted to become the object of reckless and waste-
ful exploitation and spoliation through its private
ownership and manipulation; and
Whereas: The predatory interests of the own-
ers of our coal field have compelled the consumers
of this land to render them enormous tribute in the
form of huge profits, not only for serviceable coal,
but often for common dirt, rock and slate; and
Whereas: The most shameful feature of this
whole sordid business is displayed in the brutal and
despotic treatment of hundreds of thousands of
miners, whose living conditions are often pitiful in
their merciless poverty and slavery under the ab-
solute domination of their feudal lords — the mine-
owners in many parts of the country;
Be it Resolved: That the Socialist Party of
America, in National Convention assembled, pro-
poses the nationalization of the coal resources of the
United States, and substituting thereby collective
enterprise and true public service as the sole aim o^
mining operations, instead of private gain and the
accumulation of immense wealth in the possession
of a few; and furthermore
Be it Resolved: That we extend our congrat-
ulations to the United Mine Workers of Africa
in their heroic struggles against their unscrupulous
masters, and that we rejoice with them in their hard
earned victories in improved working and living
conditions. The Socialist Party of America pled-
ges in the future the same support it has given the
miners in their many battles in past years, and it
urges them not only to propagate the proposal for
the nationalization in their industry but also to carry
on such education in their ranks that will inspire a
self reliance and a determination to be prepared to
take over the management and operation of the
mines in the event of their nationalization to the end
that greater efficiency will follow and direct bene-
fits will be attained by the miners and their families
and the people of the United States.
Resolved: That we recommend that the Nat-
ional Executive Committee issue leaflets in support
of the Railroad and Mine Workers, for the Nation-
al ownership and democratic management of their
respective industries .
REPLY TO THE WORKERS PARTY
A communication of the Workers Party, ad-
dressed to the national convention of the Socialist
Party proposes the organization of a "united front"
This coalition is proposed in order to promote :
1. Amalgamation of the trade unions;
2. To protect foreign born workers;
3. To repudiate the Vienna Union, the Ams-
terdam International of Trade unions, and the
Second International;
4. To support the recognition of Soviet Russia;
5- To remove certain governmental obstacles
hindering the struggle of the workers;
6* To bring about a nation-wide Labor Party.
After a careful consideration of this proposal the
national convention of the Socialist Party resolves
to send the following answer to the Workers' Party :
It is our earnest convinction that if the Commun-
ists had urged organizations of the working class
to form a united front at the end of the World War,
"regardless of political differences,,' as the Work-
ers Party now urges, this front would have been
established five years ago. Instead of this policy,
the Communist International pursued a deliberate
policy of division. It ordered splits in every coun-
try. It sowed hatreds and dissensions among the
working class. It destroyed all possibility of soli-
darity of the workers in each nation. It brought
civil war into the organizations of the workers.
This policy was all the more criminal consider-
ing that the allied ruling classes were consolidating
the loot of the imperialist war. This policy was
continued down to so recent a period as one year
ago. It was continued even while the ruling classes
were making assaults upon all organizations of the
workers. The result was pessimism, weakness, and
even prostration before the capitalist eenmy.
Having split the organizations of the workers
until no more splits were possible, the Communist
International then adopted the slogan of the "united
front." It agreed to meet with the Second Inter-
national and the Vienna Union in Berlin, April,
1922. The negotiations failed to effect a "united
front." Even before the conference met in Berlin,
the Executive Committee of the Third International,
in a meeting held the provious December, formula-
SOCIALIST WORLD
ted a document defining what Communists mean
by the "united front/'
In this statement no secret was made of the Com-
munists' intention to stifle us and poison us in their
embrace. One paragraph of this document of the
Communist International read:
"Comrades of the Third International,
there is a movement on foot in Europe for a
united front, It does not matter whether we
are in favor of it or not ; our tactics compel us
to appear to be in favor of it; but we ask the
Communist sections all over Europe to take
part in the creation of the united front, not
for the purpose of making it effective, but for
the purpose of strengthening the Communists
through direct propaganda inside organizations
taking part in the movement/*
Here we have an authoritative statement of the
highest body in the Communist International defin-
ing what Communists mean by a "united Front
It is a notorious fact that Communists in all coun-
tries carry out instructions from Moscow. It is also
a matter of common knowledge that Radek, in a
letter written before the meeting of the Berlin Con-
ference, confirmed this interpretation of the "united
front." In that letter he said that the proposal was
only a "tactical manoeuvre" to carry the methods
of Communists into other organizations of the work-
ers.
There is no reason for us believing that the pro-
posal of the Workers Party is not of the same
character. Nor can we believe that it is any more
honest. It is couched in language similar to the
pleas which the Communist International made
prior to the meeting of the Berlin Conference.
There are other reasons for believing that the
proposal is dishonest. If the Workers Party is sin-
cere in what its speakers and publications have said
and are saying about the Socialist Party, then the
members of that party are guilty of gross mis-
conduct in seeking to associate themselves with us.
If the Socialist Party is not what they have said
and continued to say it is, then the Workers Party
is guilty of deliberate falsehoods and is unworthy
of consideration.
Th£ reason for its frantic attempts to be associat-
ed with us is not a mystery. It has weakened other
organizations but it has not developed any strength
of its own. Five years of Communist wrecking
methods have left the Workers Party With a smaller
membership than all Communist organization had
in 1919. Its English-speaking membership in the
United States, as reported by one of its prominent
members Israel Amter, in the International Press
Correspondence (Berlin), issue of April 19, 1923,
is only a little over 1500. There is the further fact
that the Workers Party today has not, after five
years of Communist agitation, established a political
standing for itself in a single city of this country.
These are the reasons why it eagerly seeks to
conceal its failure and weakness by attaching itself
to the Socialist Party in some sort of a political
coalition.
As for the other matters mentioned in this pro-
posal, the Socialist Party always Jias, to the full
extent of its resources, presented and defended the
interests of the working class. It will continue to
do so. It has claimed recognition for Russia as
well. It is content to go its way, confident that the
fate awaiting all Communist organizations is what
they have justly earned. We shall strive for a
real "united front," not one based on dishonest
motives or secret aims. We believe in a unity that
unites, not one that divides.
For these reasons we are compelled to reject the
proposal contained in the communication of the
Workers Party.
THE FORWARD, THE CALL
AND THE LEADER
The National Convention of the Socialist Party,
aware of the importance and value to the workers
pf daily publications representing the claims of the
working class, hereby records its appreciation of the
long services rendered to the Jewish workers by the
Daily Forwards, and to the English-speaking work-
ers by the Daily Call, and the Milwaukee Leader.
The Convention also records its appreciation of
the militant attitude of the Call in behalf of the
Socialist Party and the trade union struggles, and
its improved character during the past few months.
The Convention is happy to learn that the trade
union organizations are more and more coming to
the support of The Call, financially and otherwise,
and it looks forward to the day when The Call will
be a great and powerful metropolitan daily, as well
as an inspiration to other daily Socialist papers to
be published in other parts of the country.
Minutes of the N. E. C.
Meeting in New York follow-
ing the Convention and othei
important matter omitted from
this issue will be published in
the July number.
SOCIALIST WORLD
REPORT OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
To The National Convention, New York City, May 19-22, 1923
The minutes of all meetings of the committee
and all business transacted by correspondence had
been published from month to month in the Socialist
World, and should be familiar to all of the conven-
tion delegates. Under these circumstances, the
committee feels that a very brief summary of the
more important actions of the committee during the
past year is all that is required in the form of a re-
port at this time.
International Relations
In accordance with the action taken by the last
convention, the Socialist Party of America applied
for and was admitted to membership in the Inter-
national Working Union of Socialist parties. Com-
rades Hillquit, Berger and Lee were elected Inter-
national delegates to attend an International Con-
gress which had been called to meet in August,
1922.
This Congress was postponed after Comrade
Lee had already 'sailed. A report of Comrade
Lee's observations upon the European situation was
printed in the October issue of the Socialist World.
All attempts of the Vienna Working Union of
Socialist Parties to arrange an International Con-
ference, to be participated in by the Second Inter-
national, the International Working Union of Social-
ist Parties and the Communist International have
failed, but a Congress consisting of the Socialist
parties affiliated with *he Second International and
the Vienna Union, as well as a number of independ-
ent parties, has been called, to meet at Hamburg
on May 21st The National Executive Committee
has issued credentials to Comrades Morris Hillquit,
Victor L. Berger, Jacob Panken and Morris Her-
man to attend this congress as delegates from our
organization. Just prior to the convening of the
Hamburg Congress on May 21st, an International
Socialist Women's Congress will meet at Ham-
burg, for which credentials have been issued to
Comrades Mrs. Berger and Mrs. Hillquit.
Conference for Progressive Political Action
The delegates are familiar with the situation re-
garding the Conference for Progressive Political
Action. A meeting of this Conference was held in
Cleveland in December, 1922, of which a report
was published in the December issue of the Social-
ist World.
This being an off year, no particular activities
have been undertaken by the Conference, but an-
other meeting has been called for December, at
which time the Conference will consider the ad-
visability of calling a National Convention early
in 1924, for the purpose of nominating Presidential
and Vice- Presidential candidates on a National
Labor ticket. The whole question of our continued
relations w'ith the conference is before this Con-
vention in the form of Agenda motions.
Amnesty
All Socialist Party political prisoners have been
released, but we have continued our agitation for
the release of all prisoners thru special press ser-
vices and a large number of articles in the Social-
ist World, while Comrade Debs in all his meetings
makes a special plea for the political prisoners.
Russian Relief Fund
The Russian Relief Fund was closed last Oct-
ober with expenditure of all funds which had been
collected to that date. The total receipts for this
fund amounted to $6,453.18, and the expenditures
were as follows:
New York Call fund $2,000.00
Wm. Eisenstadt, 2 carloads soap. ..... 3,937.50
American Friends Service Committee.. 515.68
The two carloads of soap consisted of two pur-
chases of 25,000 pounds each. The first shipment
was delivered direct to the Soviet representatives at
Reval, and the second to the Distributing Agents
of the Friend Service Committee.
The Headquarters Property
In accordance with the motion adopted by the
last National Convention, authorizing the sale of
the Headquarters property at the discretion of the
Committee, the property was sold last October, to
William K. Pflaum, representing the Milk Wagon
Drivers Union of Chicago. The price received was
$36,375; expenses in connection with the sale were
$1056, making a net price of $35^ ! ° The pro-
perty originally cost the party $25,OoO. The trans-
action, therefore, shows a net profit of something
over $10,000. An itemized statement of this tran-
saction was published in the Socialist World for
October of last year. The headquarters are now
established at 2418 West Madison St., rental of
which is $135 a month. While the quarters are
not entirely satisfactory, they are adequate for the
present needs of the organization.
_
SOCIALIST WORLD 9
Membership the incoming committee continue the policy of
„ 11 . t l* l j rendering them every possible assistance and co-
The actual dues paying mebersnip has remained . . - . .
, . * 7 i .i i ■ operation in their work,
stationary during the past year but the general in- .
terest and activity in the Party Branches has in- . | he Language Federations have been affected
creased considerably within the past six months. m ^ e s ^ me ™ ann f and J?, about the same extent
„.. . i t l* r *i a $ the Party by the conditions existing during the
The average monthly membership tor the year r . l a. • *■ 1 1 i ■
t . r^ i oi nnin ir j P ast n ye years, but there is a noticable improve-
ending December J I was 1 1JJ I 9, and tor the year ' - , -. - . r , .
i- a -i in i i no ^ 1*1 i men * in tneir reports ror the first tour months or ths
ending April 30, 1 1 ,0o4, while the average mem- , , ... , , , ., ,
T i • f .i r . r „• t iL » year, and they will no doubt keep pace with the
bership for the first four months ot this year was * , , , * / , .
? ,-/j growth or the rarty that is now commencing.
L tl . t t i . r i l l* l Individual reports will be submitted to the Con-
Following is a tabulation or the membership by , , £ - t a_ \s o c i j
^ ,. , if - i I i f . vention by the secretaries or the Y. r\ j, L. and
English and foreign language branches tor the year . \. ,-. ,
r a *i 7A.L the respective Federations.
ending April JUth
Membership from April 1922 to May, 1923 Finances
English Federation Total M ° n ^ *»* of the y ear * he expenses of the
*, 7fl->A acoi i i o: yi^ National Uthce were reduced to a minimum, and
May 7824 3521 1134:) t , « . . , ,
I 6741 4094 10835 e In a number °* vears t" e receipts
I , 5249 4451 9700 ^ ave excee< ^ e ^ * ne expenses, and some progress is
\ 5853 3345 9198 ^eing made towards reducing the indebtedness of
September 5421 5420 10841 »k National Office.
October 8209 5890 14099 ^ n December 51st, we had a cash balance or
November 4645 2075 6720 $271.00 (exclusive of $7500.00 in the Building
December 4966 8411 13377 F un d) and an indebtedness of $8096.32.
January 981 I 3821 13632 ^n ^ay '5th, we had a cash balance of $1341
February 6342 5863 12205 GO (exclusive of $5000.00 in the Building Fund)
M arcn 6246 5723 1 1969 and an indebtedness of $4896.90.
April 6096 5995 12091 We had reduced our indebtedness by $3200.00
. — — __ and increased our cash balance by $1069,00, mak-
Average Membership * n & a tota ' of $4269.00. Deducting from this
12 Month 6450 4634 11084 amount an additional loan of $2500.00 from the
Average Membership Building Fund leaves a net gain of $1769 since
last 4 Months 7 1 24 5350 1 2474 the first of the year.
tl r\ i a* * ^ ur P resent indebtedness, exclusive of $5000.00
The Debs Meetings borrowed from the Building Fund , amounts to
The delegates are familiar with the fact that $4896.90 as follows:
Comrade Debs is now engaged in a speaking tour Accrued Accounts ....... ,$1237.66
of the larger cities of. the East, which is proving Accrued Conv. Ex. 1921 ... . 202.24
highly successful in all respects. Tremendous Notes Payable , , . . 3057.00
crowds are present at every meeting, and thousands Loans 400.00
are unable to gain admission. It is expected that —
the interest aroused at these meetings will result in $4896.90
strengthening the organization not only In the cities ^ ■ ,. in j
where the meetings are held, but in the country as Organization and Propaganda
a whole. Th e elections this year are of minor importance,
Comrade Debs has placed his speaking engage- and the entire energy of the Party should be de-
ments in the hands of the National Office ex- voted to rebuilding the organization in preparation
clusively, and tentative plans have been made for f or $he campaign of 1924. The reduction of the
speaking lours covering the remainder of the pres- Party indebtedness, the reviving interest and en-
ent year. thusiasm noticeable throughout the movement and
xr r, e t j z" j the improvement in Comrade Debs* health, which
Y. P. S. L. and Federations ^^ of extended Ieclure tours , offers a par .
The Young Peoples Socialist League has made ticularly favorable opportunity for Party building,
gratifying progress during the past year, and the This is the most important matter before the Con-
committee recommends that the Convention and vention, and your Committee is satisfied what ^
10
SOCIALIST WORLD
systematic, aggressive campaign this year will re-
sult not only in a greatly increased membership, but
in a more united, harmonious and aggressive organ-
ization than we have ever had. The one all-im-
portant question before this Convention is that of
Organization.
Fraternally submitted.
National Executive Committee
Otto Branstetter
Executive Secretary
COMMITTEE ON THE Y. P. S. L,
The committee believes with the management of
the Young Peoples Socialist League, that all par*
members under 26 years of age should be compelled
to join the Young People League, with only the
additional obligation of paying the local dues to
the Y. P. S. L
The committee also believes that a certain per-
centage of the $40,000 fund should be given to
the Y. P. S. L. For the purpose of discussion the
committee suggests the amount should be at least
ten per cent.
MINUTES OF THE CONVENTION
Saturday, May 19, 1923
Morning Session
Convention was opened by Comrade David Heertje
of New York, who introduced National Secretary Brans-
tetttr. The National Secretary called the roll of delegates
as cert fied by the State Secretaries, Those of the ac-
credited delegates present were declared seated, and auth-
orized to proceed with the business of the Convention.
The nominations for Chairman being next in order, the
following were nominated: Lee of New York, and Hoan
of Wisconsin. Hoan declined. Lee elected by acclama-
tion. Hoan elected Vice-Chairman.
National Secretary Branstetter read the proposed Rules
for the Convention, Proposed by the National Executive
Committee. Hoan of Wisconsin offered the following
amendment tc Rule 1 2 : 'To strike out the words "un-
animous consent," and substitute the words "vote of Con-
vention." The amendment was accepted, and the rules
were adopted as amended.
The following committees were then nominated:
Committee on Constitutional Amendments: Emil Herman
of Minnesota, Birch Wilson of Pennsylvania, Joseph W.
Sharts of Ohio, (declined), Daniel Hoan of Wisconsin,
William Karlin of New York, Richman of District of
Columbia. The above, with the exception of Sharts, who
declined, were elected as the Committee.
Committee on Resolut'ons: Henry of Indiana (declin-
ed), Harkins of New Jersey, Oneal of New York, Lena
Morrow Lewis of California, Claessens of New York,
Boyd of Massachusetts (declined), Lee of New York
(declined), Van Essen of Pennsylvania (declined), Alex-
ander Kahn of New York (nomination withdrawn on ac-
count of absence of delegate), Weeks of New Jersey. The
above, with the exception of declinations and withdrawal,
were elected as the Committee.
Ulith Wilson, alternate, was seated in place of delegate
Sehl of Pennsylvania.
Thomas Nicholson, alternate, was seated in place of
S. F. Holmes, delegate from the New England district.
Committee on Organization, Propaganda and Finance:
Shaits of Ohio, Melms of Wisconsin. Warshow of New
York, Boyd of Massachusetts, Wilson of Pennsylvania
(declined), Krahl of Connecticut, Toole of Maryland,
Kahn of the Jewish Verband. Kennedy of Utah, Snow
of Illinois, Lieberman of New York, Stark of Pennsylvania
(declined).
The vote on above was postponed, and the Convention
listened to an address by Comrade Cahan, Editor of the
Jewish Forward.
Credentials were read by the Secretary, and the fol-
lowing delegates were seated as fraternal delegates from
the American Labor Party: Jerome T, DeHunt, Abraham
Lefkowitz, Salcatore Ninfo. and Marie B. McDonald,
alternate.
The following were seated as delegates to the Con-
ference: Hugo Ernst from California, W. L. Webster
from Ohio. Delegate Arkin was seated as fraternal deleg-
ate from the New England Section of the Jewish Socialist
Verband. Morris Novak and Harry Bordman were seat
ed as fraternal delegates from the Young People Socialist
League.
The election of Committees resumed.
The following were elected as the Committee on Or-
gemzation, Propaganda and Finance: Sharts of Ohio,
Melms of Wisconsin, Boyd of Massachusetts, Toole ol
Maryland, Kahn of the Jewish Verband, Kennedy of
Utah, Snow of Illinois.
The Convention voted to seat Gillis, alternate of New
York- instead of delegate Warshow who had not yet ar-
rived.
The following were elected as the Committee on Econ-
omic Organization: McLevy of Connecticut, Van Essen
of Pennsylvania, Lee of New York, Shiplacoff of New
York, Bohlin of New Jersey.
The Chairman ruled that fraternal delegates are not
eligible to membership on Committees.
The following were elected as the Committee on Party
Press: King of California, Lilith Wilson of Pennsylvania,
Quinlan of New York. Webster of Ohio, Coolidge ol
Massachusetts.
The following telegram from Local Oakland, Califor-
nia, was read by the Secretary: Comrade: Greetings from
local Oakland Socialist Party. May your deliberation
result in a constructive non-fusion program. We again
reiterate cur active opposition to fusion and compromise
endorsing motion number two of the Agenda, California
ixis lost many members due lo the trading program of
fusion the past ln>o years.
Fraternally
Elvira S. Beals, Florence Logan Johnson, Will C Ayfc-
J
SOCIALIST WORLD
II
worth* Herman Katz, Mrs. Daisy Cochran t Lin E. Beals,
Dr. F. E. Reynolds.
Committee.
This telegram was referred to Committee on Constitu-
tional Amendments.
The Secretary read the report of the National Executive
Committee for the year just passed, and on motion the re-
port was referred to the various committees. The reports
of the Finnish Socialist Federation, the Jugo-Slav Feder-
ation, and the Italian Federation appear in the Socialist
World, and were therefore not read.
Albert Weisbord, National Organizer of the Y. P. S.
L. made a verbal report of the work and progress of the
Yipsel movement for the past year.
Thobe of Kentuky wishes to be* recordered as present.
The following amendment was made to the Agenda
Motion under the heading of Organization Campaign: That
$7500, now held in the building fund, be repaid out of
$30,000 to be raised. That the Convention consider the
plan advisable, and instruct the Committee on Organization
to work out the necessary details.
The Convention adjourned to meet again at 2:30.
SATURDAY. MAY 19, 1923
Afternoon Session
Chairman Lee called Convention to order at 2:30 P. M.
The Chairman called attention to the fact that Comrade
Kahn, elected on the Organization Committee at the fore-
noon session, is a fraternal delegate, and as such not qualified
to serve. Delegate Hoehn of Missouri was elected in his
place.
A telegram of greetings was read to the Convention by
the Secretary from Morris Kaufman, President of the In-
ternational Fur Workers Union.
A letter from C. E. Ruthenberg, National Secretary of
the Workers Party, inviting the Socialist Party to par-
ticipate with the W. P. in the United Front was referred
to the Committee on resolutions.
William V. Mahoney, of the Farmer-Labor Party of
the District of Columbia was seated as a fraternal delegate.
Comrade Oneal, for trie Committee on Resolutions, read
a resolution recommending the endorsement by the Con-
vention of the National Executive Committee resolution
demanding the impeachment of Wm. Howard Taft, Chief
Justice of the Supreme Court of the U. S. This resolution
was passed unanimously, followed by tremendous applause.
On motion by Karlin of New York, Ben Howe and
Pincus Hochstein were seated as fraternal delegates from
the Farmer-Labor Party of the State of New York.
A prolonged discussion took place on Agenda motions
(I) and (2) with amendments (a) and (b), under the
heading "International Congress.*'
Vice-Chairman Dan H^an took the chair at 3:40,
An amendment was offered by Herman of Minnesota
that in section (a) Notion No. 2, the word " repudiates**
be stricken out, and the word "accepts" be substituted in
its place; and the word "Burgfrieden" or "Social Peace"
be stricken out, and the words "the Class Struggle'* be
substituted.
A motion was made by Lee of New York that the
whole question be referred to the Committee or Resolutions,
with instructions to draft one adequate statement. The
motion as made by Comrade Lee was passed, and the
matter was referred to the Committee on Resolutions.
The Convention took a recess to listen to an address by
James Maurer of the National Executive Cbmmittee, and
President of the Pennsylvania State Federation of Labor.
Delegate Weisbord reported having received an in-
vitation from the Secretary of the Labor Youth International
and the International Working Union of Young Socialists
Organizations to attend their Congress, which takes place at
Hamburg at the same time as the regular International
Socialist Congress, and upon receipt of same he cabled
Morris Hillquit to represent the Young People's Movement
of America. He also asked that this Convention approve
of this action, and a motion was made and passed that the
action of the Y. P S, L. of the United States in affiliating
itself with the International Working Union of Young
Socialist Organizations be approved.
Telegrams of greetings from the 1 8th and 20th A. D.
and Israel Feinberg, General Manager Joint Board Cloak
Skirt and Reefer Makers Union I. L. G. W. U., were read
by the Secretary.
While the various committees were at wdrk, the re-
mainder of the Convention listened to addresses by the fol-
lowing fraternal delegates: Reivo of the Finnish Federation,
Petrich of the Jugo Slav Federation.
On motion the Convention adjourned until Sunday, 10
A. M.
SUNDAY. MAY 20. 1923
Morning Session
Convention called to order at 10:30 A. M. by
Delegate Lee t Chairman of the previous day, King of
California elected Chairman for the Day., Delegates
Sharts of Ohio, Karlin of New York, and Van Essen of
Pennsylvania were nominated as Vice Chairman* Sharts
and Van Essen declined, and Karlin was elected by ac-
clamation.
A telegram of greetings was read from the Polish
Socialist Workers of the Polish Daily of Chicago.
A telegram promising support to, and union with, the
Socialist Party was read from the Furriers' Welfare Club,
Sam Cohen* Chairman.
James L. Smiley of Maryland was seated as a Con-
ference delegate,
7 he Convention proceeded with an extended discussion
of Motions 1 and 2, of the Agenda, under the heading
"Conference for Prpgressive Political Action."
The discussion was interrupted by the Chairman, who
read a telegram from the Socialist Party of Marion County,
Indiana, in which the Convention was asked to favor a
National Socialist Weekly.
Mrs. Jokinen, alternate of Massachusetts, was seated
in place of Delegate Hegeman.
Warshow of New York moved the previous question,
which closed discussion on the Conference for Progres-
sive Political Action. Dr. Van Essen then took the floor
to make the closing argument against participation in this
Conference, and Henry of Indiana in favor of partici-
pating,
A motion was offered by Toole of Maryland that
Motion No. 1 be separated. Shiplacoff of New York
stated that as the motion had been discussed as a whole it
would be out of order to separate it. His point was up-
held by the Chairman, whose decision was appealed from.
Vice Chairman Karlin took the floor. Toole explain-
ing his appeal, and the Chairman speaking for his decision.
The Chairman was upheld by the Convention, and the
question being put, Motion 1 carried by a vote of 38 to 12.
The Convention then adjourned until 2:30 P. M.
12
SOCIALIST WORLD
SUNDAY, MAY 20 t 1923
Afternoon Session
The Convention was called to order by Chairman King
at 2:30 R M.
Oneal of New York moved that the Convention post-
pone all business before it in order that he might read two
resolutions, submitted by the Resolutions Committee, the
first in reply to the invitation of the Central Executive
Committee of the Workers Parly to participate with them
in the United Front, the second on the question of the rec-
ognition of Soviet Russia.
The first resolution declining the invitation of the Work-
ers Party, as published elsewhere in this issue, was un-
animously adopted.
The resolution on the recognition of Soviet Russia was
amended by striking out the last paragraph. The amen-
ded resolution as published on Page.... of this issue,
was adopted.
Comrade Thomassen was seated as Conference Delegate
of Pennsylvania.
Vice Chairman Karlin temporarily took the chair at
3:30 P. M.
The regular order of business was suspended in order
that the Committee on Organization make its report on the
wo*k of the Y. P. S. L. Delegate Melius, for the Or-
ganization Committee, submitted the following:
Report of the Organization Committee Y. P. S. L.
The committee believes with the management of the
Young Peoples Socialist League, that all party members
t!itc!&r 26 yars of age should be compelled to join the
Yc Ling .Peoples League, with only the additional obligation
of paying the local duet to the Y. P. S. L.
The committee also believes that a certain percentage
of the $4a,000 fund should be given to the Y. P. S, L.
For the purpose of discussion the committee suggests the
amount should be ten percent,
A very lengthy discussion ensued on the first part of
the Committee's recommendation, stated in Motion 6 of
the Constitutional Amendments, in the Agenda.
The business of the Convention was suspended to read
a message of greetings to the delegates of the Workmens
Sick and Death Benefit Association, sitting in Convention
in this city at this time, and the following four comrade^
were elected a committee to bear these greetings in person:
Hoehn of Missouri, - Thomasson of Pennsylvania, Mrs.
Henry of Indiana, and Marie MacDonald of New York.
An amendment by Herman of Minnesota that in Motion
6 of Constitutional Amendments, the word "shall" shall be
.stricken out, and the words "be urged to" be inserted in it*
place, was carried.
On the question of giving 10^' of the organization fund
to be raised to the work of the Y. P. S. L., an amendment
was offered by Gerber of New York, to insert the words
"at least." This mqtion was carried.
Telegrams of greetings were read from the Jewish Branch
of the Socialist Party of Detroit, from Arthur Rubenstein,
Detroit, Mich., and from the Jewish Daily Forward of
Detroit, Mich.
Convention sent the following cablegram to the Inter-
national Socialist Conference now meeting in Hamburg:
"The Socialist Party of the United States, in Convention
asrembled, sends fraternal greetings to the Conference of
the World Socialist Movement. May the much needed
unity of our movement result from your meeting. Long
Jiv International Socialism.*'
The next order of business being the Agenda Motion
No, 2 on Conference for Progressive Political Action,
delegate Lee of New York moved that Motion No. 2 be
postponed. Motion carried.
Discussion then took place on the Agenda motion to
accept invitation to the Farmer Labor Party Conference
Delegate Lee offered the following substitute for the Agenda
motion, which was carried: "That the Convention of the
Socialist Party do not send delegates to the Farmer Labor
Party Convention to be held in Chicago, July 3, and that a
committee of three be appointed to prepare a statement ot
our reasons therefor.
The following Committee of three was elected: Lee,
Oneal. and Henry,
Delegate Henry of Indiana addressed the Convention on
the subject of "Debs House", the building of which in
Indianapolis was now being contemplated.
Comrade Sharts of Ohio submitted resolution of greetings
to Eugene Debs which was adopted as published on page
two of this issue.
Comrade Karlin of New York, for the Constitutional
Committee reported the following: The Committee re-
commends:
That motion No. 1 of Constitutional Amendments be
not concurred in. Recommendation carried.
That Motion No. 2 be so amended as to provide for
the holding of National Conventions in even numbered
years, except as changed by a 2/3 vote the National Ex-
ecutive Committee or by referendum vote of the Parly.
Carried.
That Motion 3 be concurred in. Carried,
That the Convention do not concur with Motion 4. An
amendment that this section be laid on the table was carried,
A motion that the rules of order be suspended in order
to give Delegate Livermore the floor was passed, and Liver-
more read the following- resolution: Whereas, That part
of A. Cahan's address, denouncing the Russia Socialist
Federated Soviet Republic is not in accord with the Soc-
ialist Party of the United States, and
Whereas, The Socialist Party of the United States aims
to unite all working class forces of the World for the
establishment of the Co-operative Commonwealth,
Be it resolved that this Convention go on record as re-
pudiating that part of Comrade Cahan's address attacking
"The Russian Socialist Federated Soviet Republic."
(Signed) Edward A. Livemore
Mary Donovan
An amendment was offered by Comrade Mainland of
New York, adding a section from the report of the Italian
Federation to the National Convention, dealing with Com-
munists -in this country.
On motion of Delegate Hoan both the Resolution and
the amendment were laid on the table.
Karlin, for the Constitutional Committee, recommended
that Agenda Motion No. 5 be not concurred in. The
Committee's recommendation carried.
Agenda Motion 7 was concurred in.
A motion was carried that the Constitution be so amen-
ded that all local and branch secretaries be requested to
make monthly reports to their respective state and district
secretaries, on forms provided for that purpose,
The meeting adjourned at 6 o'clock, to convene again
Monday at 10 A. M,
MONDAY .MAY 21. 1923
Morninsr Session
The Convention was called to order at 10:30 by
SOCIALIST WORLD
13
delegate King, Chairman of the previous day.
Lena Morrow Lewis of California and Ernil Herman
of Minnesota were nominated for Chairman for the day.
Delegate Lewis was elected Chairman and delegate Her-
man was elected Vice Chairman.
A telegram of greetings was read from the Michigan
Socialist Party.
The Labor Party of Mexico sent two fraternal delegates
to the. Convention, Salvador Alvarez and Roberto Haber-
man. These two fraternal delegates were seated amid
great applause, and were . immediately invited to address
the Convention.
After a lengthy and highly interesting address by
delegate Haberman, and a few words in Spanish by
delegate Alvarez, which were translated by Comrade
Haberman, delegate Lee of New York offered the re*
solution following, which was passed unanimously:
"Resolved, That this convention of the Socialist Party
rejoices in the news of social progress brought by our
visitors from Mexico; we ask Comrade Alvarez and Haber-
man to carry back our fraternal greetings to the organized
workers of town and country in our sister republic, and
we pledge our continued support in all efforts to promote
cfo^c and mutually helpful relations between the Mexican
and the American working class, and to combat every at-
tempt of American capitalists to use the power of the
United Slates Government to forward their schemes of
exploitation/*
Kins? of California offered the following amendment
to the Report of the Commitee on Constitution: "Foreign
Language Branches shall purchase dues stamps from the
National Office of their Federation, whenever a Federation
cf Foreign Branches is in existence, and duly recognized by
the National Office of the Party.
An additional amendment was offered by Warshow of
New York, as follows: "No foreign speaking Branch
shall be permitted to purchase stamps from any Local, un-
less such Branch shall have first applied, and received
such permission from the National Executive Committee.
After a lengthy discussion the Convention voted to refer
the whole matter for proper handling to the National Ex-
ecutive Committee.
Karlin of New York, for the Committee on Con-
stitution, offered the following amendments, and moved
their adoption:
That Article 5, Section 3, of the Party Constitution,
be amended by striking out the second paragraph and in*
scrting the following, in lieu thereof:, "No state or local
organization shall fuse, combine, or compromise, with the
Democrat, Republican, or any other political party which
supports capitalism, nor endorse candidates nominated by
such parties;
That Article 8, Section 4, subdivision (a) be amended
hy striking out the words "the Republican and Democratic
parties, ' and inserting in lieu thereof the following: "polit-
ical parties supporting capitalism"; ;
That Article 8, Section 5, be amended by striking out
the words: "Democratic or Republican Parties/* and in-
serting: "Democratic. Republican, or other party support-
ing capitalism." Carried,
Delegate Harkins, for the Resolutions Committee, offered
resolutions on Labor Education, The Fascist!, The Call,
The Forward, and The Leader, and moved their adoption.
These resolutions with the exception of the one on the
Fascisti, were adopted as published elsewhere in this
issue.
A resolution on the Fascisti as published on page four
of this issue, was offered by Delegate Valenti, and on
motion of Delegate King, was adopted in place of the
one recommended by the Committee.
MONDAY, May 2K 1923
Afternoon Session
Meeting called to order by Chairman Lewis at 2:30
P. M.
George Goehel was seated as delegate from New Jersey.
Delegate Harkins of New Jersey, for the Resolutions
Committee, resumed the reading of resolutions:
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
The National Convention of the Socialist Party rejoices
at the prospect of a union of the Socialist Parties and trade
unons of the world into one comprehensive International.
The Convention records its conviction that experience and
history, especially the experience of the past nine years,
show that such an International must be based on accept-
ance of the principle of the class struggle.
The Convention therefore hopes that the deliberations
now in progress in Hamburg between tKe two Internationals
Will result In their union into one organization. It hopes
that this union will mark the beginning of a greater and
more powerful International, an International that will
witness the emancipation of the working class of all coun-
tries.
William M. Feigenbaum, alternate to the Convention*
was seated.
Telegrams of greetings were read from the Y. P. S. L.
Telegrams of greetings were read from the Y. P. S. L.,
and 6th A. D. Socialist Party New York.
Delegate Van Essen, for the Committee on Economic
Organization read report, which was referred back to the
Committee for redrafting,
Vice-Chairman Herman took the Chair at 3:40.
Delegate Mtlms for the Committee on Organization,
Propaganda, and Finance, made the following recommen-
dations, which were adopted by the Convention:
1. Regarding the proposition for Radio propaganda.
submitted by the State Committee of New York, this
Committee believes that this matter should be referred to
the incoming National Executive Convention,
2. This Committee recommends to the Convention the
need of a series of two page leaflets, that should be written
by our best writers, and printed on good paper in clear,
bold, and readable type, leaflets not cheaply gotten out,
but something that will attract the eye, and hold attention.
In the past cne of the justifiable criticisms of our literature
has been the poor quality of paper, and the smallness of the
type used. No commercial house would dare use in an
advertising campaign the poor and unattractive quality of
stuff we have put out. An occasional leaflet containing
a powerful cartoon should also be gotten out. as the cartoon
will attract many to read a leaflet that would otherwise
be thrown down.
Books and Pamphlets. Most of our literature is put
of date, especially that of a specific propaganda nature,
and new books should be published, dealing with the prob-
lems that have been brought to the front by world events
of the past few years.
3. Competitive Drive for New Members. Resolved,
That a special commission be appointed to conduct a nation
wide competitive drive for new members on the following
plan:
I. To encourage every State of the American Union
14
SOCIALIST WORLD
to strive for a banner, to be awarded to the State showing
the largest percentage of gain in membership between now
and the National Convention of 1924.
2. To encourage individual comrades to compete in the
same period for
a — A gold medal to be awarded to the comrade
securing the largest number of new members.
b — -One of nine gold medals to the comrades next in
the order of their accomplishments.
c — One of 15 silver medals to the comrades follow-
ing in order of their accomplishments.
No gold medal to be awarded for a less number than
40 new members.
No silver medal to be awarded for a less number than
20 members
Honorable mention to be given in the Socialist World
for those states and comrades following closely upon the
winners.
4. That the incoming National Executive Committee
consider the organizing of Women's Socialist Clubs or
Branches and to expend upon such work as much of the
organization funds as possible.
5. Believing that in place of the old method of merely
holding street meetings, organizers should do more in-
dividual solicitation and intensive organizing work, the
Committee recommends that the National Organizers here-
after sent out shall be assigned a district and that they shall
concentrate their work, so far as may reasonably be done,
in the industrial centers; and that they be supplied by the
National Office with organizing literature, consisting of
various follow-ups, including sustaining membership liter-
ature; and such organizers shall he required to make detail-
ed daily reports showing houses visited, literature put out,
persons solicited, etc.
There shall be appointed by the National Secretary, as
soon as possible, a National Organizer, who shall direct
this work.
Having in mind the fact that expenses can be greatly
reduced by engaging the services of local residents when
organization campaigns are in progress, your Committee
further recommends that such a policy shall be followed
wherever it offers practical results, and the National Direct-
or of Organization shall use his best efforts to secure
competent local organizers.
Above recommendations approved and referred to the
incoming National Executive Committee. Telegram of greet-
ing was read to the Convention from the Vest Workers
Union of the Amalgamated Clothing Workers of America.
Peter Monat, Mgr., Max Greenberg, Secretary.
Telegram of greetings was read from the N. Y. Joint
Board of the Amalgamated Clothing Workers of America,
A. E. Kasen, Sec. Treas.
Telegrams of greetings were read from Joseph Schloss-
berg, Sec. Treas. of the A. C. W. of A., and from the
National Board of the Workmens Circle.
At the close of the session, Delegate Oneal reported,
amid great applause, that news had been received from
Hamburg to the effect that the Vienna Union had decided
to dissolve, and the formation of one big Socialist Inter-
national was - now certain.
The meeting adjourned at 6 o'clock, to meet again
Tuesday morning, at 10 A. M.
TUESDAY, MAY 22, 1923
Morning Session
The Convention was called to order at 10 o'clock sharp,
by delegate Lewis, chairman of the previous day.
Delegate Rocwer, Jr., of Massachusetts was the only
nominee for Chairman, and was elected by acclamation.
The following were nominated foj Vice-Qiairman:
Graham of Montana (cteclineci) , Toole of Maryland
(declined), Snow of Illinois (declined), Mrs. Henry of
Indiana (accepted), Fitzgerald of ^ew York (declined),
Thobe of Kentucky (dedined) ; Mrs. Henry, being the
enly nominee, was elected by acclamation,
K'ng of California moved that at 1 I : 30 the regular order
of business shall be suspended, and the Convention proceed
wi'h the election of members of, the National Executive
Committee. Adopted.
Harkins, of New Jersey, for the Resolutions Committee,
submitted Resolutions on suppression of Constitutional
rights in W. Va. and the Negro Workers which were
adopted by the Convention as published elsewhere in this
issue.
King of California, for the Press Committee, offered the
following motion, which was adopted by the Convention:
1. That the National Executive Committee be author-
ized to raise a Press Fund for the founding of a party
weekly, selling at 50c a year. When this fund reaches this
$25,000. and not before, subscriptions for the ^aper
shall be sold.
2. That the National Office endeavor to find means
to strengthen its Press Service by the addition of Comrade
Eugene V, Debs as a weekly contributor; that the several
Socialist Parly publications be organized to assist said
service, and for mutual support.
On motion of Delegate Feigenhaum of New York,
Herbert Merrill of New York was seated as delegate of
the Convention.
Comrade Claessens, for the Committee on Resolutions,
offered for adoption by the Convention, resolutions on The
Coal Mining situation; Recognition of Mexico, Socialist
Prisoners in Russia; Political Prisoner^; Industrial Prison-
ers; Syndicalist Laws. These resolutions were adopted as
published elsewhere in this issue.
ELECTION OF THE NATIONAL
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
The following were nominated as members of the
National Executive Commitee: Eugene V. Debs, Melms
of Wisconsin, Brandt of Missouri, Harkins of New Jersey,
Snow of Illinois, Hillquit of New York, Birch Wilson of
Pennsylvania, Victor Berger of Wisconsin. King of Califor-
nia (declined), Lewis of California, Maurer of Pennsyl-
vania (declined), William M. Feigenbaum (declined).
Karlin of New York (declined), Henry of Indiana
(declined). The vote being taken, showed the following
results:
Debs. 49; Melms 48; Brandt 44; Harkins 43; Snow
43; Hillquit 46; Birch Wilson of Pennsylvania 45; Victor
Berger 2; Lewis 2; Scattered 3.
The following therefore were elected as members of the
incomng National Executive Committee: Eugene V. Debs;
Me!ms of Wisconsin; Hillquit of New York; Birch Wilson
of Pennsylvania Brandt of Missouri; Snow of Illinois;
Harkins of New Jersey.
The following were nominated as alternates to the
National Executive Committee; McLcvy of Conn.; Mrs.
Berger of Wisconsin; Van Essen of Penn. ; Merrill of
New York; Boyd of Mass; Roewer of Mass; Sharts of
Ohio; Mrs. Bohlan of New Jersey; Mrs. Henry of In-
diana; Mrs; Jokinen of Massachusetts; Toqle of Mary-
land. The following seven being the only acceptances, the
SOCIALIST WORLD
15
jccretary was instructed to cast one ballot for their election
In the order named: McLevy of Conn.: Mrs. Berger of
Wisconsin; Van Essen of Penn:; Merrill of New York;
Sharts of Ohio; Mrs. Bohlan of New Jersey; Mrs. Jokinen
of Mass.
Telegram of greetings was read from the Convention of
the Workmen's Sick and Death Benefit Society.
A motion was offered by Mrs. Wilson of Penn., amend-
ed by Comrade Branstetter, and adopted as follows:
That the National Executive Committee be instructed to
SCl aside 10% of the Organization Fund for Special pro-
paganda work among women, and that they employ a com-
petent woman comrade to take charge of this work at head-
quarters as soon as finances will permit.
On a roll call the Convention unanimously passed the
following motion:
Resolved: That we do approve, ratify, and confirm
all of the actions, proceedings and elections of the Joint
Convention and Conference, and adopt the same as the
actions of the National Convention of the Socialist Party.
Fraternal delegate Mahoney of the Farmer-Labor Party
was given the floor to address the Convention.
Oneal of New York addressed the Convention, in which
|>c dwelt upon the valuable work rendered to the Party by
Otto Branstetter, National Secretary* and concluded, as a
testimonial of the Party's appreciation, by presenting Com-
rade Branstetter with two volumes of Professor Commons'
"History of the Labor Movement in the United States,* 1
autographed by the Convention delegates.
A motion of thanks was voted to the Assistant Secretary,
llie Finnish comrades, and Local New York, for the as
finance rendered this Convention.
On motion of Delegate fCarlin, the Convention passed
[lie following:
To replace Section 14 of Article 12 of Constitution.
Said fraternal delegates shall be elected at the regular
National Convention of the Y. P. S. L., or by a referen-
dum vote of the membership.
The Convention adjourned at 1:15.
TUESDAY. MAY 22, 1923
Afternoon Session
Convention called to order by Chairman Roewer at
2:00 P. M.
Delegate Feigenbaum read the following cablegram
from the International Socialist Convention now meeting
at Hamburg: "Greetings to Dfcbs and comrades assem-
bled from the Congress which united millions of Socialists .
Signed Hillquit, Berger, Panken, Berman.
Delegate Shiplacoff, for the Committee on Economic
Organization read resolution on Economic Organization,
Adopted as read.
Melms for the Committee on Organization offered re-
solutions, which were adopted by the Convention.
ORGANIZATION FUND
For the purpose of accumulating the forty thous-
and dollars ($40,000) Organization Fund, and
advancing the work of systematic organization and
propaganda, a special card or certificate and special
stamps to be placed thereon, shall be issued by the
National Office. These special cards or certif-
icates, and special stamps are to be issued to persons
in sympathy with our movement, to be known as
honorary contributors. The dues of such honorary
members shall be five dollars ($5,00) for one year,
payable in five special stamps of $1.00 each. The
special card and special stamp shall be issued by
the National Office at the rate of 50c a stamp.
All honorary contributors shall be entitled, when
fully paid up, to one year's subscription to the
"Socialist World."
A letter from Joseph Southle, of New York City, was
received and referred to the National Executive Com
mittee.
On recommendation of the Committee, Agenda Motion
4, was not concurred in by the Convention.
Delegate Nicholson of Massachusetts offered the fol-
lowing resolution, which was referred to the National Ex-
ecutive Committee.
SUSTAINING MEMBERS
ASSOCIATE MEMBERS
Sustaining members of the organization, taking no part
in the active work, and carrying no card of membership,
may be admitted upon payment of annual dues of at least
$5.00, which may be collected annually or semi- annually,
and the National Executive Committee shall issue official
receipts in duplicate one to be given to the contributing
member and the other to be returned, by the Local or State
Secretary, properly filled in, to the National Office.
All dues collected on sustaining receipts shall be divfded
as follows : 25'; to the National Office
25$ to the State Office
50$ to the Local Organization.
When county organization exists, the 50$ shall be
divided as follows: 25$ to county organization in the
District, and 25$ to the Local,
Morris Hillquit of New York was elected International
Secretary by unanimous vote.
The following telegran was sent:
May 22, 1923
Senor Obregon, President.
Mexico City, Mexico
The National Convention of the Socialist Party com-
mends your stand in defense of the interests of the Mexican
people. Stop. We heartly approve Section 27 of your
splendid constitution and trust you will be able to main-
tain its provisions against all opposition of exploiting in-
terests both foreign and domestic. Stop, In the conflict
of interests between American capitalists and the Mexican
people our sympathies are entirely with your fellow work-
ers in their efforts to defend and enforce the provisions
of the Mexican constitution.
Otto Branstetter, Secretary
After listening to addresses by delegates Goebel of New
Jersey, Dr. Stephens of Indiana, and ICing of California,
the Convention adjourned sine die, amid loud and pro-
longed cheers.
Otto Branstetter, Secretary
Per
Elizabeth Goldstein Asst Secretary
»6
SOCIALIST WORLD
The Socialist Party
Exfccuti™ Secretary,
OTTO BRANSTETTER,
241ft W*st M*<E*ott Street
Chicago
National Executry© ComniiHeet
Eugene V. Debs. Terre Haute, Ind.
Morris Hillquit, 19 W. 44th St., New
York City.
Edmund T. Melma, 579 8th Ave., Mil-
waukee, Wis.
Birch Wilson, Box 685, Reading, Pa.
W. M. Brandt, 940 Chouteau Ave., St,
Louis, Mo.
Uo M. Harkina, 1325 Arch St., Phila-
delphia, Penna.
W. R. Snow, 1501 Warren Ave., Chicago
Illinois.
OFFICIAL BUSINESS
To All Local Secretaries of the
Socialist Party
Dear Comrade:
In the June issue of The Socialist
World are the minutes and resolutions of
the National Convention held in New
York City, May 19-22. Every party
member, every local secretary, is invited
— urged — to read carefully and thought-
fully.
It was a successful convention — or
gives promise of being. Whether or not
that promise is fulfilled depends upon how
you read the plans outlined for the future.
A convention cannot be a success in it-
self. It takes a live, determined mem-
bership, ready to support, eager to co-
operate, capable of translating those
proceedings into constructive action.
Id every Socialist paper published
during the past weeks, and in many non-
socialist papers, you have read of the
great throngs that have listened to Eugene
V. Debs, He has spoken to thousands
and thousands who were eager to hear
him. They hung upon his words; they
exulted in his message. And that mess-
age was — that message is —
"Socialism is the clarion call of the
working class, the hope of humanity, the
light of the world. We need, and want,
and must have you — in the Socialist
Party — now!*'
That message will be carried from
coast to coast by Comrade Debs before
this year is ended. He is coming to
Chicago on June 30th to attend a meet-
ing of the National Executive Committee
of the Socialist Party. The business
before the Committee at that time wiU
be the plans and instructions of the Nat-
ional Convention. They are all part of
the one great purpose — a membership
campaign to be begun without delay and
to be continued until our organization has
regained the strength it had before the
war and persecution and dissension and
N. E. C.
MEETING
in Chicago
June 30th
to adopt
| detailed plans §
I for carrying out
I the
instructions
I of the
I
I convention.
I
| Get your
| COMMITTEES
| ORGANIZED
| NOW
I
Report names to
National Office
rjefore June 30th,
IF POSSIBLE.
There will be
work to do
And no time
to lose,
^5$*S$^^i*S$*S3?S^^
despair all but destroyed it.
To rebuild the Socialist Party is
Eugene V. Debs* one great purpose in
life. It is because of his faith in and
adherence to the principles of the Social-
ist Party that he has given himself un-
ceasingly to the workers of this nation
for thirty years. It was because he was
w'th the Socialist Party, in accord with
the Socialist Party, when he cried out
against the horror and insanity of war,
that he was thrust behind prison bars.
But that voice could not be silenced.
It is calling you to join, to enlist, in a
new campaign of organization. He wants
you Jo stand with him and by him white
he says to the workers of America: —
"We stand for you! This is your cause.
You are one of the toiling millions. Listen!
We are of your class and we have re-
solved to free ourselves from wage slavery.
Are you with us?**
There is not a loyal member of the
Socialist Party who can say NO, to
that appeal. But we want you to say
YES — and say it now! Don't wait untl
you hear from the National Office after
the Executive Committee meeting on June
30th. Organize your forces in advance.
Be ready to receive the detailed plans
for the campaign— they will be sent as
soon after the meeting as possible.
Call a meeting of your local if neces
sary. Do just one l/iing— select your
committee for the Membership Campaign.
Just one thing to do — but a vitally im-
portant thing. Upon it depends the
success of the campaign.
Don't elect members on this committee
who "will consent to serve." Elect
these who want to be on the committee!
Three* or five, as you think best. And
then carefully select a Chairman. He
must be more than willing — he (or she)
must be full of zeal and enthusiasm—
and faith! The Chairman may be your
local secretary. He should not be if it
means loading him down with more work
than he can carry. That is for you to
decide. Bui it must be the best man or
woman you can find for the place.
Then— send us the names of your
committeemen and especially of your
Chairman. They will be listed in the
order received. A credential with dup-
licate numbeT will be sent the Chairman.
It will bear the seal of the National Org-
anization and the signature of the Nation-
al Chairman, Eugene V, Debs. With
the credential will be the detailed plan
for the Membership Campaign. Will you
be ready when the Campaign opens?
Trusting you will return the enclosed
blank filled in with the names of your
committee before June 30th, I am
Yours fraternally,
Otlo Branstelter
Executive Secretary
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