OUR READERS' VIEWS ON THE WOLL ARTICLES
OUR READERS' VIEWS ON THE WOLL ARTICLES CONCERNING MATTHEW WOLL Doubts Value of Criticizing Labor Leaders — Says They Represent Views of Rank and File — Specific Charges Against Woll Are Held...
...Apparently your editorial staff did not notice recent correspondence between the Communist officials and the deceased gambler Rothstein, published in the Jewish Daily Forward...
...Among these Is his editing of the International Labor Press News Service...
...Something more direct and specific and incriminatIne is required to be shown...
...aad lliaafiss no one win...
...THE NEW LEADER: I presume that you are anxious to learn the reaction of the readers towards the "NEW LEADR...
...WoU I believe that I am...
...Is Matthew WoU True To Labor," I thought ih*t I am reading the "Dairy Worker.'* Since I sm opposed to communistic tactics, and fail tit .see the difference between the "Daily Worker" and the "New Leader," as it is eoastttater} to-day...
...Some self-searching criticism is very much in order...
...Try and do it, but be careful of the weapons used...
...Begoon is mistaken in thinking we intended a personal attack and we refer him to our editorial in this issue on "The Ethics of Discussion...
...While Communist officials at the Inquiry of Magistrate Corrigan In the summer of 1927 brazenly denied their testimony previously given at the investigation of the American Federation of Labor Special Committee concerning their close Intimacy with the police in the fur strike, they were unable, when pressed to the wall In cross-examination, to account for some $20,000 they had paid to attorney Goodman in bearer checks tor services in the police courts...
...With very few exceptions, all of their officials of the union, I have found th< general response in the furriers union tx the article a very favorable one...
...Why presume to tell them their grievance...
...We have cooperated with trade unions in their struggles regardless of the political views of their members and we regard it as our duty to do so...
...The New Leader: Following an article under the caption...
...EDWARD P. CLARKE...
...The fact that a labor union man or anyone else opposes old • age" pensions does not render him a crook or "untrue" to labor...
...It seems to us, is fatal to all progress...
...Regarding the first objection, and as to Woll's or any other labor representative's being a member of the National Civic Federation, or an officer thereof, that Is his moral and personal privilege, and is no warrant for questioning or "railing by innuendo his standing as such "representative...
...LOUIS WEIL...
...I. City...
...Doesn't that convey a lesson...
...International Fur Workers Union...
...While writing I wish to -state emphatically that I also disagree with President Woll on his affiliations with the Civic Federation of America...
...We shall continue to help in all their problems and struggles, but never to dictate...
...It is quite in order, at this point, to ask what the Socialists have to show with their methods after over a generation's trial and effort...
...The Civic Federation To come to the third objection, namely that the counts against Woll do not stand up...
...Good trade union work, be it noted,—which sounds not so bad...
...To hold him up as an execrable example to his fellow unionists...
...The entire paragraph referring to it displays abysmal ignorance of the conduct of the strike, of the part police played as Communist aides and of the pure motives of the American Federation of Labor officials, including "Vice-President Matthew Woll...
...The impetuous members might give that a thought...
...Your renewed as¦¦JMl helpful cooperation and active ajait Tliie meet highly valued by me aaajfer/ftid officially...
...Except for a few sentences in the above which are almost heated we are glad to print the strong dissent expressed by the writer...
...EDMUND SJEIDEL...
...Far from it, they admit of altogether different constructions from those placed upon them by The New Leader, where they do not outrightly break down of their own weight...
...Does it not rather alienate sympathies and hold trade unionists aloof from the Socialist movement...
...Woll remarks, ^|^le.ipWt as weU as the letter of tt kKrartion of the board of directors <(k» Oanpanj have been fully compiled •V...
...it was not demanded of him Mat CfK up all trade union offices, "fllmseflect correcily," he says, "all Mtoof the board were anxious and ¦art that I retain the vice-presidency ! Mt la the A. F. of L and thus keep 1 «&* touch with and ¦ participation ¦ a* wade union movement...
...These may be labor union departures, though there is something to be said in their favor from the standpoint of obtaining administrative experience which may on occasion be useful...
...What the reasons are for Woll's attitude on this matter are not stated...
...Chicago's labor bank, declared a 6% dividend on the lf3> business...
...I am referring to the article on Matthew Woll, and his relations wltr til...
...Triers', was no hesitation in my agreement that the policy of setting up rival unions Is bad and the rule or ruin policy dictated by Moscow, worse...
...Not that the situation leases me—I'm confident that It needn't be...
...What is the aim and purpose...
...Woll's Seat On Executive Questioned Uktmiut from Presiitmcj of Photo-Engrav% Should Not Bar Him ft—I Council, He Says ¦w Laurence Todd ¦fl'liiln hi.....11 i Woll, acting "ajaaiant of the National Civic Fed00m wA author of the recent attack ¦lMk*ood College which has brought llti sf eensure upon the executive •art of (he American Federation of Ukafe mtnf to fight to retain his domato ansttlnp hi the counclL His reMMt, on Jan...
...Does The New Leader expect to accomplish from the outside what the rank and file refuse to be disturbed about from the inside...
...But lately I, like other Party members, have been disturbed in my mind because of the failure of the Socialist Press to speak out...
...Z am a aaaaawr of .the party and L. L D...
...His fight and that of the American Federation of Labor against the insiduous poison of the Communist propaganda of hate is the fight of the entire "abor movement...
...THE NEW LEADER: As a unionist permit me to commend THE NEW LEADER for calling attention to the anti-social and anti-labor activities of Vice-president Woll of the American Federation of Labor who, as you have correctly pointed out...
...that it was more likely to produce happy results than a hostile, carping, nagging editorial attiltude...
...Were the situation reversed, were the Socialist movement numerically strong, or the numbers of the A. F. of L, and the union movement weak, prostrate, and embittered, and It came before the Socialist movement for adoption, what reception would be accorded it...
...New Terk City...
...However, a companion piece to the foregoing quotation appeared in the very issue of The New Leader last week, page three, column one, wherein it was reported that the New York Local of the photo-engravers Just succeeded in negotiating the forty-hour week, and that the rest of the photo-engravers' locals throughout the country were expected to follow suit...
...but if I am given a chance, I shall pursue another method of forcing the withdrawal' of the tooor representatives from the Civic Federation...
...Over 90% of the stock Is held by the union and its members, Clarence Darrow and Leo Wolman sue* ceed two directors who resigned...
...On the contrary, they have helped make it a success, the one by administrative advice, the other by purchasing policies...
...If we "have anything" on a man there's an easy and direct way to present it, but not by innuendo...
...Where is it...
...I believe that the policy indicated by this article will be of service to the best interests of all trade unionists...
...Woll In the Senate Chamber at Albany two years ago when the question of limiting the use of injunctions la labor disputes was given a pubic hearing...
...Proposes Labor Investigate Cltarge Editor, THE NEW LEADER: Permit me to congratulate the NEW LEADER on the tone and fairness of its leading article of last week, entitled "Is Matthew Woll True to Labor...
...secondly, because such method of treatment harms rather than helps the Socialist movement and thirdly, because the counts cited against Woll do not stand up...
...That is the difference between ou» attitude and all the other organizations that have pretended to take over the trade unions and run them.—EDITOR, THE NEW LEADER...
...whlcn appeared In last week's New Leader, you extend an invitation to readers who are members of unions to state if they are satisfied with Wall's answers to questions put to him...
...We have always associated such publicity methods with the Communist press whirh specializes in personal abuse, but we have not expected sensationalism of this kind in the organ of the Socialist Party...
...Does it not further suggest that the labor leader may be a reflex of the rank and file...
...Here again I would express the opinion that such a movement would meet with no better results than those mentioned above...
...It was to come later...
...Rendering A Real Service'' Editor, THE NEW LEADER For sometime I have been wanting to tell you how much I have enjoyed reading The NEW LEADER of late...
...N. Y. Dislikes Our Method Editor...
...That attitude...
...seeking, yet not knowing how to get themselves started again, as evidenced by the perennial discussions of "lessons of the past elections," "the future of Socialism In this country," and "What£ to be done...
...No member of the present State Legislature could have approached him And the improvement cl Mr...
...The only sin that Mr...
...That's the fault I find with the article in question on this head...
...But that aside, there is this which occurs under this same heading: "He has remained legally-minded and K is a question whether the problems of the labor movement can be solved by lawyers...
...Nobody in the American Labor Movement in my recollection has made such a masterly address before a legislative committee as the one delivered by Mr...
...There are other possible viewpoints, as long as the actual facts are not presented...
...On behalf of my Board and the rank ind file I wish to empliasize our profound appreciation o£ U» gieal service* of Vice-President Matthew Woll to our Union...
...the intimation, however, is clear—betrayal, sabotage...
...It would be bad enough as cheap sensation, but it is aggravated in being an unwarranted personal attack on a man whose integrity in the labor movement is beyond question in all circles in which he is known best and most intimately...
...Others have attempted it and we have always opposed it...
...It has been customary to regard as one of the "canons of Socialist conduct" admission forbidden to the doors of the Civic Federation, to differ with which brought down "anathema" upon the nonconformist's head...
...Nor have we raised trade union questions because Mr...
...Long Island City, N. Y. Mr...
...But WoU has issued a letter aastor toe Importance of his remaln4«t the council Be asks the help of mt MWhi i of the board of directors gfc WillMiij and says he is obeying *S> ItolU I fa II IF 4' 1kk fetter is said to be a challenge— fcWlonion leaders who believe that at ttoaeth* .executives of trade unions aaM asks up the list, of vice-presiaftf* the A. P. of L. It is a bid for mmuwee at the idea that the joint inT*aa£ in a life insurance enterprise by mm lliuill and international unions Atatl to rafe-guarded by having the inakat ttaetf represented on the counwto« version of his rights is that ¦Hank, 'mt the board meeting where arm tartted to choose between his passer of the company and his union mateKT...
...We would oppose any attempt of the party to so control...
...The Case at Btsst.su* Lastly, the matter of Brookwood, which was referred to In passing, possibly because other matter crowded...
...Personal attack is an essential Item of Comrnunist propaganda, as we all know...
...But these are the facts of the present situation...
...John Dewey actions are the climax of a series of discreel-table episodes which have stirred not only liberal periodicals friendly to labor, to emphatic protests but also have aroused thoughtful union men and women...
...With the result that the members of the American Federation of Labor haven't been wrought up a ripple, and with the further result that their leaders are more firmly Intrenched than ever...
...We recognize that trade unions must necessarily be composed of men and women of all political, religious, moral and ethical beliefs...
...Woll in delivery and the handling, of the English language has been so marked since the first time I heard him speak that your reference to bis "sheer ability and tireless energy**-is mote than justified...
...Bothstein, and was one of the first publications to expose liis relations with them...
...the late Mr...
...Woll is not a Socialist...
...All the more reason why Socialist publicity should be studiously free from it...
...It was -aft* ajfaton that such association ajplkkjsliili were useful and es&enat a toe progress, advancement and ¦era el the Company asywell as being Shite labor movant in which ^ ajBaOy if not primarily interested *k taping with this direction and In a1p.itt.that direction as above indiaI have so arranged my affairs with kknattonnl Photo Engravers' Unum to be relieived of the presidency aaasmg Jan...
...Is that an item calling for "taking a fall" out of Woll in the manner done...
...And as to Woll's "attacking" through his press service "progressive tendencies in the labor movement," what's to be done about it...
...We have always tried to help...
...With all good wishes, ?6 YEARS A UNIONIST...
...The annual meeting was held in the Amalgamated Clothing Workers new union home...
...I am enclosing herewith a list of workers in the movement that I am sure will be much interested in seeing this issue particularly...
...New York City...
...Certainly you have lost already one subscriber and this is going to be...
...As for evidence, there was no room and no intention to present any in the first article...
...It strikes me that I can see plenty of reason to think that a new alignment of progressive forces in the movement is in sight and I am sure you personally, your associates on the staff, and The NEW LEADER can contribute much to bring this about...
...With what results...
...I enclose my check for Five Dollars toward achieving that result...
...Imagine a Socialist press service with the editor a cog in the machine issuing that service, what would be expected of him...
...A FURRIER...
...Which in point of fact is erroneous...
...Firstly, because of the manner of treatment, as being ill-advised...
...Splendid, Dignified and Tactful" Editor, THE NEW LEADER': During my fifteen years membership in the Socialist Party I have been generally in agreement with the Party's non-interference policy with respect to organized labor, notwithstanding a lingering doubt of the wisdom of that policy...
...Don't they know It...
...As presented, the objection leaves the impression that Woll was a lawyer before he became a labor leader...
...a Wofl then states that he has taken ¦¦¦VfrtoBeBCT' of his international 'Sf'.tktt change," Mr...
...Neither did he seem to know that the Special Committee of the American Federation of Labor, appointed by President Green In 1927, has rendered a service to the fur workers which we can never repay in full...
...Whether cr sot, in doing what' they did, the A. P. of L leaders were moved by a failure to appreciate the real situation and by a genuine fear of "Communism" or by ojjjer reasons, may be an open question, 'it's q»*U« conceivable that bogeys were seen...
...I question the wisdom and the correctness of that custom, and do not subscribe to it...
...Says Furriers Like Article Editor...
...aa the full-time requirements of *» pwaHeocy of the Company in the aaajKt and with a like determination *MJjl,ilil 11 moved me in the presidency iak Jest vacated...
...New York Crty...
...For that reason we read with pain the unwarranted attack In The New Leader...
...Your method is certainly not to oe envied and if you thought that you would like to create a circulation through an attack on Matthew Woll, 1 am convinced that the contrary will be true...
...I cm forced to stop my support of the "Hew Leader" until some ¦ sane people will create a socialist dally which will cooperate with the bona fide American Labor Movement and its duly elected officials...
...All this puts the shoe on the other foot, showing that- anyone familiar with the true facts would think twice before rushing to press with scurrilous publicity of that kind...
...Isn't that precisely what has been done time and time again with Woll, with Gompers and with the others ever since the National Civic Federation was founded over a quarter of a century ago...
...When the New 'York Call (blessed be its name) followed a policy of friendliness toward the American Federation Of Labor I thought it was good...
...Why, pray, did the writer bring in the fur strike of 1926 in this attack...
...The members alone <yn make the unions more efficient...
...feuds, quarrels, internecine strife, a veritable rending besetting them, farther away from their objective as a movement today than when they first started out some decades ago...
...HERBERT M. MERRILL Schenectady, New York...
...Woll's activities...
...Then we want to emphatically declare again that we do not believe that the Socialist Party can or should direct the trade unions...
...Aroused Thoughtful Union Men" Editor...
...A virus that will have to be found out and eliminated before headway can be made...
...In advising the members of VMM of my compliance with their aaaei wishes and decision, I am im•W te TSMXr a personal as well as offlflikaat upon each and every member kidhe .aggressive and devoted supoort ¦Ipaatatian...
...The article could just as generously have included labor banks under the very words of that "Indictment...
...Reading the head -line...
...New York CHy...
...Matthew Woll might be guilty of in the eyes of some Socialists is that he is not a Socialist and has other views of the alms of labor in America...
...That correspondence proved beyond a shadow of doubt the Intimate Communist connection with the underworld and possibly with a section of the police in the strikes of 1926...
...Apparently your frontpage writer did not know that the American Federation of Labor came into the situation at the urgent request of the General Executive Board of the International Fur Workers' Union...
...Of course, one will take decided exception to Woll and toe others for their action in the matter...
...It Is because I recognize the ability of Brother Woll that I propose to offer a resolution In the next meeting -of the Schenectady Trades Assembly requesting him to publicly answer the charge in regard to membership In a Civic Federation Committee engaged In working out a plan of co-operation between company unions and bona-fide trade unions...
...THE NEW LEADER shows itself as usual as the real friend of organized labor...
...Not much, I dare say...
...HARRY BEGOON, General Secretary-Treasurer...
...And possibly others would be satisfied to get some of that also...
...The long editorial in the "Daily Worker" of January 16 is a sample of what they can say about us and our long service in fighting their ruinous work in the trade unions is known to cur readers...
...As stated, a generation of experience has demonstrated the futility and the fallacy of these tactics...
...The sum total of results is obviously not a brilliant one, or one that can be expected to appeal to the A. F. of L. leaders or rank and file...
...Even if all that is implied in the questions were true of Woll, what then...
...Congratulations and best wishes...
...There is the statement that "trade unionists have allowed their thinking to be determined by what came out of the A. F. of L. conventions, and what came out was decided by Woll...
...I use the word "irresponsible" advisedly because I believe that personal attack in a party organ is any part of the Socialist attitude toward the American trade unions...
...Apparently your staff writer also suffered from lapse of memory...
...they are not conclusive...
...We can afford to have fair dealing in this regard...
...2d, though official an¦aaaeor of this change is not to be ¦a ant the end of this month or the ktahf of February...
...It was therefore a happy event for me and for every Party member but one Trith whom I have since discussed the matter, when we picked up the last issue of The NEW LEADER and read the splendid, dignified and I may say tactful editorial on the front page 'Is Matthew Woll True to Labor?' It is reassuring and I earnestly hope that The NEW LEADER will continue along these lines, and that as a result it will grow in circulation and Influence...
...Though departures they may be, they are not conspiracies, as intimated, because of their accepting ¦acta adinwlaUmUta adrk...
...We also had some things to say about their pal...
...Where, in face of a past generation of failure In this regard, is the assurance that "now it will be different...
...accuse see of befog'a "fsfulUi socialist" I am a consistent party member backing the administration...
...And may there not be some import to that...
...I have already stated, in substance, the fact that a union man belongs to the National Civic Federation does not constitute prima facie evidence that such a man is untrue to his principles or to his organization...
...May we point out that the article gives the impression that it is wrong to even discus* problems and policies in the labor movement...
...Strange that the A. F. of L, the alleged injured party, doesn't take that matter that way, and that party, I take it, is the one to decide this matter...
...To "erpose" Woll .to his membership, or to the "trade unionists" which the article states are "troubled with his connections...
...The Legal Mind There's the questioning of Woll's fitness to "handle the problems of the labor movement because of his legal training...
...Start a movement of revolt from the outside to dislodge him...
...Not a trade unionist myself, I felt that my views concerning this phase of Socialist policy should be guided largely by the opinions of trades union members of the Party who knew the conditions in the unions and the problems which socialists In the unions were facing, and whose ability and wisdom were recognized...
...Is Matthew Woll True to Labor...
...Tha crtttcam here to wide of the mark...
...Sees Labor Alienated What good can such attacks do the Socialist Party or The New Leader, or Brookwood College, or the Prospects of a Socialist labor party in America...
...Now, that may not be solving the labor problem as some people see it, but it is getting Woll's members something, which presumably is in line with his policies and presumably satisfies them...
...Again and again I have asked myself since January 12: What is the purpose of such irresponsible publicity...
...This difference of opinion is nearly half a century old...
...The Brookwood College and Dr...
...Challenges Socialist Becord As to the second objection...
...He studied law only subsequently, and never was what can be called a practicing lawyer...
...There is the concern expressed "for the many important activities that Woll has within his hands...
...I cannot help suspecting that your staff contributor drew largely upon fancy or, more probably, upon Communist sources...
...Where's the wisdom of the move...
...On mature consideration we hav^e decided to drop some issues we raised as they might be construed as wholly or In part personal and this we wish to l avoid—EDITOR, THE NEW LEADER...
...I say of late, because it has only been in the past couple of months that I have had the time to see it at all regularly...
...Certainly they will not raise the -scare'' in the quarters which The New Leader seeks to Uifhyncr Past experience has something different to teach in that respect Why not "take¦% tumble...
...But this is nothing new in the history of American trade unionism...
...A person may honestly, though mistakenly, oppose such a measure...
...Doesnt It suggest, rather, a virus somewheafc In Socialist ranks destructive of those whom It gathers together...
...Woll was an active and leading official in the photo-engravers' union before he studied law...
...Your recent issue •*** and your editorial comment is just splendid and it should reach a wide circle of readers...
...ThereTs'nothing behind this wall save political difference accentuated by impatience on the part of some comrades—an impatience which often assumes the character of intolerance...
...In my opinion no one incurs so much blame for the Chinese wall still existing between the two wings of the labor movement as our Socialist friends themselves...
...By the publication of Mr...
...AMALGAMATED LABOR BANK PAYS •% DIVIDEND Chicago—(PP)—The Amalgamated Trust & Savings Bank...
...Nor do I judge any man's standing by that standard, much as I may reject the various findings and recommendations of that federation...
...voicing the sentiment* of my General Executive Board in protesting against your imitation of the Communist publicity methods, possibly in a moment of absence of mind...
...Do comrades expect to convert anyone to Socialism by this method...
...Two Dollars of which I ask be applied for a one year subscription to The NEW LEADER for the person whose name and address I enclose...
...TEE NEW LEADER: As a member of the furriers' union in New York City I want to voice my approval of the campaign as outlined b> The NEW LEADER in its issue of January 12th...
...Every such attack plays into the leaders' hands...
...seems to be the real spokesman of tri^ Federation...
...and verily, it seems to me that while the Call lived the A. P. of L was a more progressive organization...
...It was with a deep feel*<rf rone* that I relinquished the office ijaaJency which had been my prints, Wrieruktog for the pest 23 years...
...However that may be, the citation of this action of Woll's and of the A. p. of L, deplorable as it may be, does not of itself constitute disloyalty to labor, as the intimation goes...
...I desire to write as one not satisfied with the questions put to Woll, or rather, with the article as a whole...
...New York...
...AN UNWARRANTED ATTACK" Secretary of Furriers' International Praises Woll for Services to Labor and Regards New Leader Article s.s Personal — Suspects "Communist Sources" Editor, The New Leader: As a labor man of many years' standing, and holding a responsible trade union position, I question the wisdom of the editorial committee of The New Leader to treat its reading public to a piece of sensationalism such as has disgraced its front page columns on Saturday, January 12...
...National Civic Federation...
...We have no affection for Communism whatever and liave been the target of abuse from that quarter as often as the trade unions have been...
...from the Presidency ft* XBternattoaal Photo Engravers' Tsftk aafer his agreement with the Unllif Life Insuranot- Co to give his If dat to the work of that company, «M( tot assumed to mark the end of aamrtty as a vice-president of the mm...
...Nobody recognizes the ability of Brother Woll more than I do...
...So that on the various counts Which The New Leader, with an air of alarm, presents against Woll, I am compelled to state that they do not alarm me...
...Thus your staff writer was somewhat mixed in his facts in the charge against Matthew Woll—a charge amounting to libel...
...OUR READERS' VIEWS ON THE WOLL ARTICLES CONCERNING MATTHEW WOLL Doubts Value of Criticizing Labor Leaders — Says They Represent Views of Rank and File — Specific Charges Against Woll Are Held Unproven editor...
...As an active member of organized labor for twenty-six years, and the present secretary of the city central labor bod}- of Schenectady, I can appreciate the difference between constructive criticism directed at the American Federation of Labor and malicious attacks upon its officials...
...Those on the inside of the movement cannot see it In any other light...
...GEORGE M. SFECTOR...
...Admittedly, that opens the door to argument of a fine and attenuated character, which has no place in this discussion, though someone may arise and remark that Karl Marx was not a proletarian...
...Can that spectacle be expected to appeal to A. F. of L men or to other groups...
...Take the reference to WoITs presidency of the Union Labor Life Insurance Company, and the "energies he has thus caused to be drained off from good trade union work...
...Unfortunately there are too many of this type in our movement and I feel that you are rendering a real service to the movement and in addition serving to rally those sincerely progressive and constructive elements in the movement that while scattered, are there nevertheless...
...One may differ as to the advisability of holding such membership, but the fact of holding it does not write one down de facto as disloyal to labor or of questionable character...
...Praises Mr...
...Which would seem to suggest that those trade unionists are satisfied and are standing behind Woll...
...And then the disparaging and insinuating part: "But it Is plain that the big insurance companies and big business men have not opposed his enterprise...
...Despite all such attacks the A. F. of L. has risen ever more strongly and stands as a bulwark against Socialist inoculation...
...Those results show the Socialist movement as stranded, shattered, stretched at length...
...We should be grieved to think that this attack originated or was inspired in party councils...
...Sincererly yours...
...The news "material is highly colored to support the administration of the A. F. of L." But what else is to be expected...
...Where's the strategy...
Vol. 8 • January 1929 • No. 2
