British Labor Plans Boldly for New Order
Fraser, Robert
British Labor Plans Boldly for New Order How Labor Party Is Preparing to Revolutionize England by Rallying All the People Behind Gigantic Effort at Social Reconstruction—^Economic Planning on...
...and, WHEREAS, compliance by the National Executive Committee with the petition of the Massachusetts State Committee to suspend the charter of the State of New York would be a suicidal split in the party ranks...
...ought not to impose conditions on "the state organization which might have the effect of outlawing the party or hamper it in its development and growth...
...Ws are informed by representatives of Local New York, that with a view to establishing harmony there was appointed a "unity committee" composed of representatives of all factions and groups within the local...
...y Kohtrt Fraser ?bK Tuesday morning...
...The Board of Directors have been elected by the only dssnstratk method of which we know...
...Rich in persuasion, compact with, common sense, bright with courage and hope, it is in every way worthy of the British political tradition and in every sense a high contribution to Socialism aad to the future of our country...
...Upon failure of the reojestfve groups substantially to (onply or reach an agreement mSk the lines outlined by year Cenwittee, you state that formal derges against the New York dote organisation will be enterMbnd by your Committee...
...The aforesaid request, modest as it was, your committee completely, ignored...
...Oar party has been built en the theory that we are not a bureaucracy, ia which statu and local organizations are cogs of a eentral agency with autocratic There are some in tan party— and they are now dominant on the National KToratJse Committee — who believe the N.E.C...
...Any other policy inevitably ieads to destruction and ruin...
...Millions of these who vote for it do so...
...Ws have learned that the only ananUint you have received was fcan a group in New York styling gMtf "Militants...
...Mr...
...Maxton stated on Sunday it would have a twofold purpose...
...Dalton...
...But what ia to be the purpose of this new I L.P.-Communist Psrty ? Mr...
...Amjtf the ouster, the age qualification was raised to 21 years, where it has been ever since...
...As to Local New York, we again call your attention to Article X, Section 7, of the National Constitution, under which you are required, in organized states, te deal with "the state through the state secretary and the state committee...
...If, as you assert, JBpffo groups must agree on the jjauiili of harmony, how can you sOjttt the group which you do not afijb to whom you did not even anatit the request, to perform its ant ia any plan that might be anil ill as a basis for harmony...
...Provision must be made for disciplinary action to enforce this," The State of New York has always insisted that proper party ethics be maintained in discussion among party members or in the criticism of party officials and committees...
...REVERSES ACTION ON NEW YORK CHARTER DpSTON.—By a vote of 5 to 4, the Massachusetts State Committee of the Socialist Party virtually reversed itself on its stand of a month ago, and declared that the revocation of the charter of the New York state organization, for which it had previously petitioned, would.cause a "suicidal split...
...We resent the insinuation that there has been no such enforcement in the past...
...States frequently prescribe membership in a trade union as qualification for party membership...
...that the local, state and national constitutions will be rigidly enforced within our state...
...Party Ethics While we gladly subscribe to the principle of sound party ethics, we desire to emphasize that we in New York do not believe in a censorship or a stifling of legitimate criticism...
...Our party has never had anything to conoeal or to fear...
...vote exercised political powers as members of the party...
...Present Order Discredited The existing social and economic order has few firm friends...
...They were assembled tor its JjpHnrth annual conference...
...Southport, was crowded nah delegates from l.abor Parted, TnuK Union, Socialist Soaots and Cooperative Societies...
...For the sake of the truth, however, permit us to state that there are not now and there never have been any questions of organization and membership before our committee which were not promptly and constitutionally disposed of...
...We believe in free party discussion, and when the issues are of a public nature, they may be publicly discussed...
...The files of the N.E.C...
...The conference was marked by now evidence of the decline and disintegration of the once great I. L. P...
...constitution and resolutions...
...of a sub-committee te meet a subcommittee of our Stats Committee as a political organization to find a way to iron out this difference without requiring our party to be exposed te unnecessary dangers...
...If their purpose in joining the party is oher than to serve Socialism, if it is to aid the "militant" faction, then the N.E.C, if it really desires harmony, should not aid .them in their plans...
...There is aet a chance far a united revolutionary workers* movement through eaHed action with the Cssaawaist Party...
...We, in New York, had at one time an 18-year age qualification for membership...
...From cloistered eateries visibility ef the outside work} is poor, whether from Carlton Club or Communist Cell or Highbrow Hall...
...The Astoria complaint was referred to Local New York with a request to advise us of the action taken, since the State Committee has no original jurisdiction in matters concerning branches within an organized local...
...to support any factional paper...
...of taking one of the i historic decisions of the La4 tifejer debate was about to sen, ia which the delegates were to ss saked to choose between the aasrf outlined in the document kaoeU as For Socialism and Peace, prepared by the National Executive...
...The Workers Abroad As Internationa] Review of the Socialist and Labor Movement of the World The Tragedy of the I. L. P. AMONG the so-called revolutionary forces in Europe towards whom " the left wing-militant elements hi oar party torn their gaaa longingly and whose tenets aad policies they soak to force upon us hero is the Independent Labor Party of Great Britain (what is left of it...
...That the local and state committees of New York shall promptly dispose of all questions of membership, organization, etc., in dispute in a democratic and constitutional manner...
...Among the measures Pt* we then urged as essential '*%eisve the purposes of Tarty ¦#**• was this recommendation: *oa*l Executive Committee call HP ad state organizations to 30 steps immediately to disKOafl factional organizations * Jw territory, and members •fthe National Executive Cosa"500 who are identified with ¦* factions shall asanas* agSfodi* leadership hi dissolving 2» rroepa with which they are -¦p*t«d or identified...
...You must know that the National Constitution expressly prohibits you from transacting party business with any local in an organized state, except through the state organization...
...The refusal of the National Executive Committee at its Boston meeting to act dealt a serious 'blow to all in the party who had looked to your committee to measure up its opportunities and duties...
...The adoption of the 18-year clause in the National Constitution was not intended to abrogate tho right of an organized state to pass upon the eligibility of members Section 1, of Article III, of the National Constitution states that a person 18 years of ago aad upwar 1 "shall be eligible to membership in the party...
...The rule, applies to all applications, not only to riie Y.P.S.L...
...The activities of a political party are not confined to the making of nominations for public office...
...That is why he always avoids outlining a policy...
...The Constitution means whatever the Supreme Court says it means...
...The New York militants had repeatedly threatened that through the control or a majority of the N.E.C, which they claimed, the charter of New York State weald be revoked, end the majority of tho members of The New Leader Association would thereby be technically out of the party, and the militant minority of the Association would thereby assume control of The New Leader...
...y'lnilarly to observe these constitutions in their relation to New Yom State...
...State Committee, Socialist He, Mag 5, 1935...
...A restriction may be imposed that an applicant's membership in the Communist Party shall make him ineligible for membership in the Socialist Party...
...Article X. Section 7, of the National Constitution, reads: "In organized states the National Office shall transact its business with the state through the state secretary and the state committee...
...The objective of the New Gradualism is not amelioration but soialization...
...Your committee must be aware that the New York State organization has contended for precisely this provision...
...MiOsrsen declared...
...Maw York State You must also know that New York is an organized state, as defined by the National Constitution...
...He will not bring into the merger more than a handful of supporters, aad in a few weeks after the United Front is formed, thh I.L.P...
...We have already referred to the provisions ia our State Constitution which govern these cases, and we here again assert that at the time your communication was adopted no such complaints had been received...
...BPoa this has been dene in viola*sn of Article VI, Section 2, of ihHHew York State Constitution, I "Sec...
...The state organizations have in the past determined the eligibility of its members...
...3) Mr...
...From :ne very beginning it has been our position that a way can be found to restore such peace...
...Maxton's policy of Splendid Isolation has worked out contrary to his expectations...
...This point relates to the rule of the New York State Committee that no person under 21 years of age shall be admitted to membership in the party within our state...
...That the local, state and national constitutions shall be rigidly enforced...
...je article below is reprinted fayji the London Daily Herald, -yjSfm of the British Labor Party...
...despite the combined diplomacy of himself and Mr...
...armory cannot be achieved by Sseh method as you employ...
...Five-to-four decisions in such matters as this do not last long...
...Permissive or Mandatory...
...ahjinroNi Socialism Under the constitution of Tho New Leader Publishing Association The New Leader must support and advocate the principles of Socialism as recognized by the Labor and Socialist International...
...Bat even within the present organization, which under the leadership of Maxton has moved closer and closer to the Communist*—a direction in which certain elements of our own party hare would hue to lead us athere are elements who are beginning to ondemtsad the fundamentally reactionary character of the Communists...
...net because they like it or find it defensible, but because they are net yet convinced that the alternative is practicable...
...For it Is the essence of the problem to convince them that the Labor Party is reasonably clear in its own mind about what it wants and means to do, and that it can be done consistently with the maintenance of the democratic process...
...against Local New York...
...MmJforlL...
...they can be effective workers for Socialism...
...weaofl repeat its walk-eat from the Labor Party aad rejoin tho rank* ef organized Democracy...
...In spite of this "militant" attitude, the harmony program was adopted by a substantial majority of the delegates constituting the Central Committee of Local New York...
...Fighting the Labor Party JkJOW that the I.L.P...
...Tsft to deny the reality of I political democracy, even if only half alive, to deny, fer Jastaace...
...Neither the Constitution nor tho convention confers »uch power ouo» them...
...There is not now and there never has been before us an appeal from the Y.P.S.L...
...ONLY FIVE TO FOUR NO one need be surprised, and conoequently no one should be alarmed or discouraged, by the decision of the United States Supreme Court that the law providing retirement pensions is unconstitutional...
...Buffalo case—Disposed of within Go days, as provided in the Constitution...
...Among the members are those who belong to the "militant" faction...
...He will find the contemplative detachmeat ef that life mack easier...
...In order to protect its rights aad those of the majority of its members, it became necessary for The New Leader Association to omit from its constitution that part of its membership qualifications dealing with membership in the Socialist Party...
...They contend that it violates Article III, Section 1, of the National Constitution...
...I have, in this review, been concerned to make clear, fairly and accurately, I hope, the outlook, the hopes, and the practical approach of one of the Labor Party's leaders...
...iMists P*rt...
...be it RESOLVED, that the State Executive Committee petition the National Executive Committee that if developments in the New York situation bring an indictment of New York, they call an Emergency National Convention which will decide on the action to be taken.' The vote was taken by mail...
...This rule has been in continuous existence in New York State for the past til teen years, since the Assembly ouster in 1920...
...desires to preserve party harmony, certainly it wilL' not insist on our acceptance of a condition which was not intended to be imposed in the first place, has no applicability to us in the second place, and finally would make our position as a political party untenable...
...Tho Nino Points "1...
...If Its Position on 18-Year Admission Age Is UnsatisMKory a Joint Committee to Iron Out Differences Will Be Welcomed Statement adopted by the Sew Wm...
...The Socialist Party, nationally, consists of the organized state parties and in unorganized states of local organizations and individual members-at-large...
...gugh Dalton...
...It is not, I think, helpful to spread the view—a totally erroneous one, I believe—that the two great parties in the State will grow more and more hostile, that the distance separating them will rapidly distend until at last they suddenly slam back in a, violent conflict from which either fascism or Socialism would emerge...
...In closing, we repeat ear complete desire te eliminate all fee-, tienal strife, aad to amahsali the unity of the party asses on the rights of member* and ef state organizations under oar Constitution...
...leader has decided ea an alliance with the Communist Party, with a view to the formation of a new party, there should ao longer be aay doubt about the position ef tho UUP...
...They de not like H ^because they instinctively feel ft to be an unpleasant aad untrue version of their political behavior...
...Its latest declaration ef preference far Casern uniam should make it dear to all t sat fraud that the I.L.P...
...Neither has the National ¦we complied with the written Bpant of our S.E.C., made after Having your communication, for eospy of any complaint or resoluHoa submitted to the N.E.C...
...Te begin with, you address a communication "To the New York City Local" directing it to do certain things...
...He has called it "Practical Socialism for Britain" (published by Routledge...
...Dalton repeatedly and memorably reminds us...
...This is to consist of an amalgamation of what rem sins of the LL.P...
...This procedure is utterly without warrant or authority in the Constitution...
...Nor jd the New York City Local or asjutete organization complain to job of any such disharmony...
...He has in recent years been more of a Communist than a Socialist...
...Whan'ha manoeuvred the LL.P...
...At the Boston meeting of the N.E.C...
...18-Year Admission Age "4...
...At its conference ia Derby, held in the last week of April, the L L. P., under the leadership of James Maxtaa (we have his equivalents ia 007 eOjniarty) decided upon an alliance with the Communist Party...
...Innumerable cases, where Similar language employed in other connections have been construed to impose no mandate, can be cited...
...There were nearly seven hundred' ef them, representing the iseiohers of the Labor Party...
...With Harry Poiktt, fender od the insignificant British Communist movement on the platform, MeOonsrn charged that the Communist Party was ¦wtadPa more and more reactionary, and that its purpose ia seeking a "nailed front" with the Socialists was not to further the iliivilopnssnt of a revolutionary party and a united workers' parts/ but solely the abas of the Communist Party) itself...
...Our conditions require that it shall continue to be so...
...Thst the Y.P.S.L...
...Dalton, -a tremendous aad sustained support waiting, ia nearly every section ef the casassasaty...
...Opinion, fortified by experience, ia setting strongly hi oar direction...
...Dal ton's tub is, there fore, of importance to jgQtsm*particularly in the L'nited \% this country, unfortunately, moor* fsf removed from the posifjfm) thready achieved by Socialists & Britain, but in view of the close jj—tirf y in political tradition and pmpihowgy between the two countSlhOve most to leuru from our fliiitk comrades...
...subject to the acceptance by applicants of the principles and platforms of the Socialist Party...
...Mr As National Executive the sjsaksrs acre Mr...
...But the New York State organization will use its right as Socialists to advocate changes and modifications in the Declaration of Principles and to point out to the membership that the present Declaration of Principles is a repudiation of Social Democratic principles upon which the Socialist Party has been founded...
...Assuming, however, thst it has—which it has not—and assuming that it can dictate to the Association a reorganization of itself—which it cannot—in what way, may we ask, can the Association be made more representative of the party membership of New York than it now is since every Socialist party member is eligible to membership...
...former Labor MJ...
...Now he wants to form a new workers' party...
...This committee was instructed to formulate a harmony program upon which agreement could be accomplished...
...In the case ef the militant Yonkers branch, after due notice to all parties, the S.E.C, having beard the c barges, although the facts were established and admitted, dropped the charges and the branch was admonished not 'again to commit such an offense against party welfare and discipline...
...Yet that would be improper if the construction contended for by the "militant" group were to be adopted...
...Local New York did not compel the Y.P.S.L...
...has turned its back ea the Labor Party fer ad time...
...to "show cause" why our charter should not be revoked was accompanied by comment by Comrade Ceolidge, its mover, including the words, "The only question is whether they shall leave [the party] voluntarily or involuntarily...
...It looks as if the Constitution and the Supreme Court were add such formidable barriers to social progress aa we used to think them...
...Local in violation of the Nsr jgaal Constitution but you state ia, roar communication "that the Hb> groups in New York State jtjejd find a common ground of gjfa," and in the event of failure ¦an threaten action against the §nr York State organization...
...Yss haee not asked that group % do s single thing or to 'comply with a single suggestion...
...Let public opinion develop a little further, as it was if Organized Labor and the Socialist Party and press do t heir weak well, and we shall need no constitutional amendmatit to open the way for nation-wide unemployment insurance, old-age pensions, abolition of child labor, aad other serial legislation...
...At Derby...
...by jM* group or local within the state...
...hi this communication you say, saeag other things, "that the two ¦Mis in New York State can find s ejaanon ground of unity if they OJ desire...
...have received and put into general circulation wftbout first inquiring as to their truth or falsity . If complaint exists against any local that it fails to comply with the constitution or by-laWs, there U sufficient provision in toe New York State Constitution for a review of such complaints before our State Committee...
...We adopt rules and regulations binding elected officials to a certain course of conduct...
...The ext Labor Government must start If with a well-planned rush...
...Perhaps this ia what Mr...
...We deny that the State Committee has jurisdiction over The New Leader Association...
...The militant faction pretends to be clamoring far democracy...
...The New Leader is published by an Association, membership in which is open to all party members, regardless of the views they entertain on party policies...
...British people, in other words, do aet like their politics presented to them as ao mare than the straggle between twe classes, each moved by ao more than its owe economic intereste...
...Socialism...
...Point 5 is too vague to be adopted, except in the spirit here outlined...
...Maxton confaOMs that this tactic seems to have failed, and if it has been a failure for the past three years, whst hope has he that it will he successful in the next three years...
...You esanot violate the National Confutation and the Constitution oi Sg party in New York and upon Bat violation establish peace in Be party organization...
...If the N.E.C...
...1) It would be free to struggle for the workers, and ft) its pressure would compel the Labor Party to take up this ¦ sit aggie...
...We are confident that a way can be found, if good will is exercised...
...Lloyd 'George to the^Lanor rtriy nearly twenty years asm...
...but members of the Association must adhere to the principles of Social Democracy...
...Landing in Queer Street •THE truth is that Mr...
...In the jgead place, assuming that the a constituted state committee {fRow York is to be treated by «te as just a "group," you do not fjfmt the second group...
...2. That the age requirement in the national constitution is permissive, not mandatory,' and was never intended to be mandatory...
...will he triumphantly buried in the Communist Party...
...Many ansae have been under the imnreaaiea that the l.LJ...
...The case for Socialism is today becoming a comm on place ia ever-widening circles...
...Maxton does succeed in forming an I.L.P.-Communist United * Front, his success will be an illusionary triumph...
...The proposals ef the Socialist League were defeated, aad these ef the National Executive were accepted, by the decisive majority of something over tea te one...
...It is with this hope in mind that we answer the points outlined in your communication, taking each one in turn, and in the order in which they are presented...
...We are ready and willing to cooperate fer that purpose...
...We believe that those who are so sure that they can have a united front with the Communists ean at least make an effort to establish a united front of all Socialists...
...Their participation in the determination of policies by which candidates are bound, in the drafting of platforms, etc., is such as to bring them within the prohibition which our state imposes on those who are not qualified voters...
...If in spite of our sincere belief that the rule prescribing a 21-year limit in our state in no way violates Section 1 of Article III of tho National Constitution, the N.E.C...
...This rule is contested by the "militants," who hope to augment their numbers by the admission of youngsters of 18 years...
...We welcome the change of attitude...
...Harola Draper appeal—Decided rn November 11, 1934...
...We have always announced our doctrines and declarations to th<» v.-h«.le world: They were publicly debated and argued...
...still others announced that their object was to drive from the party those whom they called the "Old Guard...
...Hugh Dalton and Mr...
...Tho Y.P.S.L...
...He is unable to outline any policy which would prove acceptable to the working class of this country other than that which receives the general support of the Trade Union, Labor aad Socialist Movements...
...The title is deliberately chosen...
...The provision in the national constitution that "Members under twenty-one (21) years shall not be eligible to take part in the nomination of candidates fur public office" does not render us immune from danger under our state laws...
...This was done notwithstanding the proposal was supported by other state organizations having a large percentage of our total national membership, and notwithstanding it was so essential as at least the first step for the restoration of party harmony...
...And te deny that eoBtieal and w)osaen will it persistently, march towards Socialism, is defeatist aad doctrinaire...
...The New Leader...
...The committee reported to the Central Committee of Local New York four -specific recommendations...
...should hare such autocratic powers...
...Conference to Settle Differences Suggested We do not regard the question raised by this point as insoluable...
...will not countenance thenbreach of the local and state constitutions and of the rules laid down by the State Committees...
...So far as New York State is concerned, the N.E.C...
...Some groups were organised to preach armed insurrection and violence ss neccessary means to bring about the changes Socialists favor...
...That is, it must advocate the principles of Social Democracy, not of Communism or dictatorship...
...organization to engage in an official boycott of The New Leader, our official party paper...
...MASSACHUSETTS S.E.C...
...providing the ineligibility of advocates of communism and violence in the party...
...October of last year, the Garrick Theatre...
...make that rule effective in those states which have accepted applicants for membership who still believe in Communism...
...Those who were designated to act as the Board of Directors are those who have received the highest number of votes...
...Hp the National Executive ComBje are in receipt of the comonaication which your Committee ojspted at its session of March HV1935, addressed: "To the State Bnsxktee of Mew York, the State ehseutive Committee of New York, sat the New York City Local...
...I discount heavily," declares Dr...
...Unless we accept the' view, which the N.E.C...
...Last month the motion calling for the revocation of the charter of New York was carried by a vote of 6 to 2. Following the referendum vote that reversed the S.E.C...
...Instead, some members of the National Executive Committee continued to meet with and encourage such factions...
...It should make that rule effective, for example, in New Jersey, which accepts applicants who are not acceptable in New York because they are Communists, thereby flooding the party with Communists who can be used, as they have been used, to undermine the New York State organization...
...Maxton knows the merger will cause farther disruption in the I.L.P...
...Is It the view of the National Executive Committee that it can transform minorities into majorities ia the same way that has been dene by the Communists when they sought to enforce minority decisions...
...Boys and'girls who have reached the age of 18 and are desirous of serving the Socialist Party are not deprived of that opportunity...
...It prorides about 20 per cent of the total national Socialist vote, ft baa wide contacts with the labor movement, and furnishes the national ization, through the institutions which ft mstntaina ia New York, much of our literature aad many of our speakers...
...ZtSS^S^Sim sweeny ' rani, nasi he who thinks it leeks too steep or stony tor has taste 1 hod heat stay at home aad cultivate hie garden...
...neither can it permit the Y.P.S.L...
...Ao OrgouixcrHen and Its ho treating the duly constituted Onto organization as a "group," h> placing it on the same plane ss s group of individual members Ifjsnlisil in opposition to it, in asking us, but not the others, to sahsit to conditions which require com awn action and agreement, you, ia effect, take the position UBA New York is no longer an enawjsaf state, with a duly consiiohd state committee and an smell le committee to govern it...
...Your very fesmmunication rests on this coma matter of fact you have Ml even extended us the courtesy •forwarding a copy of that comKnt...
...including the so-called technicians' aad the professional middle class, fer a government that will show fight against poverty and unemployment, aad delay and muddle, that will act boldly aad get things daae...
...State or National Matter...
...Tragedy COMMENTING on the Derby conference and the disintegration ef W the I. ft P., P. J. Dollan writes in the Glasgow Forward: "Mr...
...Not a Pactional Organ We wish to assure the N.E.C...
...I have said little of the proposals he makes, and which cover the reform of democratic procedure ,the socialisation of particular industries, and of finance, the objective* and machinery of planning, equality and taxation, fad the organization of peace...
...Dalton has new written a beak hi which the program there adopted is expounded and explained...
...the I. L. P. of Keir Harxfie...
...j| they were, as they knew, on tat pint...
...tf The New Leader will restore its former Constitution, cease to be a factional organ, and so organize the Association and Board of Directors as to be representative of the entire party membership in New York, we urge that the Socialist Call be discontinued...
...Ia the first place, basic harmony must rest upon mutual respect aad a clear understanding of the rights the party membership enjoys under ear State and National Constitutions...
...The individual members in organised states are members of the state organizations...
...New institutions and committees were established to perpetuate the rift within the party and to defeat the hope that the majority of the party membership entertained that party harmony could be restored...
...If any further evidence were weeded to establish the unfair has 1 mailt you have accorded our stats organization by defining it as a "group," the fact that you .•srmitted a group of individual JUty members to file with you a Sneplajnt of alleged grievances gsapst the New York City Local jKsgEaees such evidence...
...It should also address that communication to Illinois, where Communists who openly admit that they have not renounced their Communist views are admitted, to be used both locally and nationally to submerge and eventually destroy the social democratic elements constituting the bulk of the present party membership...
...On the contrary, at the eery seatjon at which the present N'ahio»l Executive Committee was •nssV the constitution was ajotsd containing the requirement pt "In organised states the Nakjnd Office shall transact its ausmm with the state through the Meretary and the state comTwo "Groono" fan not only proceed to transact business with the New York pt...
...Said ¦•hunt shall state specifically clearly the...
...Every member who has applied and was qualified for membership has been admitted...
...H* has never been able to understand the difference in iitOiionih conditions ia the two countries, nor the different political mentality .of the two peoples, and too hastily assumed that the conditions and political mentality of Russia and Great Britain are similar...
...Articb II, Section 1, of the National Constitution reads: "The organization of the Socialist Praty shall consist of the state and local organizations now in existence, and such state and local organizations as may be hereafter organized by the National Executive Committee or by the state organizations recognized by the National Executive Committee...
...A. Arkin of Boston, a bitter opponent of the move to petition for the revocation of the New York charter, refrained from voting in order that it might not be said that his vote carried the day...
...Our committee firmly believes that this rule, to make 21 the minimum age requirement for membership in the par+y in our state, is not in conflict with the national constitution, and for the following reasons: 1. That under the structure of the Socialist Party, and the national constitution, the establishment of an age requirement for membership resides within those states that are organized...
...It fa a isottsj...
...To secure that conviction is Dr...
...it was the representatives of New York State who urged that fact that advocates of violence and armed insurrection must be prevented from joining the Socialist Party if the party is not to become a stamping ground for these who have freely admitted that they seek admission in the Socialist Party not to advance Socialism but to "settle" within the party their differences with the Socialist Party membership...
...nature of the ofe or offenses with which the ¦caj is charged...
...of New York be promptly reinstated upon the basis that it shall conform to the decisions of the local, but it shall not be required to support any Socialist paper that engages in factional warfare...
...To talk or aet in politics as though these qualities were not widespread among us is to court rebuff...
...stand the provisions of the National Constitution are not idle words, to be ignored and disregarded at will...
...6, That every party member, all party committees, and papers published by Socialists shall be forbidden from making or issuing statements attacking the 'integrity of the comrades, the party itself, or its duly constituted committees...
...I A New United Front "IF Mr...
...Yet such requirements, according to the "militant" construction of Article III, Section 1, would be improper...
...that the Association and the Board of The New Leader is represent ative of the party membership in New York...
...is quantitative...
...with the Communist Party...
...This was done not only with the knowledge but with the help of some who are supposed to be paj?y leaders...
...or from Pennsylvania, in defiance of the Pennsylvania State Constitution...
...4 We have gone pretty far when four justices of the highest court can gravely dissent from the proposition that, in giving Congress power to regulate commerce between the states, the framers of the Constitution meant that Congress might compel the railway companies to pension their retired employees-—or, to be a little mora precise, when they can take the ground that, no matter what the framers of the Constitution had in mind, thai meaning should now be read into their words...
...charges against the militant Yonkers branch for entering the official primaries to oppose the duly designated party candidate...
...the Party, and the proposals of the Socialist League...
...British Labor Plans Boldly for New Order How Labor Party Is Preparing to Revolutionize England by Rallying All the People Behind Gigantic Effort at Social Reconstruction—^Economic Planning on Basis of Democracy— An Exposition of the "New Gradualism" ; Tk* folio vi*g article, a renew _»« book just published by Dr...
...Maxton cannot escape responsibility for the disruption ef the Socialist organization which Keir Hardie created after a lifetime ef sacrificial drudgery for the Socialist cause...
...may rest assured that the New York State Committee will enforce Ru'e 1. Tho Dsclorotloo "2...
...Factions In Mm Party , Moreover, the very diversity of the purposes of such factions, and the nature of their aims, indicated that unless dissolved they would be a .source of endless strife and turmoil...
...There is, I believe,'' says Dr...
...Nor do we believe in heresy hunting...
...By this I mean he has been influenced by the Russian ¦siehltiaa into thinking that what was possible hi Russia la 1917 is alee possible in Great Britain in )»35...
...He knows that once be begins to outline a policy he lands himself ia Queer Street...
...How to apply fktepproach successfully developed |> British Socialism to the specific jLgtnu confronting us in Amer& constitute* the central problem sf the development of a Socialist jaggy in the United States...
...Moreover, we shall expect the N.E.C...
...In the making of such rules members 18 years of age would take part...
...Instead of reproving them for such tactics, these attacks have been accepted without investigation, and by so doing your committee has encouraged attacks on the integrity of party committees...
...The State Committee of New York has never denied, and does not now deny, that the Declaration of Principles has been duly and legally adopted...
...To make the principle of Point One of practical value it is imperative that the N.E.C...
...Has No Place for Advocates of Violence and jpd Insurrection...
...seems to hold, that tho official organisation is just another "group"—a view which we emphatically repudiate— The New Leader is not a factional organ...
...Article X, Section 6, reads: "Organized states shall he such aa have at least three (9) locals in three (3) different municipslitiee with a combined membership of at least seventy-five (75) and which have a state committee and a state secretary . . P ' Now York is among the largest of the state organizations...
...Oa these the book itself speaks clearly, and decisively, and at length...
...The New Leader ia not a factional organ...
...Maxton wants...
...Yet you threaten us with disciplinary acis...
...into adopting his policy of Splendid Isolation from the organised Labor Movement, he did so, I am told, because he believed it so strong that the Labor Movement would be forced on its hands aad knees to ask the deserter* to return to the fold...
...Indeed, the motion summoning the New York organization to appear before the N.E.C...
...This provision Is permissive, not mandatory...
...Arthur Henderson, Dr...
...New York Replies to N.E.C...
...The Board of Directors are elected by the Association...
...2. Proceedings Against %-Leeal...
...As a matter of public record, the following membership and organization cases were before our committee during the past two years, and they were disposed of promptly: Matthews appeal—Decided on July 30, 1934...
...If it could, the X.F.C...
...My dvice to you is: "Be audacious," ' said Mr...
...Would such a group, coming from Wisconsin, in defiance of the Wisconsin State Constitution...
...if they will conform to the decisions of the local, as specified by you...
...still thinks it does, we suggest the appointment by the N.E.C...
...into the Communist wilderness...
...Secrecy is the policy of concealment and underground methods...
...We again urge the N.E.C...
...You could ad htre intended the New York (gty Local as the other group, ante there is no disharmony betoaes the New York City Local jgU the state organization...
...The New Leader "8...
...The nominations are open to all members of the Association...
...Wasn't it Maxton who told us that if the I.L.P...
...to advise individual comrades and the organization of ssxaUed "militants" within the party who happen to disagree with Use duly constituted state committee that the N.E.C...
...In the Association, as in all other party organizations, the "militants" have organised a dual group...
...At the time your communication was adopted, there were no other cases pending before our committee...
...In return fer gold they get their orders, aad carry taoan as a- com • ssercial traveler carries eat his orders from the Booster who pays him...
...We must not pitch our program rw or prepare ourselves to be consnt with slowly crawling forward," says Dr...
...They see that our political life dees net ¦save only in these narrow channels, is inspired by something more than these narrow motives...
...K this is the other group you nan in mind, it is extraordinary net you do not name or describe jfc What is even more extraordisdsy-is that you have not even adOassed the communication you net as to the other group asking nssS) ss you have asked us, to do entsin things...
...The British people, in the mass, differ from many others in their curt of the practical and their gift for compromise, their sense of humor, their sense of what they call fair play/ a term notoriously hard to translate into foreign languages, their capacity for all forms of selfgovernment, their dimness of classconsciousness...
...Herbert Morrison...
...By these •athods and policies you encourire a minority within the party ia aew York State to continue guerrilla warfare against the party orfsnizstion, to intensify their organized efforts to build up a dual fgrty, to maintain their own headahSfters, and a weekly paper in •¦position to the regular organ of the party...
...In ' the Huntington case, upon the request of the active members, the local eras reorganized, with such members as would agree to abide by the rules of the party...
...the first place, you do not naeify which two groups...
...are filled with malicious and scurrilous accusations aimed at the State Committee and the state and city officials by the so-called "militants...
...Dollan's Comment on LL.P...
...Moreover, The New Leader policies are those of the Socialist Party, accepting Social Democracy as its foundation...
...motion by 593 to 119, Delegate Boynich of the S.E.C introduced the following: "WHEREAS, so long as the threat of suspension is hanging over the State of New York, party activities will be paralyzed, cooperation impossible, and efforts to make a success of the United Socialist Drive remain at naught...
...That the State Committee rescind the resolution which forbids locals from accepting to membership members of the Young People's Socialist League who are qualified within the na' tiona...
...The New Leader is the official organ of tho New York State Socialist organisation as well as of Pennsylvania and Maryland...
...As far as we are aware, Local New York would never have suspended and always has been willing to reinstate the Y.P.S.L...
...The minutes of the Central Committee show that every "militant" delegate voted against the Harmony Committee report...
...Bat it ia gradualist in the sense that it recognizes the existence at this moment of a big socialised sector ia our economic life, and rests on the view that Socialism win come, not from any one decisive and disruptive struggle, bat through the rapid, stepby step expansion of the socialized sector until the stage of fell national planning is reached...
...out of the Labor Party, confesses the failure of his own policy...
...He generally supports, that is, mat some of us younger Socialits call the Mew Gradualism: a radualism that shall be vastly ifferent in tempo and objective rom the thoroughly and justly iscredited gradualism of 1929931...
...Of course, this rule will be adhered to...
...It baa brought disruption and disaster to the I.L.P., bow a weakened and attenuated remnant of what was the greatest propagandist force for Socialism in Europe...
...Such insinuations are the result of rumors which some members of the N.E.C...
...others were organized to secure wider support for the Declaration of Principles and for the particular interpretation which they sought to place upon it...
...The fact that jSfi&Broers °* w'National Ex|g"|"* Committee ¦ were either members of, or encouraged by their advice and support, the existence of such factional organizations created what any comrade acquainted with the first principles of organization must' have known —that you cannot maintain a dual organization within the party organization and preserve the unity of the party...
...WfTm, member ef the Executive of fritiik Labor Party, one of the mylt$*s outstanding spokesmen, gLp us understand'tke approach J British comrades to the Znmt task of building a Socialist YjUis, To our British comrades 'fit task is no longer a matter of |« ew*eu* /«***"«» hut m practical, jyuid*-'' problem...
...The "militants" refused to accept or support these recommendations...
...Harry Poiktt, in their effort to lead the LL.P...
...The only three cases before us were: local Huntington, L. I., for ignoring our decision against a united front with the Communists...
...that aa Englishman today bresthes Mar air than a German, ia half-witted...
...That was good advice, aad it is time we took H." Aad elsewhere he -a i ilea* "Whatever may be true of ether countries, I believe that here it is possible to make a peaceful, orderly, and smooth transition to a better social order, and that with a working Labor majority in the House of Commons, flee years ef resolute government could lay its founds I 9|?sk - ; Be declares his faith ia democracy in these words: "Political democracy will only be fully alive when married t« of eqaals...
...That the State Committee of New York prepare and issue a statement setting forth its view that, while holding to the right of Socialists to advocate changes in the Declaration of Principles, the same must be accepted as the duly and legally adopted Declaration of Principles as provided for in the National Constitution...
...Dalton's object, and I find it difficult to imagine a more likely way of securing the support of disinterested people for Socialism than by givino- them his book to read...
...and the appeal by a group of Astoria branch members against that militant breach, Three Cases Before S.E.C...
...The surprising thing is that the court divided five to four on such a question...
...It is a book concerned not so much with Socialist theory as with the practical and concrete plana which she Labor Party proposes to east ass during its next term of ooaee...
...James Maxton, three years after he led the LL.P...
...JB seemed to us, ss well as to 3Ro*oes other State organizaP) represented at the Boston jP** an<l who supported our W$ that the National Executive }g*utt*e could do no less than 2**ch a calk The existence of !Sj*>t*d factions, maintaining If* own headquarters, financing ?*VOwn ventures, holding their TJfjodorences so as to bind their 2S?r* *° wite.ea a unit on alt JrfSoas coming before the rea> JjHPeuthorized party commitl*2gM* agencies, was the very :_yd most of the factional 3*"|Mnthe party...
...members...
...Maxton does not know where his tactics wiB * lead the working class, because be has never given political tactics and strategy the study and consideration they deserve...
...Dalton, "in thia commonsense and politically mature country, all panic talk, whether from Right or Left, of aa inevitable crista,' sad sM theatrical nightmares ef violent head on rolHeisns, wrecking the train ef *sTfsV^a ^'mmLaia^^ ¦^^^aa^b^bassa^oafls^sssasa^^ iojv poww wrasjaposasa He aeea the coming ef Socialism, not frees a revolutionary fracture on aesae Sunday evening, with Capitalism aa Sunday converted te SoeisHssa ea Menday, hat as the result ef a rapid aad ¦natsiaed national effort, made within the boundaries ef, democracy and parliamentary government, aad drawing its vigor from all that is best ia the British people...
...left the Labor Party the effect would be to cause the 'Labor Party to follow the so-called revolutionary lead of the I.L.P...
...The adherence to the resolutions of the N.E.C...
...That both Local New York and the State Committee shall report what progress has been made in accomplishing the purposes hereof, on or before six weeks from tho receipt of copies of this statement...
...The foregoing is our reply...
...There is aa bogy at all about Moaisw gold...
...Its first purpose is not lie extension of social services bat he transference of economic power rom private to public hands...
...The regularly constituted party committees and officials with whom these members and factions disagreed, and whose expulsion from the party they declared to be one of their main objectives, were made the target for additional assaults and misrepresentation which ware spread throughout the country...
...Jpbrs taking up specifically the Oat points in your communication...
...So far as the State Committee and the State Executive Committee are concerned, we assure the N.E.C...
...To Continue to Work for Horiooy However, notwithstanding our belief that the policy which some of the members of your committee are pursuing leads to disunity, we shall continue as in the past, in spite of ihe provocations from the dissident group, to> leave nothing undone to restore peace...
...At the trial for the ouster of the Socialist Assemblymen in 1920, one of the main contentions of the State was that we were not a legally constituted political party because, among other things, persons not qualified to...
...Its :mpo is not slow but fast...
...J. McGovern, M. P., minced no words oa this point...
...Aad it is in every way a distinctively and genuinely British beak.' "The nature aad isSMUisns of British home polrtice arOdiaVult," he writes, "for foreigners, and even, it seems, fer so aw British circles to understand...
...All of these were in line with your communication...
...or from Connecticut, in defiance of the Connecticut State Constitution, be received by you and their alleged c omplaints entertained seriously by your committee...
...We fully accept the suggestion...
...Mr...
...As members of the Y.P.S.L...
...They sought to have their partisans elected to the Board...
...Obstacles to Harmony We regret to say that your present communication, though written in the name of harmony, reveals the same lack of appreciation of the factors responsible for the party's present condition, and the same inability to face the real issues that confront the party...
...desire to say that the State OomaHtee of New York has at Sjhese exerted itself to the utSj—aad will continue to do so -wasaintani the unity of the % Yarn Strives for Unity 1ms was strikingly emphasized *7Wtr recent Boston meeting at J*hh the State Committee of New .S*k etfkialiy presented to you a '**hsnlly thought-out program lookjbr towards the restoration of har¦•flr and the maintenance of unity Bje* party...
...a) For violation of this Rthe national constitution shall instituted upon a written comprint signed by at least three W wenibeis in good standing, hy the state secretary...
...Byresolution, adopted at the same meeting at which, the foregoing was adopted, The New Leader voted to support the Socialist Party of the United States of America...
...b) The written charges shall jfjdled with the SUte Executive "^¦haaittee, which may appointi P jta discretion a committee to •Srestigate the said charges or proceed to investigate the Jjg^.f as a committee of the ffpooqoithetanding this provision, aja have permitted complaints to S>og«d by individual members ¦Jdast our New York City Local, Hp* tiB,e when you knew that B[* Wan not a single complaint BjptSl against it with our State ¦¦¦smittee or our State Executive ^tanamf&i Lt y^Poos the National Executive gBBaittee believe that as long ¦tjndiridual dissident comrades s state can with impunity **jm violation of their own State SSfghsudn appear with combefore them and receive 2""*ie action, that there can be ^RjhUi muuy or common ground Ifor unity within the state organizations, whose'laws are violated and whose' discipline they refuse to accept...
...We hope that in the future you will not permit statements attacking the integrity of party committees, officers and members to be made a part of your official records without at least giving those si falsely accused an opportunity to reply...
Vol. 18 • May 1935 • No. 19
