The Daily Worker Newspaper, March 26, 1925, Page 3

A WORKER FROM NEW YORK GETS A.C. W. LESSON Not a Communist | Yet But Has Brains By L. K. Several years ago, when I came from New York to Chicago, I was told by some members’ of the Amalgamat- ed Clithing Workers, that it would be very hard for me or for anyone com- ing from that city, to remain working in Chicago in the clothing industry. In answer to my question why the situation would be so gloomy to one coming from the Hast I was told that the: union in Chicago is the reason for it. Didn't Believe Left Wingers. Further discussion on the same question convinced me that my infor- mants, being left wingers, who were dissatisfied with the policies of the or- ganization and were proposing some changes to better or improve condi- tions, upon hearing me say, during the discussion that, if corruption and graft, or other foul and dishonest prac- tice on the part of the official is found, thet {t is up to the members of the organization to bring such individ- uals before the various boards to de- mand justice and thereby rid the or- ganization of such men or women who indulge in this kind of practice. I also argued that, if it is true that @ machine exists among the officials for the purpose of abusing their pow- er, and so control everything within the organization that no one would ever get any results if attempting to expose them, seemed to me at that time to be absurd and unjustified, since there are so many boards to consider any grievance which may be brot before them for consideration, and therefore by such provisions the organization would be free of individ- uals who are inclined to indulge in foul practice. Discovered Left Wingers Told Truth. I expressed such view on a theoreti- cal assumption, and my informants assured me that things are not smooth in reality, and I was told that I will soon be convinced of the contrary. My informants were, therefore, right when they said it would be hard for me to stay here, judging from history and experience that conditions, as far “Ss the power of a tinion ‘official is con- cerned, is far less limited here than in the East. I have learned since. I have had some practical experience to what ex- * tent a business agent can abuse his power and get away with it. There is sometimes sufficient reason not only for the condemnation of his acts but ground enuf for ousting him as an official and member of the organiza- tion. So far as I know, this was not done and will not be done until their acts as Officials are subject to examination or, much better, the proposal to de- prive him of his opportunities result- \ng after serving several terms as of- ficial. Heart Sickness Calls for Action. I shall now give some experiences I had here with business agents, which finally led me to believe that some change must take place before the workers can be freed from the heart- sickening effect of the thought that we suffer too often as a result of be- ing betrayed by our own leaders. A business agent ordered people in a certain shop to do additional work for the same price. The people of that shop struck against the order of their agent. At the time of the strike this agent used his influence and power to frighten the people into submission to his order, and when not successful in the attempt he would abuse the one who encouraged the strike or bring one from New York and therefore had no right in this or- ganization. Union Official on the Other Side. He used all kinds of foul tactics and kept this up until even the labor man- ager, the man representing the con- tractor, admitted our just claim. The result was that the people in that shop won their fight at the time when their own business agent fought together with the boss against the workers. The same business agent, on an- other occasion, when having for con- “WHAT’S WRONG Single Copies 10¢ 48-Page Pamphlet Just Off the Press. CARPENTER’S UNION?” THE STORY OF ADMINISTRATION CORRUPTION and EXPULSION OF MILITANTS IN THE CARPENTERS’ UNION. Order from ‘Progressive Building Trades Worker 166 W. Washington Mt, Boor 303, SECTION OF THE TH GUT ‘ONLY 33 PER CENT’ SAYS BOSS, EVICTING THE TEXTILE STRIKERS NORWICH, Conn., March 24.— The Hygienic Fiber company noti- fies strikers they must get out of company tenements and that their group insurance is cancelled. Super- intendent Brightman denies strik- ers’ statement that wage cuts range up to fifty per cent, saying that the reduction is only thirty-three and a third percent. sideration a similar case, this time in stead, as before, fighting the people directly fought them this time indi- rectly when a case was to be taken before the labor board, he told the people in the shop that they did not have a chance to win their case. That One Person—A Left Winger, You Bet. So when one of the workers thought differently from his agent, trying to get someone in the shop for the pur- pose of bringing the case for consid- eration before the board, could not get anybody, because from what the agent told them they feared to do any- thing, and the case was fought by one person in the shop, yet resulted in victory for the workers because the labor board decided in its favor. Again, this same agent rendered a decision which caused a section of about twenty people to lose their jobs in Alfred Decker & Cohen. He was not taken to account for that, except that the people in that shop would no longer tolerate him there, and was thus substituted by someone else. A Fine Man to Represent Workers. The reason I relate the deeds of one agent only is because I do not know the others. I do not even know one- tenth of what this agent has done which might be of a similar nature as far as the worker is affected by it. The things related about him, are things that happened in two shops, and he takes care of twenty shops or so. His benevolent deeds, therefore, if summarized would show that he has just as much right to represent labor as a degenerate has a right to teach morality. A Few Questions. How can such a business agent be presented in true light before the workers? Can he be exposed under these circumstances? Are the people free to testify against him and not suffer'in many ways? Is not the agent in position to punish everyone that attempts to check him in any way? Is it-not a fact that he can se- cure a good job for lackeys and friends? Is it not a fact that the business agent can say directly and indirectly who shall and who shall not get an employment insurance? Is it not a fact that in this industry everyone is out of work long enough to be entit- led to his insurance? Yet, how many get their full share? If the unemployment insurance was for the purpose of helping the worker, why then, is this in the hands of every business agent to recommend insur- ance for whoever they may see fit? Why, if this insurance is meant in good faith, leave this in the hand of politics? Why not standardize the contribu- tion and distribution of insurance, like the payment of dues and assessments and thereby avoid a condition where one is deprived of his insurance be- cause his agent has a grudge against him? Come On Levin—Speak Up! Why does the manager of the joint board ignore the unfair distribution of the insurance? Why, when his atten- tion is called to the fact that a certain business agent, together with Stewart of the unemployment insurance office, pays out insurance to people who have been suspended and are therefore not entitled to~insurance according to rules? Why not bring a stop to all this? This plea Is not made by a left winger, a Communist or even a so- ! any of them. I want truth and justice first, for everybody, and I challenge anybotly in the organization, including the man- ager, to deny or disprove any of my statements regarding the business agent who was cited as an example to what degree he can now abuse his IN THE 100 Copies $7.00 RANK AND FILE CONFERENCE IN HOT CONFLICT Demands Special Con- vention of Dist. 5 PITTSBURGH, Pa.—The Progress- ive Miners’ Conference of District 5, met here March 15 with’ about 70 miners participating. It was a very successful and enthusiastic conference, nothwithstanding the fact that the district officials had issued a circular to every local union, warning the in- dividuals that they would be expelltd from the union if they attended this conference. And that, if necessary, the charters of the locals would be revoked. Officials’ Bluff Called. The officials also sent to the con- ference a half a dozer so-called or- ganizers to intimate and threaten those who had the courage to come. They were invited to come in, and be good or get out. They got out. The following questions were dis- cussed and action taken upon them: 1, The Moundsville prisoners, and the best ways and means of preparing. and circularizing petitions for their release. 2. Relief for Moundsville class war prisoners and families. ) 3. Elections of district and section publicity committees for the Mounds- ville prisoners. 4, Resolution adopted calling upon the government to compel the mine owners to reopen the closed-down mines, in the same manner as they compelled the officials of the U. M. W. of A., during the strike of 1919, to force the men back to work. 5, Resolution passed calling for a special district converftion to im- peach the officials of District 5. Following is a copy of the resolu- tion calling for the impeachment of the district officials: Resolution “WHERBDAS, an investigation and itemized account of the expenditure of $3,000,000 out of the District De- fense Fund and investigation of the expenditure of $1,500,000 by Feeney and O’Leary reported to have been spent. in the coke region strike have been demanded by several local unions of District No. 5 U. M. W. of A, with- out any zesponse from the district Officials, “WHERWAS, Local Union No. 4646 U. M. W. of A. has pubiicly charged the officials of District 5 with mal- feasance of office and misappropria- tion of funds stating its readiness to submit proof to substantiate this charge, and “WHEREAS, very little effort has been made by the officials of District No. 5 to secure the release of our brothers now incarcerated at the Moundsville prison although the rank and file membership of District 5 has repeatedly demanded that such action be taken, and “WHEREAS, numerous grievances of local unions of this district as well as of individual brothers working in the mines against the unfair advan- tage taken by the coal operators and their violations of the working agree- ment, are pending without any efforts made by the officers of District No. 5 to have such grievances properly adjusted, therefore be it “RESOLVED, that this local union go on record demanding that a called special district convention of District No. 5 TW. M, W. of A. be called on or before July 1st for the purpose of taking up impeachment proceedings against the district officers for neglect of their duty to the organization, and be it further “RESOLVED that this resolution and demand for such special district con- vention be sent to all locals of Dis- trict No, 5 U. M. W, of A, in order to ‘secure the endorsement of fitty local unions as required by the con- stitution, and be it still further “RESOLVED, that copies of this re- solution be sent to secretary-treasurer of District No. 5 and to the secretary of Local 4564.” The conference went on record for a militant struggle upon a national scale against wage cuts, _————— power and be free to do so again un- checked. Are There Any Takers? I will go further and agree to pay one hundred dollars to any institution agreed upon, if anyone can disprove the fact that I, together with others, and then myself won an increase in wages at the time when a business agent fought against us together with the boss, This should be stopped and can be stopped by limiting both his powers and service, Christ Affiliates to the Money Changers DECATUR, Ill, March 24.—At the recent meeting of the Decatur Minis- terial association, the 18 members present voted to affiliate at once the association of commerce. oer once great and powerful labor at DAILY. WORKER Make Billion Dollars Profit from Railways in 1924; Wage Falling Heavy reduction since 1920 in the railroad wage bill, with no correspond- ing reduction in the total paid by the country for its transportation, rolled up the profits of about a billion dollars which 1924 handed to railroad owners. According to interstate commerce commission figures railroad wages have fallen '$875,000,000 since 1920 while railroad gross revenue fell in the same time be only $185,000,000. Railroad wages in 1924 amounted.to $2,866,905,348: compared with $3,043,- 161,163 in 1923 and $3,742,486,936 in 1920.* The réduction of over 20 per cent in 4 yeat's was made possible in part by the Severe wage reductions ordered by the rail labor board for lower paid employes and in part by heavy reduction in working force, The average railroad employe, in- eluding the high salaried officials as well as the 16w paid manual worker, received $1,624 for his year’s work. In 1923 the avéiage was $1,088, and in 1920: $1,794, © ‘COME BACK IN BUT SHUT UP,’ SAYS SIGMAN ILL.G. W. Officials Have An Espionage Act By A. SIMONS NEW YORK CITY.—After months of careful deliberation and micros- copic examination of the records and activties of the “undesirable” militant elements, the general executive board of the L L. G, W. U. issued a new edict permitting the expelled members to re-enter the union. The conditions for their re-admit- are precise, but far reaching, namely, “COME IN AND SHUT UF,” keep your mouth shut at your local meetings, keep your movths shut in your shops, and. in the market. Be- ware not to think or utter a word of heresy against. your “leaders,” even in your sleep. Don’t run for office, don’t vote and you shall be privileged to pay dues and taxes to fill the cof- fers of the treasury. Alas! rerosity! Yet there are skeptics, dare to question the thorogoing carefulness with which the G. BE. B, of the I. L. G. W, deals with important union problems. Even the gods themselves could show no greater Vigilance in guarding them- selves against the undesirable ele- ments. True enough, the officials of the internati Were not original in the persecution of revolutionists. They did but emulate the noble example of the gentlemen Palmer and Daugherty, who of course dealt more effectively with the undesirable radicals. Lack Power to Deport Deportation Was the solution of Pal- mer and Dauglterty. The officials of the international are surely not to be blamed for wsing less effective methods. Tho following in the foot- steps of the former they could but earry thru their deportation policy within the bounds of the International. Would these biireaucrats possess the same power and facilities, they would not hesitate to adopt the method of deportation from the country. Not in vain, did the officials of the international make common cause with democrats and fepublicans under the LaFollette banner. Not in vain, did they find expression for their aims and aspirations in a movement, whose soul aim it was to combat Bolshevism in this country. Great minds run in the same channels. Yet, not all is, well, with this new decision of the G. BH. B, which is in- tended to readmit the expelled to membership in the unidn on the con- ditions of “keepyyour mouth shut.” It is a well known:fact that the Inter- national officialdom undertook the ex- pulsion policy in order to save the union from the danger of Bolshevism. The question ‘then artses: If tne expulsion policy"has been successful, (as is often stated by the officials) and the international has been saved why reinstate the members, and thus subject the umfon to new dangers. True enough, according to the new il have to shut up, ational put a lock on the mouths Of the militants? Do they ever hope to accomplish what even the capitalists who possess far greater powers than Sigman, Fein- berg and company have failed? Assuming, however, that the inter- national had been saved from the left danger, the left lies prostrate at the feet of the officialdom, then why place such conditions for readmis- sion? Yes, desma at not all is well with the nal, The Left Wing a Natural Growth By readmitting the militants into the union, the international will con- clude an important chapter in the lite wing movement the very life and in the ladies international, becoming to see him the to ac saints sat Page Three ever more helpless in dealing with its trade problems. The employers, on the other hand, are becoming more power- ful and are putting forth new challen- ges to the union. The contracting sys- tem, against which the rank and file warned the officialdom, has become a dominant factor and is eating away at the very vitals of union conditions. The little sweat shops have increas- ed and multiplied like mushrooms un- der the summer's rain. The period of employment is continually on the de- crease, and is followed by long sea- son of total unemployment. Wages are being officially and un‘ officially reduced, and exploitation in the needle trades is becoming more ruthless. The fallacious policy, or lack of policy, pursued by the officials of the international, has reduced the un- ion to such a state that even Tam- many politicians, such as Governor Smith, etc., are hailed as the saviors, the new messiahs of the union. The hopes of the workers for a bet- ter livelihood are becoming paler. A radical change in the entire structure and policies of the union, has become the crying need of the hour, if the union is to be saved from the pres- ent chaotic conditions. The militant workers in the international, who re- present the most active and devoted elements insisted on the changes in order to meet the new conditions. Ex- pulsion was the shameless answer. Expulsion Made Things Worse The lefts were expelled, but the conditions of the workers have be- come even more deplorable, The en- tire machinery of the union for the past two years has been directed to force the local unions to obey the orders of Sigman and company. Local unions were mercilessly destroyed. Thousands of dollars contributed by the workers for organization work have been wasted in the struggle against the militants. The wedge between the rank and file and the dfficialdom is becoming ever more distinct, and their interests diametrically opposed. Every organ- ization campaign undertaken, was done without plan and merely as a cover for the destructive work carried on by’ the officials, The militants tho outside of the union have, neverthe- less, like true rebels, done their duty toward the workers, and were found on the picket lines and in the front ranks of every struggle. Union Forced to Retreat Weakened and demoralized as a result of the internal struggles, the unions were forced to arent = face of the organized strength of the em- ployers. Would the officials of the international have had the vision and the courage to face the results of their destructive policies, particularly on the expulsion of the most active and energetic elements who constitute the very life, blood of the organization, they would welcome back into the union the expelled members, and adopt the policies advocated by them. But, these officials will rather see the union go to destruction, than admit their mistakes. This fact is once more demonstrated by this new deci- sion of the G, E, B. The age long and undisputable truth —that ideas based on progress cannot be suppressed by the methods of Pal- mer and Sigman, was once more cor- roborated. The program advocated by the left wing answers the most vital needs of the workers in the in- dustry, and finds its response amongst the active workers in every organiza- tion, The urgent need of a radical change in the system of organization is still more greatly emphasized by the de- velopments in the industry itself. Sigman and Company Are Bankrupt The present leadérs have no defin- ite plans of meeting the difficulties and leading the union out of its pres- ent chaotic and helpless condition. Neither have they any ‘substantial criticism to offer against the plans advocated by the militants, such as, industrial instead of craft unions the shop delegate system, etc. plans which were not born in the idle minds of closet philosophers, but came as a result of years of experience, and are alredy recognized as the inevitable process of reconstruction by the labor movement of Europe, It is nothing short of absurdity to attempt to suppress the movement for union reconstruction by methods of expulsion, Still more absurd is the present order of the G, E. B, to re- admit the militants while defying them the right to express their ideas on union problems or to hold office in the union. Gag Opponent Before Argument ‘This decision is the best proof that the officials of the international can only argue with militants whose mouths are shut, and thereby take no chance to run on the ballot against the militants, This order is an open admission that the militants have the complete confidence of the rank and file, not- withstanding the attempt of the entire yellow bunch to stigmatize these act- ive workers as disrupters of the union. Is there need for stronger proof, that Sigman and his colleagues have outlived their usefulness in the in- ternational? Give your shopmate this of the DAILY WORKER—but Machine Process Calls On Workers to Own and Control it or r Starve, NEW YORK, March 24.—The chine is displacing the last group of craftsmen in the laundry business. Mechanical pressing machines now do all the ironing on shirts so that the organized shirt ironers are being displaced from their jobs. There are still some 4,000 so-called ma- can hand laundries in New York, of which | about half have agreements with the Laundry Workers’ International, the shirt-froners’ union. The washing of most of these hand laundries is done however by machines in the large steam laundries and incre: y the ironing is being done my machines Mangles have long been used tor ironing flat work but the new pres: ing machines can finish laundered shirts and garments. One big two ton arm presses down and smaller mach- ines do the finishing touches. Steam laundries, using semi-skilled and un- skilled help with machines, are rapid- ly gaining complete control of the washing of family as well as hotel, restaurant and hospital peery BRICKLAYERS AND PLASTERERS NEED AMALGAMATION Industrial Un ionism Would Unite Crafts NEW YORK, March 24.—A juris- dictional strike the operative plaster- ers and cement finishers union is call- ing on account of trouble with the bricklayers’ union has halted $22,000,- 000 worth of construction of the Thompson-Starret company, general contractors, in New York, Philadel- phia and Chicago. The dispute between the two unions started in Florida towns where the plasterers union insisted on its right to form plasterers’ locals to control plastering work that the bricklayers had been handling. Rival statements by the two unions are at odds; the plasterers claiming that the bricklay- ers were attempting to freeze their union out in Florida and the brick- layers c! ing that the plasterers union Violated an agreement. The plasterers say the strike on the Thompson-Starret jobs is intended to penalize the bricklayers union for its Florida policy. Thompson-Starret afte said to be using a plastering firm that was involved in the Florida trouble. A conference between the heads of the two unions has been ar- ranged, but not to talk amalgamation. Write us a letter—tell us how you work, what are your wages and shop conditions—and then order a bundle for distribution in GRAND given by the Czecho-Slovak Sect! Contest for a $400 Radio -| The Communist and militant RADE UNION EDUCATIONAL LEAGUE ‘FACTORY PAPERS BRING THE PARTY INTO THE SHOPS How to Write and Get Them Printed One of the most hiterdating features connected with the work of the fac | tory groups in the French Commun: ist Party, is the large number of’ fac- tory papers circulated by the groups in the factories, There are no less than 120 such papers issued by the party and 25 by the Young Commun- ist League, Better Catch Up With The Kids work- ers of America would do well to learn the ease of getting these little papers out and the possibilities of their cir- culation in the factories. The Young | Workers League has alre y issued | several of these shop ‘p: . and it jis time the Workers Party catches jup to the Y. W. L., though the latter }could do lots better. They are printed by a duplicating mimeograph machine such as used in all the district offices and in many local party offices, and are printed on | both sides of the paper. Ornamental covers or heads may be, if wished, | copied by following some pattern, by cutting out with a special stencil pen- cil, obtainable from most stationery and office supply firms. Handles Special Factory Matters. The paper itself contains a variety of things: agitational matter connect- j ed with the particular factory; ques- | tions such as piece work, improved factory conditions, the value and fune- tion of 2 shop committee, etc. Then there are short paragraphs expressing in a popular way the slo gans of the party in its everyday agi- tation, announcement of meetings, and 80 on. i | ‘There are no difficulties which the members of the Workers Party cannot overcome and nothing to prevent the revolutionary workers in any Amer- ican factory from doing the same fine work in the issuance of these factory papers as do the French workers. Such little publications do not con flict with the regular party press, in fact they help by advertising, say, the DAILY WORKER, the Workers Monthly and the Young Worker. These factory papers. bring the - workers into an intimate touch with: the party, taking it out from the realm of myths and abstract existence, and making the workers in the factory seé that the Workers (Communist) Party is really interested in their particular factory and their lives and interests, Who will lead the way in this coun- try? The Young Workers League has beaten the party, so there is only left the honor of the party unit which can beat the others. Let's go! Does your friend subscribe to the DAILY WORKER? Ask him! BAZAAR fon of the Workers Party for the benefit of “DELNIK”, at the BOHEMIAN-AMERICAN HALL, 1438 W. 18th Street MARCH 26, 27 & 28, 1925 Admission on Thursday and Friday 15¢ Good Music—Doors Open at 7:30 P. M. Saturday Night 50c Saturday Afternoon Children’s Day Besides statements by “UNITY!” an English publication of the National Minority Move- ment that is now sweeping all England, is THE LATEST PAMPHLET WE HAVE RECEIVED. —<— A. J. COOK, TOM MANN, GEORGE HICKS, EDO FIMMEN, TOMSKY and others, this pamphlet of 40 pages includes 14 PHOTOGRAPHS of the authors and the British trade union delegation in 15 CENTS EACH. Russia. We have received only a limited number—requests will be filled in order arriving in the office. THE DAILY WORKER, 1113 W. Washington Bivd., Chicago, III, For the enclosed §....... sean nneesnenneannsanennces Ne |