The Daily Worker Newspaper, February 26, 1924, Page 1

THE DAILY WORKER RAISES THE STANDARD FOR A WORKERS’ AND | FARMERS’ GOVERNMENT VOL. I. No. 349. Oil SMEI U. S. Bureau of Education is Urging Educational Leaders to Platoonize School Kids United States week’s sessions, in Chicago, Auditorium Theatre. Working with Dr. Sam’s pay, JURY GETS CASE OF UPHOLSTERERS ON TRIAL HERE Decide Labor's “Rights During Strikes The fate of four union upholsterers and Fred Jurish, member of the Painters’ union, tried with them on boycott conspiracy charges, went to the. jury in Judge Wells’ criminal court last night. Michael J. McKenna and Thomas O’Shea, business agents of Locals 110 and 111, and William Riordon and Gus J. Dahl are the four union upholsterers. On the turning of ‘their cases rests the judicial prece- dent whether organized labor has‘any legal rights in taking action against an employer during a strike or not. Tries to Clear Slate. Both the state and the defense rested tase yeste or “noon. but “Assistant Btater* ney Romano earlier in the day took oc- easion to reconsider a previous an- nouncement that the state had closed its case by calling up Assistant States’ Attorney John Sbarbaro. Sbarbaro’s job before the jury was to clear the state’s attorney's office, if he could, of the stain that rested on it from the defense charges that the state had turned over its office to representatives of the bosses to grill the arrested union men. The witness admitted that he had questioned O’Shea and McKenna in hig office concerning the upholsterers’ strike and said both men told him they had put up stickers in various buildings urging building tradesmen to ask upholsterers to show union cards, Denies Taylor Grilled Men. He said that Robert Bronson and Dudiey Taylor, attornies for the Illi- nois Employers’ Association, had been present when he questioned the men, but he denied that either Bron- son or Taylor had asked the defend- ants any questions, Bronson had testified Thursday that he and Taylor had asked “a few questions of the defendants.” After the testimony of Sbarbaro the state rested its case and the de- fense without putting in any evi- dence also rested, the defense consid- ering that the state has failed to make a case against the defendants. Romano began the argument for the state and Oscar Nelson made the first statement for the defendants. Nelson was followed by Robert Dan- iels for all the defendants, and the state then had the last word to the (Continued on page 5.) 5,000,000 ILLITERATE IN AMERICA DECLARES SOUTHERN EDUCATOR Hundred per centers call this country the flower of civilization, but W. Abercrombie, state superin- tendent of education of Alabama, has some alarming figures about he pre- illiterney in sig pe ply sentod to the National serge ae t Association's convention at Anditovium Theatre yesterda: There are in the United os 5,000, persons 10 years of age and over who cannot read and write In any language, and almost 3,500,000 others who cannot read or write English, Mr. Aber- crombio declared in speaking on “National obligetions in education,” “There avo millions moro who can barely reed and write and are there ‘ore practically Miterate. This is a menace to American ideals and Inolitutions.” 4 Commissioner of Education John J. Taggart has sent his secretary, Dr. Theodore Honour, Propagandize for the platoon system of education during the 8 of the superintendent’s branch of the National Educational Association which is meeting at the i Honour is Miss Alice Barrows, Taggart’s field representative, who has been touring the country on Uncle in behalf of this mechanized educational system. THE DAILY WORKER. Entered as Second-class matter September 21, 19238, at the PostOffice at Chicago, Illinois, under the Act of March 8, 1879. Z eee Subscription Rate! i, Cricoge, by mail | Outside Chicago, by mail, $6.00 per year | to Chicago to Miss Barrows was one of the pioneers for the Gary system in the New York schools where the attempt to introduce the system aroused such intense opposition from the teachers that their representatives at the N. E. A. conference will oppose it almost in a body. Is Gary System. The platoon system, as the “Gary” system is now more politely called, is the latest word in the goose-step process thru which public school ed- ucation is now going. It leaves prac- tically nothing to the initiative of the individual teacher, who teaches one subject over and over according to @ prepared method as classes file in and out of_the classroom. Members of the American Fed- eration of Teachers are against the platoon system for the reasons that the government and the interests it represents are for it. Among these reasons is its efficiency for propa- ganda purposes. Thru the method of using the school auditorium intensively, groups of children filling it at successive half-hour periods thru the day, high Power propagandists can operate on all the pupils in an entire building. Under the former system the propa- had to be passed thru indivi-| at hn IO Set cia he $8.00 per year. ' THE HIGHER-UP RS Bi TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 1924 <4 ARS Br The Last Resort of the Scoundrel, ! LUDENDORFF, WAR’ sks 52 1 ORD OF GERMANY, Propaganda Poison, | The propaganda purpose of the platoon system is not denied by its advocates. One of its defenders, Superintendent Charles L. Spain, of Detroit, lists the Red Cross, Liberty} Bonds, and Thrift stamps, among the varieties of “good propaganda” which could be put over more effectively thru the platoon system. Class conscious workers have lit- tle use for some of the “good propa- ganda” which poisons their childrens’ minds in the Garyized schools. _ The platoon system, as its name implies, regiments the schoo] child- ren. They march into classrooms where they are taught to order by teachers who have no opportunity to become acquainted with them from the physical inability to become ac- quainted with the members of sets of classes she must teach. the teacher—becomes a drill master, hearing recitations from multitudes of little strangers, New York school superintendents will lead the fight against the system but opposition will come from Chi- cago and other centers also, The platoon system began in the Steel Trust city of Gary. Its name was changed, as its apologists at the National Association of Education convention admit, because the nam “Gary” was a drawback, i It is now in use, ‘in complete or modified form, in 50 cities. These inelude such obviously industrial cen- ters as Detroit, Pittsburgh, Birming- ham, Ala.; East Chicago, Sout! Bend, Ind.; Newark, N. J.; Roches- ter, N. Y. Port Arthur, Texas; ; Latrobe, Pa.; New ac Pa; Akron, Ohio; Monessen, ‘a. Want Robots From Schools. In these industrial cities the pla- toon system has obvious advantages for the ruling class. From the work- ers’ and teachers’ standpoint the ob- jections to the platoon are summed up in the evil uses to which it is put by industrial rulers who want robot- ized products from the schools, On the other hand if the control of edu- cation were vested in the working teachers and not in school boards subservient to the financial interests the more efficient use of school equipment would be welcome. Superintendent E, C. Hartwell, of Buffalo, and O. L. Reid, of Youngs- » Ohio, will speak at this morn- ing’s session at the Auditorium Theatre, — Ur a Phillips for Belgium, WASHINGTON, Feb. 26.—Presi- dent Coolidge today sent to the sen- ate the nomination of William Phil- lips, now under-secretary of state, to be American ambassador to Belgium. | For Recognition of Soviet Russia! She—|re ON TRIAL TODAY Faces Treason Charge with Hittler MUNICH, Feb. 26.—General Eric Ludendorff, one of Germany’s war lords, will be tried for treason to- morrow, together with Adolf Hittler and seven others. Elaborate police precautions were taken today to prevent possibility of a monarchist coup. Special reifi- forcements of state police arrived at Munich, while the Central Govern- ment stands ready to lend any as- sistance the Bavarian authorities may uire. e trial, whigh will be conducted by a Bavarian court of seven judges, will be held at the War Academy. Here special fire fighting apparatus has been installed against the eventu- ality of fire panic and police have searched the building from roof to cellar, Assemblage of more than two per- sons within three blocks of the War Academy is to be forbidden tonight and tomorrow, The crime of which Ludendorff, and Hittler were accused was of plotting against ‘the state. They are charged with leading the ludicrous beer cellar ‘“‘Putsch” of November 8, which dwindled into opera bouffe when differences arose among the leaders of the uprising. The “beer patriots,’’ as they came to be known, swore to march on Ber- lin. They declared they would rid the country of Marxism, Socialists Cpr Zod rebuild a better Vater- land. On the night of the Putsch, ex- | Dictator Von Kahr, who resigned last Friday, wasmamed “National Admin- istrator,” and Ludendorff head of the army. The Central ately laid an em! ria and vernment immedi- rgo against Bava- lack of unity among the beer cella: jots did the rest, Ludendo! was captured after a skirmish near one of the Munich state buildings. He was placed’ un- der “protective arrest” and gave his word not to engage in further treasonable activities. Hittler fled to the mountains and was captured. he was jailed, while Ludendorff was fanee virtually a prisoner in his own villa. f Von Kahr, who with Gefteral Los- sow, head of the Bavarian army, re- signed last week, is generally credit- ed with having been a party to the Putsch that failed, He evaded respon- sibility at the time, however, and re- peed dictator of Bavaria until Fri- ay, ALL EDUCATORS ATTENDING THE PRESENT CHICAGO GATHERING OF THE NATIONAL EDUCATIONAL ASSOCIA GHICAGO HIGH SCHOOL JOIN FIGHT ON PLATOON SYSTEM Chicago high school teachers have joined the fight against the platoon or Gary system of educa- tion which Big Business and the United States Bureau of Education is boosti: e the meeting of school teacher: the high di ’ council ye: ms passed and the council tself in favor of Schools with more smaller schools than 2,000 pupils, it was pointed out, are cumbersome and _ineffi cient. Gambler and Two Women Die. ST. LOUIS, Mo., Feb. 25.—M. J Connor, well known professional} gambler, and two women were killed today when Connor drove his auto- train on a grade crossing just out+ side of the city limits. Connor asd an unidentified young woman were killed instantly. Miss Selma Wan- der, 22, died in a hospital several hours later. Fight Hoof and Mouth Disease, SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 25.—Heot and mouth disease, discovered the latter part of last week in cattle pens of central California, has re- sulted in widespread restrictions be- ing placed on cattle shipments and shipments of feed, and absolute quarantine in several counties. May Cal! Big Strike Tomorrow. Date of the dressmakers’ strike may be set today. it was learned at union headquarters. A last oppor- tunity was given emp‘oyers last jnight to concede the 40-hour week 'and other demands before the walk- out. It Sure Will. The contest for the presidency will be a “real fight,” detator Hiram Johnson, candidate for the republican nomination for president, predicted here today following his return from a speaking tour of Illinois, Népraska and the Dakotas, | Cuban Rail Strike May End. HAVANA, Feb, 25,—The United Railway strike may be settled today in a conference between union offi- cials and government men. The strike has brought distress to Hav- ana business interests, King of Greece Sick. ATHENS, Feb, 25.—King George of Greece is reported to be seriously ill at Bucharest. The Greek sove- reign, who was expelled from this country early this yéar, is suffering from double pneumonia. mobile into a Missouri Patific freight’ EVERYBODY LIES ~ EXCEPT DOHENY, SAYS DOHENY Says There Is No Oil |} Scandal (Special to The Daily Worker) NEW YORK, Feb. 25.—Edward .. Doheny, lessee of California naval re:#:ves> about whom the senatorial investigation has resolved, lashed back at his critics in an interview | Tribune. Flaying the foes of Attorney Gen- jeral Daugherty, Doheny called Sen- jator Borah and Senator Wheeler \ liars, accused the democratic party of playing cheap politics at the ex- pense of good men’s characters. | Senator Walsh, democrat, Mon- tana, who is leading the investiga- tion, is trying to become president, Doheny said. “Senator Wheeler lied when he said Daugherty was a friend of mine,” Doheny said in the inter- view. “I met him once only and jthat was three years ago next May at the Metropolitan club, with four other members of the cabinet. McLean a Stranger. “As for McLean I have never seen him in my life, regardless of |what Senator Wheeler says. He re- marked ‘everybody knows’ about four times in his speech. That’s a good name for him—Everybody Knows’ Wheeler. “Four years ago Borah said that I had contributed $50,000 to Major General Wood’s campaign fund. 1 was a delegate to the democratic na- tional convention and voted more than forty times for McAdoo at the time, so I wired him asking him to correct his statement. Altho the telegram was read on the floor of the senate he sat in his seat and made no reply. He stands con- victed of lying.” ~ Doheny decried the ousting of Sec- retary Denby “who had never been accused of wrongdoing,” and said the democrats planned to bowl over one member of the cabinet after another like nine-pins and send them from office discredited men. Calls Enemies Bolsheviks. “These Bolsheviks,” Doheny said, “are afraid of their constituents. They have chocolate eclair spines. What we need in this oil affair is some one to pin down the people who are talking recklessly and say, ‘Who told you this? Where did you hear it?’ “T tell you there is no oil scandal. “There never has been any oil scandal, No one has been corrupted. If any one got advantages out of ‘these oil leases it was the United States government.” TH OLD 4 Published Daily except Sunday by THE DAILY WORKER - PUBLISHING CO., 1640 N. Halsted St., Chicago, Mlinois. PARTIES Expect Démocrats to Daub Workers! Farmers! Demand: The Labor Party Amalgamation Organization of Unorganized The Land for the Users The Industries for the Workers Protection of the Foreign-Born Recognition of Soviet Russia Price 3 Cents Republican Candidate For '- President Not Yet Touched (Special to The Daily Worker) WASHINGTON, Feb. 25.—Bitter partisan feeling growing out of the senate oil inquiry threatened today to bring forth’ new sensational evidence designed to smear the names of leaders in both parties. 2 The name of a republican presidential candidate, hereto- fore unmentioned in the scandal, may be drawn in by demo- crats. His son is reported to Doheny interests. have been connected with the The democrats prepared to trace suspected “leaks” from republican members of the investigation committee itself. Republicans threatened to recall William G. McAdoo, demo- cratic presidential candidate, who said Saturday in Los An- geles that his law firm would have been paid $1,000,000 by E. L. Doheny if they had suc- ceeded in Mexican oil negotia- tions for Doheny. These developments came as the investigating committee ended a week’s recess and called to the stand C. Bascom Slemp, secretary to Presi- dent Coolidge. Look for Leaks. Slemp was called by Senator | ! | Waish, chief investigator, to tell what he knew of “leaks” from the committee. Democrats have a strong suspicion that private information of the committee has been secretly re- layed to men who were to be called later to the witness stand. If Slemp’s testimony does not de- velop this fact, the next witnesses called will be local managers of the local Western Union and Postal Tele- graph companies. They were sub- poenaed to produce all telegrams ad- dressed to Albert B. Fall, Edward B. McLean and two of McLean’s inti- mate friends while they were all to- gether in Palm Beach, Fla. C. Bascom Slemp, secretary to President Coolidge, met both E. B. McLean, publisher of the Washing- ton Post, and Albert B. Fall, former secretary of the interior, at Palm Beach, Fla. between Dec. 16 and Jan. 14, he told the senate oil in- vestigating committee. Slemp told the committee he ad- vised Fall and McLean to “make a clean breast of everything” to the senate committee and straighten things. out. $98,000 Short. Before Slemp testified, Charles P. Lyddane, vice president of the fed eral-American National Bank here, published today in the New York | ‘lisclosed from bank records that Mc- Lean had a balance at that bank of $2,000 at the time when, accord- ing to MecLean’s testimony he loaned Albert B. Fall, former secretary of interior, $100,000, McI.ean said_ he wrote checks to that amount for Fall, who returned them uncashed later and they were destroyed. Slemp was questioned by Senator Walsh, Montana. “Were you at Palm Beach during December and January,” asked Walsh. “I went to Florida on December 16 (Continued on page 2.) WASHINGTON RUMOR THAT COOLIDGE IS PREPARING TO TALK (Special to The Daily Worker) WASHINGTON, Feb. 25.—A public statement of President Cool- idge’s attitude towards the efforts of both republican and democratic senators to force attorney general Daugherty out of the cabinet may be made following Tuesday's cab- inet meeting, it was intimated to- day. A secret conference was held at the White House Sunday between the President and Senator Borah, Idaho. Borah, summoned to the confer- ence by Mr. Coolidge, declined to make public its purpose, but quar- ters cl to the President feel he is retting ready to tell the country just where he stands with relation to attack on his attorney-general. All members of the cabinet have been notified fo be present at Tues- day’s session, Secretary of Labor Davis cancelled a trip to Florida to attend. Borah and the President dis- cussed impeachment ings against Daugherty, which Borah on Saturday suggested as the only practicable means of giving the at- torney-g al the full hearing , he has demanded, No decisions were reached at the conference, Borah said. © BRITISH DOCKERS MAKE PEACE ON ONE BOB RAISE Wait Until Next Sum- mer for the Other (Special to The Daily Worker) LONDON, Feb. 25. — Delegates representing 100,000 dock workers today accepted the terms of a one shilling raise now and another shill- ing next summer offered by the employers. Work will be resumed tomorrow at 7 a, m. The remarkable fact about the strike was the insistence of the striking leaders on having the men accept the compromise terms offered by the employers, tho it was well known that the bosses rather than prolong the strike would grant the two. shillings deman the London business ,men were in favor of the men’s demands, consid- ering them very reasonable in view of the cost of living and thes heavy cuts in wages that the men were forced to accept. Ong strong reason for the em- ployers’ move to postpone gtanting the second, shilling increase until summer is the fact that this will have the effect of establishing a pre- cedent for wage negotiations in other industries The use of sailors from the Brit- ish navy to move mails has caused much resentment among the work- ers thruout Britain. Day by day the MacDonald regime is being shown up as a counterfeit labor party gov- ;ernment with ‘the result that a de- | cided left wing is being formed in- side the Independent Labor Party that tends more and more to move toward the communist position. That capitalism has nothing to fear from the present government was made clear to the ship owners at a recent banquet which was ad- dressed by Sydney Webb, socialist president of the board of trade. Mr. Webb sought to dispel the gloom that hovered over the festal board in the following words: “If you could only forget for a moment what you have been taught by your favorite newspapers you might realize that the Labor mem- {bers are of the same race as your- | selves and if they are idealistic they are not idiots.” Edwin Bevin, known as the Dock- ers’ K. C., won much praise from the employers owing to his handling of the strike situation. His popu- larity, however, has not increaseu with the workers. The almost in- comprehensible action of Bevin in failing to insist on the two shillings | increase while most of the ship own- jers were in favor of paying it hasi set the mills of speculation grinding out motives at a tremendous rate. The government is breathing eas- ier with the end of this strike. Busi- ness circles were demanding action and the use of force against the strikers... “What did we turn over the government to you for?” was the unspoken question asked by the bosses. The use of the army and navy by the Ramsay MacDonald gov- ernment would not alone spell the government’s doom but also the in- dividual political careers of those who would be a party to it. Even the moving of the American mails by sailors may result in much trou- ble for Mr. MacDonald. Other strikes are threatening. The prospect of a lockout in the cotton industry. grows more menacing, The path of the Ramsay MacDonald gov- ernment is not strewn with ros A labor government that exists sufferance and tries to please cap- ital and labor must do some expert tight rope walking tp exist. TION SHOULD % Read About The World’s Greatest Educator, Anatole Lunacharsky, On Page Six Today 4 ¢