Workers of the World, Unite! Italian Strike Struggle Betrayed by Stalinists — See Page 2

VOL. X I.— No. 51 NEW YORK. N. Y.. MONDAY. DECEMBER 22. 1947. PRICE: FIVE CENTS “Big 4" End Hickman Is Conference In Blow-up DEMOCRATS, REPUBLICANS Saved; Free Find No Way to Bridge Moscow-Wall St. Rift The break-up of the London Conference of Foreign Minis­ on Probation ters Dec. 15 demonstrates once PASS THE BUCK ON PRICES more that the “Big Four” can­ CHICAGO, Dec. 16 — The campaign to win freedom for not bring enduring peace to a James Hickman ended in victory today, when he walked out war-weary world. After bick­ Police Violence Against Rome Strikers of Cook County Jail, free to return to his family and his job. ering for three weeks over The State had attempted to convict him of -murder in Congress Fails To Act treaties for Germany and Aus­ the first trial, which ended Nov. 15 with a “ hung jury.” Faced tria, the parley ended in bitter with mounting protests from mutual denunciations. all parts of the country, the The blow-up occurred over Molo­ State dropped the murder Against Raging Inflation tov’s insistence on $10,000,000,000 in charge this week, and recom­ reparations from Germany. Molotov mended a two years’ probation­ indicated willingness to continue Congress rushed toward its pre-Christmas ad­ ary sentence based on a manslaugh­ horse-trading. But this mo s was journment this week without adopting a program ter conviction. Under these terms designed to place responsibility foi to halt the inflation that is boosting prices 2 to 3% Hickman agreed to plead guilty 10 the conference failure on Marshall the charge of manslaughter. who called for the adjournment. a month. Its only action was to spur the rising The truth is that Washington and cost of living by passing In his speech recommending pro­ Moscow could find no bridge for, bation for Hickman, Assistant Truman’s inflationary their differences. Wall Street aimed Blood-Thirst Whetted State’s Attorney Samuel Friedman at winning major concessions from “Stop-gap foreign aid” testified to the powerful public sen­ By Yaft-Hartley Law the Kremlin to permit economic p ro g ra m . timent that had been aroused in Yfie Taft-Harilcy Law isn’t penetration of Eastern Europe anc. the case when he held up a sheaf Republican and Democratic eventually the Soviet Union it elf. savage enougn for some capital­ of letters, resolutions and telegrams agents of Big Business were This would have undermined the ists. Having tasted labor’s blood urging freedom for Hickman, that base upon which the Stalinist bu­ in complete accord on this they thirst for more. had' been received from all parts reaucracy rests, paving the way fo: phase of the Truman Doctrine. On Dec. 16, for instance, Mc- They had little trouble in coming of the U. S. its destruction either at the hands Graw-H.ll, one of the biggest in­ These, he said, were only a small of the outraged Soviet masses or to agreement on bolstering anti­ labor reaction in Europe. dustrial publishing outfits in the part of the flood of communica­ tinder the grip of Wall Street. country, ran another of its full- On Dec. 15, the Senate and House tions that had poured in to his The Kremlin on the other hand page anti-labor advertisements. office from lahor unions and other pushed, through their joint bill to tried to blackmail a pact out of the Its theme was the "failure” of organizations, as well as from prom­ imperialists by threatening to touch Driving, over the curb, these Rome cops charged their Amcr.-can-rnadc jeep at hundreds o. strikers pour another 597 million dollars in money and military supplies down the Taft-Hartley Law to go far inent individuals of the stage, JAMES HICKMAN off revolutionary mass struggle, in as the Italian government mobilized to break the genera! strike. After two days the Stalinist union heads screen, radio and clergy. Europe. Moscow expected favorable called off the strike, claiming a "victory.” Sec story on page Federated Pictures the drain-pipe of bankrupt capi­ enough. talist regimes and monarchist dic­ McGraw-Hill insists that Con­ CRITICISM EXPECTED consideration in return for its Committee Hails counter-revolutionary services in de­ tatorships in Europe. gress now go ahead and “finish Friedman predicted criticism of railing such struggles. On the same day, after a debate the job of eliminating” what it the state’s recommendation to free To convince Wall Street of the limited to 20 minutes for each side, calls the labor ‘monopoly” (m il­ Hickman from ‘‘some quarters”’ — Hickman Victory reality of its threats, the Kremlin E c o n o m ic Crisis Forces the House disposed of the only so- itant trade unions) and' “indust­ an obvious reference to the real gave the signal for demonstrations called “ anti-inflation” bill to reach ry-wide bargaining.” estate interests and the reactionary CHICAGO, Dec. 16 — The in Italy and France while the con­ the floor. House Democrats, under press. In motivating the recom­ following statement was issued ference was in session. But Wall a two-thirds majority rule, blocked mendation, he recalled the fact today by the Hickman Defense Street’s representatives are well M o s c o w to Devalue Ruble passage of a Republican measure exempt the corporations from tne that the first trial had resulted in anti-trust laws. When the Republi­ Committee on the release of aware of the Kremlin’s inability to that contained half of Truman’s a mistrial, and predicted that an­ B y John G. Wright cans includtd this in their bill, Tru­ James Hickman: follow through with any anti-capit­ 10-point “ anti-inflation” program. other trial on the murder charge alist mass movement and its pro­ By a decree announced over the Moscow radio Dec. 14, the Kremlin devaluated the ruble, man denounced it. Then it was would probably end the same way. On Dec. 16 James Hickman PASSING THE BUCK pointed out that Truman’s plan, walked out of the Cook County Jail found fear of an unrestrained work­ ended rationing of food and consumers goods, and lowered the price of certain basic items Judge Rudolph Desort accepted ing class upsurge, “on an average” from 10% to 12 Democrats and ReoUblicans are as presented by Secjwtery of ©ova~ a free, man—free to return to his playing a buck-passing game. They merce Harriman, contained almc£‘ the recommendation and sentenced Marshall therefore decided to sit family and pick up the pieces of a The net effect of these measures was to cut the national debt to about one-third its will try to pin the blame on each the same proposition as Taft’s Hickman to two years’ probation. A shattered life. The successful fight tight and let Stalin stage his show former size, reduce the currency in circulation to one-tenth its former volume, and toss a mea­ other for Congressional failure to Truman hastened to ''explain” ' he few hours later Hickman was set to save Hickman’s life and liberty in Western Europe. Then he waited ger sop to the industrial work­ do anything about prices. was for the Harriman proposal. free and welcomed amidst much constitutes a great victory for the to see whether the Kremlin would Kremlin’s suicidal foreign policy, tne ers in the form of a price roll­ slight improvement in their abys­ jubilation by his family, friends and labor and progressive organizations run up the white flag. continued isolation from the world mally low standard of living. The Democrats, in particular, will So far as labor is concerned, the members of the Hickman Defense and liberal people who rallied to Thus the conference served sim­ back on bread, flour, cereals, market imposed by Wall Street and Increased labor productivity now claim that if only Truman’s full issue boils down to this: Price rises Committee. He expressed his deep the defense of this unfortunate vic­ ply to test the firmness of the op­ macaroni and beer. its satellites. means more consumer goods, a spur program had been adopted, infla­ in the next four to five months will discount in advance such limited appreciation to the Committee and tim of social injustice. It consti­ posing positions. When neither side The mechanism was simple. The curiency reform by itself in turn to agricultural production. tion would have been halted in its wage raises as the unions might all of its supporters, whose splendid tutes a victory for the millions of showed any sign of yielding major Everyone was required to turn in cannot possibly solve the problems But it must be emphasized that tracks. This is hog-wash. fight was responsible for his free­ victims of the housing shortage and concessions, it collapsed. his rubles. For 10 old ones he got arising from thc^e factors. The the basic inequalities still remain Truman's vague program for hope to g it by next spring and dom. racial ghettos for whom Hickman The people of Europe are the one new one. Holders cf bank ac­ most critical stages of the crisis in the Soviet Union. The monstrous “some” price controls tied :o a wage summer without a major wage Hickman had spent five months has become a symbol. main victims of this shameful dip­ counts got a better rate, as did therefore still lie ahead. privileges of the bureaucracy have freeze would end up as Roosevelt’s struggle. This dictates the need The devaluation of the ruble hits (Continued on Page 2) war-time policy did — just a wage in the county jail, without bail, on This triumph can be attributed lomacy. Now, more than ever, this holders of government bonds. for labor to launch a wage drive the charge of murdering his land­ to the whole-hearted response of unhappy continent will become the The decree was intended to sal­ all sections of the population to one j freeze. The OPA — contrary to degree or another. “All” must sac­ on a nation-wide basis now. Serious lord, David Coleman, whom he held hundreds of thousands to the ap­ arena for the. maneuvers of the big vage the disintegrating fiscal struc­ I administration propaganda — be- rifice. (‘‘It will be the last sacrifice," responsible for the death of his four peal of the Hickman Defense Com­ powers. As the Kremlin tries to ture of the USSR and at the same j came a joke. Real price rises were preparations for a militant strug­ promise Stalin and Zhdanov, the mittee. The mest powerful support strengthen the buffer zone it holds time, to appease the ominously in­ concealed under fictional price ceil­ gle must begin at once. By youngest children in a disastrous signers of the decree). attic fire last January. Hickman came from the ranks of labor, but in Eastern Europe, Wall Street plans creasing discontent of the masses. ings. spring the workers jnay not be One support flowed in from many other It is a gesture at carrying out the In its immediate effect, however, ; Both Truman and Taft propose had never denied killing Coleman, to proceed to consolidate the west­ penny ahead of today ill real wages, but the defense movement came to sources: from the Negro people, ern zones of Germany, set up a pup­ long-standing premise of ample it hits hardest the well-to-do lay­ only to nibble at a few of the symp- even if they get boosts of 10 or 15%. his aid because the real cause of veterans, the churches, the store­ pet German government, and mo­ food and consumers goods to the ers of the agricultural population, | terns of the inflation. Neither at- the killing was the intolerable hous­ keepers and the professions. bilize all Western Europe under the population after the long years of the millionaire farmers, the new j tacks the fundamental cause of the The wage program should pro­ cruel privation. ing conditions under which he had They assisted in every way that Marshall Pian in preparation for the merchants, traders and speculators inflationary disease, vide protection of real wages r.gainst suffered and the criminal actions they could: through mass meetings, projected attack on the Soviet However, the most decisive pres­ in the cities. At a single stroke the j The gargantuan war debt and currency hoarders have been future price rises. There is only of the landlord. (Continued on Page 3) Union. sure by far was the difficulty of j swollen military budget are fueling carrying on planned economy with stripped of nine-tenths of their cap­ , the inflationary fire. The profiteer­ one such immediate and effective CLEAR CUT VICTORY a dislocated fiscal structure. Things ital, while the holders of govern­ ing monopolists are fanning the defense — the adjustable cost-of- The Hickman Defense Committee had reached such a point that the ment bonds lose two-thirds of their j flames by price-gouging. This year living bonus or escalator wage holdings. hailed Hickman's freedom as a clear Detroit Unions Backed Hickman bureaucracy was finding it impossi­ , the corporations are raking in four clause. This means a clause in cut victory, attributing the outcome ble to maintain any longer even the The poorest sections of the popu­ j times as much profits as in 1939. DETROIT, Dec. 17—As the good news arrived here that James lation, above all the workers, stand every union contract, in addition of its campaign to the widespread Hickman had won his freedom in Chicago, the Detroit chapter pretext of fulfilling the fourth 5- Revealing, but little publicized, to gain—provided that the regime to the basic wage, ensuring an auto­ support received from labor and of the Hickman Defense Committee was meeting with an excellent Year Plan. It was impossible to ; features of both the Truman and liberal organizations, as well as to stabilise the economy without a is able to maintain the flow of food j Taft programs are proposals to matic wage increases for every rise response in its campaign to rally moral and financial aid for him stuffs and consumer goods into the the excellent legal defense pro­ stable monetary unit. If the bu­ ! permit monopoly price-fixing and in prices. from the powerful labor movement in this city. market. STALIN vided by attorneys M. J. Myer, Leon Already the Greater Detroit and Wayne County Industrial reaucracy hoped to salvage the plan, Despres and William Temple. this reform was imperative. This is the first time in years Union Council of the CIO had soiidarized itself with the victimized that the Kremlin has made even a The committee announced it steel worker, and had circularized all its affiliated unions for finan­ It is true that food conditions have eased as compared with last gesture toward shifting away from would instruct its branches and rep­ cial support to the Hickman Defense Committee. the privileged layers of farmers and Lewis Silent About His Program resentatives throughout the coun­ The first responses from the local unions in this area were very year, and the Kremlin has even si­ phoned off a “surplus.” but this city petty bourgeoisie, which consti­ try to cease the collection of funds. encouraging. Among the unions that have voted to send financial tute its main social and political I t announced further that the bal­ contributions were Briggs Local 212, Ford Highland Park Local 400, only emphasizes the depth of the economic crisis facing the regime. prop, and granting even an appar­ As Miners Withdraw from AFL ance which remained in the de­ Cadillac Local 22, Chrysler Local 7 and Plymouth Local 51—all of 5-YEAR PLAN ent concession to the industrial Roosevelt and the Third Term. Two fense fund, after all bills had been the UAW. John L. Lewis on Dec. 12 satisfaction with the way the AFL The fact is that the latest 5-Year workers. years later, the UMW left , the CIO. paid, would be presented to the Hickman’s freedom is undoubtedly due in great part to the announced the withdrawal of leaders propose to “ fight” the Taft Plan is running up against insuper­ KREMLIN’S AIMS In Jan. 1946. the UMW reaffiliated Hickman family. fact that so many important unions in this and other important the United Mine Workers from Act. But he has offered, as yet, no able difficulties — the dislocations One of the objectives the Kremlin with the AFL. program of his own. Not even his industrial centers wrote or wired to the State Attorney in Chicago, the American Federation of The committee also plans a victory supporting the demand that the charge of murder against him incident to grotesque bureaucratic had in mind in making this gesture Once again Lewis finds himself own members know how he pro­ celebration to be held early in Jan­ be dropped. privileges, the devastation of the was undoubtedly to increase the Labor. Two months before he at violent odds with the AFL lead­ poses to fight against the Slave uary. war brought on the country by the productivity of the workers by a had bitterly denounced the ership over principle and method. Labor Law and its sponsors. AFL top leaders at the San He has called for bold and aggres­ It is u, fine thing ta call for sive resistance to the Taft-Hartley Francisco convention for urg­ m ilitant and uncompromising re­ Slave Labor Law in opposition to sistance to the Taft-Hartley Act. ing submission to the Taft-Hartley the cringing attitude of AFL lead­ Act by signing "yellow dog” oaths. But that is not enough. Kow to re­ PAULEY CASE LIFTS LID ON GOVT. FOOD SPECULATORS ers like Green, Tobin and Mcany. sist is the vital question. Lewis has General Hannegan are involved. instructed Attorney General T o m had tried to get. him to perjure had held on to his holdings a liCtie The manner of Lewis' announce­ The craft-minded moguls of the By George Lavan ment showed his contempt for those not even advocated the elementary Secretary of Agriculture Ander­ Clark to investigate commodity his testimony. The hearings ended longer lie would have made another AFL have made it clear they intend program of joint AFL-CIO action. Another scandal involving son, who at first refused to turn profiteers. The Department of Jus­ with the withdrawal of Pauley’s hundred theusand dollars. He also he had described in his convention to undercut Lewis’ base, particularly speech as “intellectually fat and His political views are buried in a high government officials has over a list of 600 leading speculat­ tice, always zealous against unions nomination and Ickes’ resignation. explained that he had entered the UMW’s District 50 whose organiza­ fog. But it didn’t take Truman's pal commodity market “ to protect my­ stately asses.” He sent a five-word tional field has expanded far be­ broken. Edwin W. Pauley, ors, now says he will divulge the and left-wing organizations, has not This has led to much specula­ long to get his fingers into gov­ self and my family” from inflation. note to AFL President William yond the mines. list only if Congress passes a joint to this day taken any action against tion. W ill he spurn a reactionary Truman’s close personal friend ernment affairs. Last September “ I dealt in everything I could make Green. It was scrawled with green It is especially important to note resolution demanding'it. those pushing food prices sky-high. Truman for a reactionary Dewey? and special assistant to the Pauley was appointed Special As­ a profit in, in the good o!d Amer­ crayon cn scratch-paper. It read: that the UMW’s decision for dis­ Although the spotlight has so far Pauley, an old favorite of Tru­ W ill he waste his great moral capi­ sistant to the Secretary of the ican way,” said this model of a “Green AFL. We disaffiliate. affiliation followed the setting up Army Secretary, has been ex­ been focused on the Democrats, the man’s, is no stranger to scandals tal as the most m ilitant of the top Army. This appointment didn't patriotic business man. Lewis.” of the AFL Labor’s Educational and posed as a food speculator and Republicans also fear a thorough­ and investigations. He gained no­ union leaders in petty maneuvers have to go through the Senate and It is charged that the pattern This is the second time the UMW Political League, from whose found­ profiteer. Truman, Agricultural Sec­ going investigation. Republican Sen­ toriety as a political fixer for the and cheap bargaining between Re­ he quietiy assumed his post. of commodity buying ar.d selling by and AFL have parted company ing sessions the UMW representa­ retary Anderson and Attorney Gen­ ator Styles Bridges, head of the oil interests. Raising huge si/ms of publican Tweedeldums and Demo­ money for campaign contributions Before the Senate Committee he high government officials has cor­ within 11 years. In 1936 the UMW tives were conspicuously absent. eral Clark have been denouncing Senate investigating committee, has cratic Tweedledees? refused to include members of the gave him great influence over poli­ guessed that in 1947 his specula­ responded to the release of gov­ and nine other industrial - type Most of the AFL leaders, it ap­ speculation in commodities as a The way out of labor’s political major cause of zooming food prices Republican - dominated Congress ticians. He served as Treasurer of tions in the commodity market was ernment orders which sent the mar­ unions were suspended when they peal's at this time, are scheming among those to be investigated by the Democratic National Commit­ “something less than a million dol­ ket zooming. Speculating with ad­ refused to disband the Committee to use the LEPL as a vote-catching blind alley — the road to victory and as “profiteering in human mis­ against the Taft Act — is inde­ ery.” his committee. tee. lars." He seemed surprised that vance knowledge of government or­ for Industrial Organization, for­ machine for Truman in 1948. For anyone could object to this “ profit­ ders would have brought fortunes mally established as the Congress Lewis to go along with them would pendent political action. through a If the investigation is not stymied George W. Elterdorfer, a director In 1946 Truman nominated him eering in human misery” which lie in return. of Industrial Organizations in 1938. mean to back tlie President who labor party and labor’s own candi- by powerful forces, other high gov- of the Chicago Board of Trade, as­ Under Secretary of Navy. The Sen­ ate hearings on his nomination regarded as normal business. The American people want to Lewis was founding president. attempted to smash the 1946 mine enunent officials and Democratic serted there would be no big in ­ dates. W ill Lewis break with his Pauley defended his speculation know which government officials He led the CIO in its epochal strike and initiated the infamous big-wigs are threatened with ex­ vestigation because ‘‘there are too raised a national oil scandal. Charg­ narrow and conservative political many high government officials who es of attempted bribery and perjury by saying, ‘ I believe in the capi­ have been cleaning up and also who rise until 1940. Then he stepped injunction that led to a two m il­ past? That is what every far-seeing posure. I t is already hinted that have been dabbling in the grain filled the air. Secretary lekes, whose talist system” and “ I am not so­ the top grain speculators are. No down from the CIO presidency after lion dollar fine against the UMW. former Secretary of the Treasury market.” 1 . hands were pretty oily also, reveal­ cialistic in my views.” matter which Wall Slreet Party the defeat of Republican Willkie, HOW TO FIGHT union militant in the country is Morgenthau and former Postmaster Last October 16 Truman publicly ed that the Truman administration His only regret was that if he they are in. whom Lewis supported against Lewis has shown his utter dis­ asking today. PACE TWO THE MILITANT MONDAY, DECEMBER 22, 1947

Hits Discrimination Wallace Still Angling for 140,000 Sign Petition For California I. P. P. Deal W ith the Democrats B y A1 L y n n Henry Wallace still refuses to commit himself to a break a political war against Truman, but But what is far more important. LOS ANGELES, Dec. 11—Over 140,000 signatures have rather of one who is still hoping for Ihc PCA endorsement remains with­ wi.th the Democratic Partv in the 1948 presidential election. been obtained to date in the petition drive to place the Inde­ a deal. in the general framework of the Despite the growth of talk about an independent Wallace pendent Progressive Party on the ballot in California, accord­ PCA MOVE Wallace strategy to exert maximum pressure for a deal with Truman. It ing to statistics released by the organizing committee last ticket, he is still following the policy of putting pressure on Following Wallace's tour the ex­ week. Requirements for plao-' the Democrats in the hope of arriving at a deal with them. ecutive committee of the. Progressive has the DemocraCc bosses worried, it permits him to continue to talk fornia. This is another indication This was plainly demonstrated during Wallace’s recent Citizens of America issued a state­ ing a new party on the ballot out of both sides of his mouth—and that a political organization domi­ ment backing Wallace as an inde­ in th is state are, 275,000 signa­ tour of up-state New York.' at the same time it commits him to nated by the labor movement has pendent candidate for president. tures, or 27,000 registered voters. “ My attitude today is the same nothing. great attractive power for other This action, it is reported, will he The IPP • Committee is aiming at groups in the population. The as it has been right along. If presented for ratification to the A third party and a Wallace presi­ a goal of 500,000 signatures since Townsendites couldn't have declar­ it is apparent that the Demo­ PCA convention next month and dential slate cannot be excluded, many are likely to be invalid due ed support on the basis of a “lib­ cratic Party is a war party, I will be followed bv a national nomi­ however, especially if the deal Wal­ to moving, failure to register, etc. nating convention of the PCA and lace is after depends on any im­ eral” movement, since such a move­ will do all I can to see that Left wing forces in the move­ ment is obviously not present in other groups to launch a third par­ portant. change in the administra­ ment had proposed that the cam­ there is a third party." he de­ tion's policy of "cold war” with Rus­ the IPP. On the other hand, labor ty and a Wallace campaign, if Wal­ paign be based around registration sia. But what kind of party would has always shown its sympathy and clared in Syracuse. lace accepts. with a perspective of a clean break Evidently it. is not yet apparent This move by the PCA is being it be? support for the needs of the aged. with the old boss-controlled parties. The California Socialist Workers to Wallace that the Democratic widely interpreted as a sure sign LITTLE LABOR SUPPORT However,' they w’ere outvoted by a Party is a war party. True, much tenanting Slogans and bearing signs, more than 1.00« University Party has consistently been support­ that Wallace will head a third par­ majority influenced by the Stalinist of his popular support today is the In the first place. Wallace has of Chicago students took a “recess” from classes and held a campus ing the fight of the progressive sec­ ty next year. But such an interpre­ policy of keeping one foot in the result of his criticisms of the bi­ been deserted by the top labor of­ rally to protest against racial discrimination in the college hospital tion of the unionists in this move­ tation overlooks or simplifies several camp of tiie Democratic Party. partisan foreign policy in Washing­ ficials who were his loudest sup­ and medical school. Federated Pictures ment, and calls upon all readers of important factors. It must be borm This left wing grouping consists ton. True, he points out that the in mind that Wallace is not bound porters during Roosevelt's adminis­ The M ilitant to work to build it in the main of CIO unionists who Truman administration’s policy is by PCA decisions, which are dictated tration. Not because they have airy to give in 1948, as I did in 194C, all any sense. On the contrary, Wal­ by gathering petitions and register­ want to build the IPP into a strong leading toward war. But he still by the Stalinists and those liberals important differences with him on possible aid to all possible progres­ lace not only admits but boasts that ing Independent Progressive Party. refuses to flatly brand the Demo­ willing to collaborate with them. domestic policy, but because they sive Democratic candidates for Con­ he is a devout supporter of capital­ independent Labor Party. Well rep­ cratic Party as the war party that Both the Stalinists and their fel­ are enthusiastic supporters of the gress.” ism. The program he offers is a resented in every phase of the'IPP continuation of the New Deal—the it is. low travellers, subservient to the Truman - Marshall get-tough-wittt- In other words. Wallace does not movement, this element has declar­ The “strongest” statement he Kremlin, want a Wallace ticket very Russia policy, which hè criticizes. intend to make a clean break with same program that could not do ed itself vitally concerned with The Wallace movement therefore is the Democrats under any circum­ away with unemployment in the building and strengthening the new Youngstown SWP would commit himself to on this »VALLACF. badly, no matter how much or how- question was the following; “As little support it wins. But Wallace run today by a combination of Stal­ stances. While building his own Thirties and that led the U. S. party and is therefore active in the straight to World War II. yet I am not satisfied that the Wallace was asked by reporters himself is more reluctant to em­ inists. fellow traveler’s and liberals party, he would also continue to petition work. Honors 'M ilitant' The PCA promises that a Wallace Democratic national administration I if he would be available to head a bark on such a venture, unless he is without a base, and lacks the neces­ build and strengthen the Democratic ticket would give the voters a real THE BACKBONE is working for peace and not for third ticket. His answer was: assured that it has the possibility sary labor support to give it the Party. This would leave the door alternative in 1948: actually, it The existence of this tendency, war.” This can be interpreted • in j “ Frankly, I ’d like to see what Presi- cf making à real splash and retain­ character of a Labor Party move­ open, after the 1948 elections, for At Celebration would offer only a choice between and the role of unionists in spon­ only one way: Wallace still leaves I dent Truman has to say when he ing Iris reputation as an "important" ment. Wallace to return to the Democratic soring the party, reveal that labor i YOUNGSTOWN, O., Dec. open the possibility that he and the sends his annual message to Con- politicians. Thus an important aim Furthermore, even if there is a fold by a merger of the two .'orties. various programs to uphold the cap­ italist system responsible for most is the backbone of the IPP. Al­ 13—The Youngstown Branch Qemocratic Party can come to terms j gress.” Those again arc not the cf the PCA move may have been to third party presidential slate, Wal­ The program of the proposed par­ for. 1948. words of a man ready to carry on put pressure on Wallace. lace stated in Syracuse. “I do hope ty would not be anti-capitalist in of the evils of modern society. though the Stalinist - influenced ] of the Socialist Workers Party leadership has been seeking des- ] tonght sent fraternal greetings to perately for liberal politicians, none The M ilitant from its banquet cele­ have appeared on the scene. In brating the 19th anniversary of the addition, much of the practical founding of the paper. work of organization is based- on More than 50 comrades and Stalinists Betray Heroic Italian Workers Struggle the unions. friends gathered to honor The M ili­ Sentiment at the recent California desire to end capitalism with its The Stalinists climaxed their The Stalinists began the strike struggles from assuming a coordi­ from leadership in time? The an­ tant. “We salute The M ilitant,’' By Joseph Hansen State CIO Convention revealed a misery, fascism and war. The pov­ “scare Wall Street” campaign with without preparations for defense. nated nation-wide character. Where swer to that question will not be said the telegram, “and will work great majority in favor of support­ The nation-wide demonstra­ erty-stricken , agricultural workers a call for a general strike in Rome. The police isolated groups of the workers moved farther and long in coming. for the continued spread of its mes­ faster than the Stalinists had ex­ ing this party, but an unnecessary sage to the workers.” tions in Italy that were touch­ have An their own initiative moved They confined strike demands to strikers, clubbed them and arrested The swift growth of the Italian pected. they hastily headed off the compromise resolution lost a won­ A fine dinner was served. A pro­ ed off by the Stalinists in hope in on the big estates and attempted three items: ( l l punishment of po­ hundreds. After the second day, Communist Party after the war was the Stalinists abruptly called off struggle and surrendered the posi­ derful opportunity for gaining of­ gram followed during which many of frightening W all Street into to drive away the landlords. The lice guilty of shooting a worker in not a measure of the attractiveness industrial workers similarly have a previous demonstration; (21 an the strike, claiming a “victory.” tions which the workers had won. ficial endorsement and consequent­ readers of The M ilitant expressed granting major concessions to of Stalinism, but of the will of the ly a greater mass base. occupied the factories, seized stra­ appropriation of 10,000,000,000 lire The Stalinists thus demonstrated CP BRINGS DEFEAT Italian workers to build a party their appreciation for ,a paper that the Kremlin at the London Confer­ A significant grouping which has tegic centers, battled with police ($17.000,000) for public works; (3) how much they fear a mass upsurge on the Bolshevik model. As events tells the truth. The evening wound ence, ended up by demonstrating In Italy as1 in France in recent just declared in favor of supporting and army, taken over city adminis­ a bonus before Christmas for the of the workers and how they try disclose how little the Italian Com­ up with singing and a skit. how much, the Stalinists fear revo­ weeks the Stalinists brought the trations—have done everything to 80,000 unemployed in Rome. to divert the struggle to serve their munist Party corresponds to that this party is the Townsend Old Guests were present from Can­ lutionary struggle and how far from own bureaucratic interests. They workers only demoralizing failures Age Pension organization, represent­ push the Stalinist bureaucrats at The de Gasperi cabinet coolly and stinging defeats. This treach­ model, Stalinism will suffer a ca­ ton, Akron, New Castle and Cleve­ their minds is any thought of lead­ the head of the labor movement agreed to "investigate” the shoot­ limited the number of workers on tastrophic decline in influence. ed by numerous clubs all over Cali- land. ing the masses in a decisive battle strike, not even calling out the erous leadership could not pave the onto the road to socialism. ing, appropriate a few more billion way for the resurgence of fascism Under the same acid test the for government power. paper lire for public works and see unions in such key industries as the The Italian Stalinists boast a BY DEFAULT railways. They did their best to any better if it were on the direct ideas of Trotskyism can gain in if “something” could be done about payroll of Italian capitalism. popularity at phenomenal speed. membership of more than 2,000,000. The Italian capitalists hold power a bonus for the unemployed. Mean­ keep strike demands within tire Will the Italian workers succeed This is the great hope for a coming They exercise decisive control over only by default. Their despised while it ordered the police into ac­ narrowest possible economic frame­ in ousting the Stalinist betrayers victory of the woi'.ing class in Italy. ACEWR Statement the trade unions. About 60U of government, put in office by the tion against the strikers. work. They prevented the strike the working class is under their di­ Allied conquerors, lias no more than rect influence. More than 3,000 280,000 armed forces, including po­ municipal governments out of 7,- lice, and sections of these forces On Clark's Blacklist 000 are in Stahnist hands. In addi­ at great risk have indicated their NEW YORK, Dec. 15—The following statement was is­ tion, the Stalinists have at their sympathy with the masses. The disposal between 280.000 and 400.000 (forces of fascism, while gathering Moscow's Latest "Trials" in Eastern Europe sued today by Rose Karsner, chairman of the American Com­ partisans. i1 They organized judicial farces the infamotis products of the Hitler­ strength, are still half underground, By K. Manfred ers by police terror, by a revolting mittee for European Workers Relief: Most important of all, the masses unprepared for a showdown battle. | against the principal leaders of the ite press! caricature of justice, the Stalinists “The inclusion of the Ameri­ have repeated’y demonstrated their big capitalist parties in Bulgaria We have not forgotten that Ta­ Yet the Stalinists refused to top­ As the Soviet Army freed furnish the best grist for the hypo­ no political activities of any kind. I (Petkov) and in Rumania (Maniu). taresco is one of the most corrupt can Committee for European ple this hated capitalist regime and Its functions are solely and strictly the countries of Eastern Eur­ Petkov, head of the Bulgarian op­ politicians in Europe and above all critical propaganda of the Anglo- Workers Relief in the list of set up a Workers and Farmers Gov­ ope from the Nazi occupation, position, was hanged (despite'the a sworn enemy of the working class. American imperialists and their re­ 'subversive' organizations submitted confined to sending food, clothing, ernment. They wanted just enough Rattle U. S. Arms genuine revolutionary movements violent protests of the Anglo-Ameri- We have not forgotten that Pfeif­ formist lackeys. by Attorney-General Clark to the medicine and similar means o f re­ action to demonstrate that they arose spontaneously everywhere. Civil Service Commission could lief to working class victims of war, 1 can powers). fer stands for nothing but the tra­ Objectively their counter-revolu­ held the power to set off a socialist But they were liquidated under or­ At present, Maniu, head of the dition of the white guards of Horthy have been based only upon a com­ fascism and hunger in Europe. The revolution in Italy. Over Heads of ders from the Kremlin or shunted | Rumanian Peasant Party, must face and of Imredy, representatives of tionary policy can only serve imperi­ plete misunderstanding or misrep­ Committee’s publicity deals only The Italian masses, feeling the into collaboration with the bour­ his judges. Will his fate be the the big land owners. alism! Not the Stalinist secret po­ resentation of the Committee’s char­ with the urgent need for such aid loosening of the brakes, quickly geoisie, since the Stalinist bureauc- same as Petkov’s? Without overthrowing the capital­ lice, but only the working class acter and work. and with appeals for support in its Italian Workers surged forward. In Milan, where tacy is opposed to all revolution in ists, without liquidating their politi­ struggle in all countries can prevent “The facts concerning the ACEWR relief work. they were provoked by de Gasperi’s CLASSIC PROCEDURE On Dec. 13. the day before U. S. view of the danger to its dictator­ cal parties, the masses of Eastern an imperialist attack against the are these. Our Committee is not "Regardless of the Attorney Gen­ troops left Italy, Truman implied removal of the mayor, they took ship and its privileges. Whatever the sentence, we see in Europe cannot better their lot. But USSR! affiliated with any political organi­ over tiie city for a day. Workers eral's list, the ACEWR is determined the readiness of his regime to in­ If the Stalinists had not crushed these trials all the classic machina- these tasks belong to the masses (Translated from I he Xor. 15 zation and does not impose any to carry on work of providing food; and partisans occupied the strategic tervene in any civil conflict that tiie revolutionary movement in I tions of the GPU—spontaneous con­ themselves! issue ol LA LUTTK OVVHIEItE political requirements upon either clothing and other relief for as might develop there. centers Nov. 28, demonstrating their Eastern (and Central) Europe in fessions, falsified documents, wit- In liquidating the bourgeois lead­ Belgian Trotskyist neicsyaper). its members or supporters, or the readiness for a showdown struggle. many needy European workers as “If. in the ■course of events it 1944-45, the masses would have | nesses for the prosecution who oblig­ recipients of its aid. It engages in possible.” becomes apparent that the freedom OBLIGING TREACHERY quickly toppled the capitalist par­ ingly make sensational revelations, and independence of Italy . . . are ties which had plunged their coun­ : etc., etc. . . . Juridically, none of it San Francisco to Hold Newark Invites Readers When de Gasperi ordered the holds water. Of that there can be being threatened, directly or indi­ tries into the abyss of war. New Year’s Celebration For New Year’s Eve armed forces in Milan into action, However, the Stalinists preferred no doubt. rectly,” he said, "the United States they refused to budge. Instead of M ilitant readers are invited to to keep these parties alive and to Not wishing to be hanged like his San Francisco SWP branch ex­ . . . will be oblige) to consider shooting at the workers, they indi­ celebrate New Year’s Eve at the collaborate with them in coalition Bulgarian colleague, Mikolajczyk, tends an invitation to celc/.rate what mer.sures wouid be appropriate cated their solidarity. Without tiie governments. This concession did head of the Polish Peasant. Party, New Year’s Eve, beginning at 8 Newark branch of the SWP. Fes­ fjor the maintenance of peace and least bloodshed, the workers had tivities will begin at 9 p.m., Wed­ security.” . not change their anti-Soviet atti­ fled to England. His collaborators p.m.. at 1739 Fillmore Street, on “Renew My Sub,” satisfaction of a worth-while won the Chicago of Italy. Wednesday. Dec. 31. Buffet Supper nesday, Dec. 31, at 423 Springfield achievement is the "only” reward • Wiiat type of “ measures” would tude in the least. To them the 1 were arrested at the Czechoslovaki­ Had this dazzling victory been served at midnight. Ave. Food, entertainment, dancing. Writes Former Reader for M ilitant sub-getters, but what be taken can be gathered from the USSR still*remained the non-capi­ an border. extended, a Workers and Farmers a solid and lasting reward it is! demonstration staged on Dec. 11, talist country, heir of the October Tataresco. Minister of Foreign "I am writing to see if you are Government could have been es­ Revolution. The bourgeois politi­ Affairs in Rumania and liberal still sending out The M ilitant,” says * * the day Rome workers began a tablished in Italy in short order. cians continued to be uncompro­ leader, already suspended for sev­ E. S. of Baltimore. “I f so please let general strike. American warships But the Stalinists, instead of con­ Gladys and Frank of Bedfot-d- mising .partisans of Anglo-American eral months, is headed for complete me knflw at once as I want my sub “maneuvering in Italien waters solidating their hold and moving Stuyvesant branch, Brooklyn, came launched 200 carrier-based planes imperialism. stripping of his governmental func­ Soviet Crisis Forces renewed. Will send the money just in beaming with three subs from forward from this base, dropped As the bourgeois opposition be­ tions as a result of “ revelations“ in in a mock attack against northern Milan like a red-hot iron. They as soon as I hear from you, as I knocking on four doors. (No one was Italy,” according to INS. came stronger and stronger, the the Maniu trial. am very anxious to get the paper. home at one place.) One hospitable obligingly turned the government Stalinists grasped how dangerous In Hungary. Pfeiffer, leader of “The U. S. carrier Midway and back over to de Gasperi and this Devaluation of Ruble Hope to hear from you at once.” woman greeted them: “'I ’ve been so these agencies of imperialism were an extreme-right party, inspired We don’t know where E. S. has two destroyers which arrived at political hatchetman of the capital­ (Continued from Page 1) classes that exist in the Soviet anxious to get this paper again. Genoa from Naples,” continued tiie inside the strategic and economic o.v the example of Mikolajczyk, pre­ been for 20 months since his sub When I first subscribed I was very ist class at on.’c moved three divi­ ferred to flee to Vienna before be­ Union. dispatch, “carried out maneuvers ramparts of the USSR. They had to not been eliminated. Capitalist expired, but we welcome him back ill and just gave the girl 50 cents sions of more “dependable” armed be destroyed. From the viewpoint of Marxist that included large-scale aerial re­ ing arrested . . . world economy continues to dislo­ as a reader. to get rid of her. The papers piled forces into the city. Based on a completely icounler- In Czechoslovakia, advance post analysis, the decree is fresh evidence connaissance of all reads from the cate the beginnings of planned econ­ 3 $ !> up unread. When I got out of bed Next the Stalinists staged a pa­ of the USSR's ramparts, the influ­ of the correctness of Trotsky's view coast toward Milan.” revolutionary bureaucracy, Stalinism omy in the Soviet Union. Within You, too, run the risk of falling again I was about to throw them out rade in Rome of 30.000 partisans. could not combat them with a ence cf western imperialism remains that the Kremlin bureaucracy is not the USSR the laws of the market cut of touch with the paper you when a cartoon caught my eye— These bristling war maneuvers For a day the capitalist correspond­ working class movement—they pre­ stronger than in the other countries a new ruling class but an oligarchy continue to operate. just can’t get along without, if you that cop in Freeport, L. I., shooting oyer Italian soil “were so impres­ ents wondered if the Stalinists had vented that in 1944—but only by listed as "friends of the Soviet governing in a degenerated workers The workers at their low wages fail to renew promptly when your sive” that ‘ the Genoese again began decided to launch a bid for power. Union." Lut there also, under more state. The Kremlin is now des­ down the Ferguson brothers be­ police terror in which the Stalinists will be able, as before, to get only talking of the location of wartime But after the march the Stalinists difficult conditions, the Kremlin's perately trying to regain' the rela­ sub expires. You may even lose the cause they had tried to buy coffee have been past masters since the a minor share of goods. The fixing air-raid shelters.” sent the partisans home. agents have begun the struggle tive equilibrium it enjoyed at home address and have difficulty locating in a Jim Crow restaurant. I read sinister Mo:cow frame-up trials. of price controls will tend to drive against the anti-Stalinist elements. and abroad before the war. us if you are in a community where about that case and then read A severe political crisis is now more goods into the villages where That equilibrium, howevcf, re­ there is no large branch of the So­ all the papers. They’re the best I ’ve prices range higher, once again shaping up there. mains exceedingly elusive; primarily cialist Workers Party. seen.” A visitor there at the time We have no political sympathy shifting the division of necessities because the bureaucracy itself is the Don’t let this happen to you. also took a sub. Mail This Coupon With 50c For A 6-Month Subscription to sharply in favor of the countryside. whatever for any of these bourgeois biggest obstacle to .stability both at Watch the date on the address lab­ * * * opposition parties por for their The enthusiasm ever the decree home. and abroad. At best the el or wrapper. That’s the expiration occurred in the cities, primarily leaders. We have hot forgotten, Kremlin can gain only temporary date when your subscription will It was “ a very spirited group” among the workers. They expect a moreover, that Mikolajczyk is not respite. end. Renew well in advance so as that returned from a Detroit renew­ quick improvement. The applause t h e MILITANT at all a “hero of democracy,” but not to miss any issues. al callback mobilization. Sending 30 that was reported is in reality no $ O «< the editor in 1939 of an anti- subs (plus two for Fourth Interna­ A WEEKLY NEWSPAPER cause for the Kremlin to cheer. If Semitic rag in Lille which resembled D. Saunders, New Britain, Conn., tional). B. Allen reported further: 116 University Place, New York 3, N. Y. the expected improvement does not writes: “Enclosed please find four “ We also sold tickets to our speeial occur, it means trouble, for the con­ 6-month renewals which represent meeting on the UAW. E. Drake car­ 1 enclose------(stamps, currency or money order). cession won bv the workers has the ried off top honors with seven subs. O n e W a y to about a half hour’s work. As soon Please enter my subscription as follows: effect of raising their self-confi­ as we entered the homes of these Three very valuable contacts made. dence and heightening their will to □ Six months (26 issues) for 50 cents. Make a Living people we were remembered and “ We also covered union meetings struggle. □ One year (52 issues) for $1. Stanislaw Mikolajczyk, exiled welcomed. Besides being anxious to and sold 17 copies of Fight the leader of the Polish Peasant The gravest immediate difficulties renew, they also promised to at­ Slave-Labor Law at the Budd meet­ Party who is in the U. S. to help faced by the regime are with the tend our classes and forum. Here's ing'. Despite the bitter cold, workers Name ...... whip up the anti - communist peasants, both the well-to-do and hoping we can do as well during the actually lined up ta buy ” the lower ranks. Their confidence t (Please Print) drive here, “ will have his expense coming year.” # $ * accounts OK'd by the-National in the ruble has been rudely shaken. * * * A North Dakota subscriber re­ Association of Manufacturers," If a widespread movement sets in Only those who have tried it can Street ...... Apt...... newed for a year and sent subs for according to tiie Dec. 16 World to withhold the grain "surpluses” know the thrill of such half hours, four friends. Telegram. “Any anti - Commie instead of bringing them into the after a grueling day In the shop. market, the situation can become Si* leaders who want to come to the The only “ work” lo it is getting City...... Postal Zone...... explosive within a very short time. United States to fight the battle started, breaking the ice that u'ual- Rena Breshi sent 19 Boston area The Kremlin’s latest move thus will get a hearing on what, it 32 pages 10 cents 4y greets solicitors. But The M ili­ subs. “Comrades Tommy h. and State ...... will cost,” an NAM official prom­ clearly flows not from strength, but tant. is just what millions of work­ PIONEER PUBLISHERS Henry D. are responsible for most ised. from weakness. It is another at­ ers are looking for. And what won­ tempt to maneuver between the of these. Belle Patch is also doing I 16 University PI., derful new friends they make. The some fine work.” MONDAY, DECEMBER 22, 1947 T H E MILITANT

Bundle Orders (5 or more Subscriptions: $1 per year; copies) : 3c each in U,S., 4c 50c for 6 months. Forejgn : $2 each in foreign countries. pçr year ; SI for 6 months. T H E MILITANT Signed articles by contribu­ “Entered as second class Published Weekly in the Intefests of the Working; People tors do not necessarily repre­ Total Figure Raised Is $17,000 matter Mar. 7, 1044 at the Post THE MILITANT PUBLISHING ASSOCIATION sent The Militant's policies. Office at New York. N. Y., 116 University PI.. N. Y. 3. N. Y. (Phone: AL 4-0330) These are expressed in its edi­ under the act of Mar. 3, 1870.** FARRELL DOBBS. Editor torials. Vol. X L — No. 51. Monday, December 22. 1947 As M ilitant Fund Campaign Ends "A ll talk to the effect that historical conditions have not yet By Rose Karsner 'ripened' for socialism is the product of ignorance or conscious National Campaign Director deception. The objective prerequisites for the proletarian revo­ The $15,000 Militant Fund $15,000 Militant Fund lution have not only 'ripened'; they have begun to get somewhat campaign terminates with this Victory For Hickman rotten. W ithout a socialist revolution, in the next historical per­ issue of the paper. iod at that, a catastrophe threatens the whole culture of mankind. It was a hard pull, and at Final Scoreboard The turn is now to the proletariat, i.e., chiefly to its revolutionary times it looked doubtful whether Hailed By Committee vanguard. The historical crisis is reduced to the crisis of the revo­ some of the branches were going to Grand Total be able to fu lfill their quotas by (Continued from Page 1) possibly be measured in terms of lutionary leadership." Dec. 15. resolutions, letters, financial con­ material values: his four yqungtst — Leon Trotsky, The Death Agony of Capifalism, 1938, P. 6. Everywhere the going was tough tributions, placing collection cans in children burned alive—caught in, a $16,935 their stores, circulating collection TROTSKY LENIN because of inflationary prices. Seat­ trap from which there was no «es­ tle found it especially difficult to lists, and attending the sessions of cape. the trial. Organizations represent­ meet it quota on time as did Toledo Branch Quota Paid Percent AN ACCIDENT? and Rochester; also San Francisco, ing more than a million people from ST. LOUIS ...... S 50 S 115 230 all parts of the country threw their Was this an accident, for which Note to Our Readers where one of their ranks got a set­ CLEVELAND ...... 250 331 132 support to Hickman’s fight for free­ no one was to blame, as the state’s tlement for an injury sustained on The readers arid the friends of The M ili­ Other publications, caught in the same FLINT ...... 200 258 129 dom. Thousands of dollars were do­ attorney declared to the jury? An the job and made a donation of LOS ANGELES ...... 1.500 1,812 121 nated to assure the best possible act of God? No! I t was no acci­ tanti and the branches of the Socialist W ork­ inflationary spiral, have compensated them­ $200 "in the nick of time.” None NEWARK ...... 500 581 116 defense. dent. His landlord had threatened ers Party, have apain outdone themselves in selves for the increased costs by raising sub­ of these branches however suc­ DETROIT ...... 600 672 112 fire if Hickman did not move. At cumbed to the local circumstances. James Hickman was a laborer at their devotion to The Militant by oversub­ scription and advertising rates. Neither of NEW YORK ...... 4,500 4,911 109 the coroner's inquest, evidence of Instead, they. put forth extra ef­ International Harvester’s Wisconsin scribing the goal of the Sustaining Fund these solutions is open to us. We carry no CHICAGO ...... 1,500 1,606 107 arson was introduced. Coleman, the forts and each made its 100%. Steel M ill, who had spent most of commercial advertising; and we can’t in­ 1,075 107 landlord, admitted before he died, Campaign, as reported on this page. Chicago too had some rough sled­ TWIN CITIES ...... his life as a share-cropper in Mis­ CONN. STATE ...... 200 212 106 that he had set the fire. Even if he It is a matter of profound regret that we crease our subscription price without mak­ ding even with the help from its ¡ sissippi. He was an obscure work­ Milwaukee ...... 206 103 did not, was it really an accident? must accompany our grateful acknowledg­ ing it more difficult for the worker victims Calumet branch where $500 was ,. 200 ing man, without money, prestige Akron ...... 300 301 100 Was it an accident that the Hick­ of the same inflation, for whom The M ilitant raised "without digging into our or influence. How then explain the ment of this generous support with the an­ AUentown-Bethlchem 75 75 100 mans were compelled to live in this own pockets.” tremendous support that came . to nouncement that a measure of retrenchment is published, to get the paper. Boston ...... 275 100 man-trap? Or was it because the Reading branch did not foresee his defense? In part, it flowed from has been forced upon us by the raging infla­ We are not facing bankruptcy, thanks to 600 600 100 government, under orders from the the- special circumstances which Buffalo ...... man’s natural compassion for a fel­ 125 100 real estate interests, refused to build tion. We are obliged — temporarily, we the special fund that has been over-sub1 arose after it undertook to raise a Lynn ...... low man in distress, but it was far 50 50 100 homes for the needy? hope — to reduce the size of the paper to scribed. But the inflationary situation im­ quota of $100, nor did the M ilitant Massillon-Canton ... more than that. It was a splendid Oakland ...... ,. 250 250 100 demonstration of the instinctive peratively requires that we eliminate every office. Under the present conditions Was it an accident that there was four pages. As things stand now we cannot . 300 300 100 solidarity of working men and wom­ the figure of 50% reached by this Philadelphia ...... no fire escape, no fire extinguisher, continue the six-page issue without incur­ possible avoidable expense and operate dur­ 150 100 en. branch represents a real achieve­ Pittsburgh ...... 150 no water, no protection whatsoever? ring a weekly deficit which would soon de­ ing the next period on the most economical 25 100 ment, comparable to that of some Rochester ...... 25 DOOMED 3Y SOCIETY Or was it because of a greedy land­ basis possible, in order to avoid an imprudent San Diego ...... 100 100 100 vour the special sustaining fund so gen­ branches which reached 100%. Hickman’s entire life and his in­ lord and public officials who permit San Francisco ...... 1,250 1,250 100 erously subscribed. dissipation of the sustaining fund and as­ In New York, where the members describable tragedy dramatized the these inhuman profiteers to violate Seattle ...... 300 300 100 Our circulation and our circle of friends sure regular publication. divided their pledges by 12 from the plight of tens of millions who are all of the fire and health ordi­ Tacoma ...... 25 100 start and made regular weekly doomed in our society to poverty, nances? and supporters have grown, but they have By eliminating the added cost of the Toledo ...... 150 150 100 payments, collections proceeded at exploitation and discrimination. He Was it an accident that the Hick­ not kept pace w ith the dizzily mounting costs extra two pages for the time being we hope West Virginia ...... 25 25 100 an even pace throughout the cam­ was born in Mississippi, condemned mans were compelled to find shel­ COO 600 100 of publication. It costs more now to publish to conserve the limited resources of the paper paign. Each of the eight branches youngslown ...... from boyhood to a life of back­ ter within the confines of the hor­ a. four-page paper than we originally had to and forestall greater difficulties later. in the Local fulfilled its quota. Reading ...... 100 50 50 breaking toil in the cotton fields, rible slums of the black ghetto? Members-at-Large ... 290 pay for eight pages. Last week we were The Militant is needed more now than In general, all cities wrote to the which permitted him to eke out the Or was it because of racial segrega­ Readers ...... 215 confronted with another stiff increase in the ever. It must continue regular publication same effect: due to the high cost very barest existence. tion and restrictive covenants fos­ of living pledges were smaller than tered by real estate interests, sup* printer’s bill, with the clear intimation that under all circumstances and at any cost. He • came north, to Chicago, in usual and collections slower. The TOTAL ...... 16,935 113 ported by the legislatures which other increases are to be expected. That is the main thing to keep in mind now. search for a better life for his fam­ exceptions were St. Louis and Cleve­ ily. He was deprived of the first refuse to outlaw these practices and land. These branches found it com­ upheld by the courts? who sent their donations and in­ meager amount, considering the ex­ prerequisite: a decent place to live. paratively easy to go over the top. spiring letters direct to The M ilitant tra cast of printing the paper, which There were mansions for the rich, No, it was no accident. No more In spite of these hardships, we "Expanding" the Bill of Rights office. is a real source of enlightenment blit no home for the Hickman fam­ than the fiery death of dozefts,t,pf finished with a total of $16,935, to me and to every worker.” . ily:' His family of nine was broken other human beings in Chi^ggo in Some of the Big Business newspapers “ Other freedoms, vaguely recognized be­ which exceeded all expectations. It was a great privilege and honor to conduct this campaign. To all Cleveland — Your sympathizer, up land scattered in three different the past year. And, if these condi­ last week managed to find a few odd inches fore but never fully enforced, are being «Credit for this magnificent show­ who made this tremendous success George P. S., wanted to make sure plaices, and finally brought together tions are not remedied, there will ing goes in the first place to the f space amid their attacks on labor, denun­ worked out in France and Italy, including possible—our thanks. ini an uninhabitable tiny attic room be many more such “ acidents,” members of the Socialist Workers his contribution would be recorded ciations of “reds” and reports of last quarter the basic ‘right to work,’ which Left-Wing in the final scoreboard, so he wired without water, lights, gas or toilet. Party who gave so generously of Special Attention — Reading That is why the people rtished $15 with this message: “Credit this He was swindled by an unscrupulous dividends, to “commemorate” Bill of Rights leaders have tried to deny. It is not likely their meager earnings; to the Branch: Your friend “Hutch” sent a to the defense of James Hiclufrikit; to the Cleveland Branch. I owe my landlord, who took advantage of his Day, Dec. 14. that the United States, the very pillared cita­ branch fund directors who plugged coin card with $1.70 and a note in They did not justify his action,In knowledge of the movement to desperate plight to extort $100 from The New York Times, daily mouthpiece del of liberty, will lag behind.” The Times at collections without let-up, week which he says: “ Dear Sirs— Please killing the landlord, but neither find enclosed my contribution to the them.” his meager savings for the promise they blame him. They understood for the House of Morgan, ran a three para­ forgot to mention Greece. in and week out; to the many friends and sympathizers who con­ M ilitant Fund. Sorry I cannot Coin cards continue to come in. of an apartment which he never got. that he was driven to this deed Out graph editorial in its usual oracular style. It We know this “freedom” the French, tributed locally, and to the readers send more at this time. I have al­ The following were received, in the He was then ordered to move, and of desperation and despair, and /they says the Bill of Rights is endangered—in Italian and Greek rulers have decreed. In ready donated to your fund through past week: Field $1; Scherff $1.50; knew that the real criminals had threatened when he refused. Final­ Russia. It must be defended—from Russia. France, it is a “shoot-to-kill” order to troops a worker in the shop where I am Carter $2; Gilbert $1; S. T. $1 and not been indicted. Many of them Trotskyist Youth e m p lo ye d .I feql X am giving a Hutch S1.70. ly, ;he suffered a loss which cannot said, as Willard Motley did, , You’d never think, from the Times, that against strikers. In Italy, it is rubber trunch­ perhaps I too, or almost any other 14 million Negro Americans still have sec­ eons, clubbed rifles and grenades against Expose Militarism man, would have done the- gjuiito ond-class citizenship. You wouldn’t know strikers. In Greece it is the death penalty .„NEW YORK, Dec. 16 Wall thing as he had done, given, ¡the there’s a Taft-Hartley Law. You’d never for strikers. Street’s militaristic plans were ex­ same circumstances.” suspect that Truman and Congress are whip­ By the “right to work,” the Times doesn’t posed by the Internationalist So­ WORKERS’ FORUM They did not want the state to cialist Youth, youth section of the ping up a red scare and trying to put over mean the right to employment. It doesn’t persecute Hickman any further, Socialist Workers Party, at last Sat­ thought-control in this country. mean that a boss can’t fire a union man. It Letters are welcome. Keep them short and include your name and address. Indicate if you want your they wanted him to be permitted ,tq urday’s session of Hearst’s Fifth An­ return to his family, so that.' he name printed. Nevertheless the Times is all for the Bill doesn’t mean that a boss must 'hire Negro nual M irror Youth Forum. might try to recover some measure of Rights. In fact, it thinks the Bill of Rights workers. It means the “right” to scab. First the ISY members distributee H itler, Wallace Cannon has an article that every of peace and happiness. Above ail, should be “expanded.” Not to strengthen In short, the Times defends the “right” an anti-war leaflet. Then a repre­ union worker should read and con­ Editor’s Note they wanted to expose and indict freedom of speech, a free press and the right of a strikebreaker to steal an honest work­ sentative took the floor at a pane' A n d F o s te r sider as it is food for thought. And those guilty of the social crimes meeting on universal military train­ on Page 6 the one about the labor Lack of space compels us to which led to this tragedy, and to of assembly, however. The Times says: er’s job, to smash his union, undercut his pay. Editor: fakers getting ready to support cap­ discontinue the regular publica­ demand justice for the millions of ing and began to speak against cap­ Hitler, when he was seeking pow­ italist politicians in .1948 is tops. As tion of such features as Work­ underprivileged. italist militarism. After he was ex­ er, stated over and over that he in­ a member of the Brotherhood of ers Bookshelf, Congressmen at pelled from the hall by the adult; tended to preserve and defend the END THESE CRIMES U. S. Imperialism in Panama who really ran the forum, another Railway Trainmen, I am going to Work, etc. However, we w ill print capitalist profit system, and he did. The Hickman case has drawn to send President A. F. Whitney a copy them on occasion — whenever got the floor. This time pressure Henry Wallace has made the same The cry, “Down with Yankee imperial­ ist Party member of the Assembly, Jose of this issue and ask him to read space permits. We also regret a conclusion. I f our campaign has forced the chairman to take a vote statement several times to my ism!” is sounding in Panama. The people Brower, the police- besides using tear gas on the speaker’s right to continue; the article by Cannon. the necessity to immediately dis­ done nothing more than win liberty knowledge. Yet William Z. Foster, continue the publication of the of the tiny Central American country through fired pistols at women .and children. about 40% voted in his favor. Then A Railroad Worker for Mr. Hickman, it has been wertH«< head of the Communist Party, would Autobiography of Mother Jones, which the Panama Canal passes are aroused the adult goon squad expelled him Minnesota Some 33 were injured, one student re­ support Wallace for President. But a despite the fact that a majority while. But we hope it- has; done over an “agreement” cooked up between the ceiving a bullet wound in the spine. Twenty- too. real true militant socialist will not more than that. By the time the meeting was over, of the readers expressing an State Department and the servile Panaman­ be deceived into fighting for any­ five arrests were made and five teachers were the ISY had prepared and distri­ How Trotskyism opinion have favored its continu­ We hope it has served to indict ian government granting Washington long­ given 30-day sentences on undisclosed thing short of a cooperative com­ ation. buted a leaflet protesting the ex­ monwealth administered by the Came to Australia the powers that be for - criJfiea term leases on 14 m ilitary bases used during charges. pulsions. Many of the youth present democratic control (and ownership) Editor: against the people, in refusingnto World War II. Washington’s record in Panama is one expressed their sympathy with the of the workers. In April, 1933, a member of a lo­ stay on, the fight we’re going to provide adequate and safe: housing: Upon announcement of the “agreement,” ISY’s vigorous and efficient behav­ continue until we end this crazy of ruthless imperialism. Panama was once In the Dec. 8 M ilitant James P. cal dissident Stalinist group re­ and in herding the Negro people ior. system. The SWP is the party Panama’s Foreign Minister, Ricardo J. Al­ part of • Columbia. When the Colombian ceived a copy of The M ilitant—or­ to Nazi-like ghettos, that ; breed whose every thought and action :s faro, resigned, scoring the “unjustified de­ Senate refused to ratify a treaty granting gan of the Communist. League of designed to hasten the day when disease, misery and death. mands” made by Washington. News of the Washington perpetual control of a zone in America (Left Opposition). This single copy of The M ilitant the working class and all of w>- We hope that our campaign will deal entrenching U.S. armed forces in 14 sep­ which to dig the Canal, a “revolution” was REUTHERITES PUSH FOR LOCAL was responsible for the introduction ciety will enjoy real social justice help bring about a powerful . move; arate areas in Panama besides the 10-mile engineered under Theodore Roosevelt’s ad­ of Trotskyism into Australian poli­ and all the fruits of socialism. Small ment that will put an end .to .thege wide Canal Zone, at once touched off wide ministration, setting up Panama as, a sep­ COMPLIANCE W ITH TAFT ACT tics. wonder the capitalist-class govern­ outrages, so that working men Tike indignation. arate country with a puppet government that Contact was established with the ment calls the SWP “subversive” ! James Hickman and their - families DETROIT, Dec. 16 — Continuing to buckle under before Communist League of America and National Institute students called for a at once met Washington’s demands. S. T. may live out their lives in ' peace, the anti-union attack of Big Business and the government, a file of The .M ilitant back to 1931 protest rally before the National Assembly The present “agreement” imposed by the Chicago, II!. comfort and happiness. Building as that body met to consider rati­ the Reuther machine at Ford UAW . Local 400 last Saturday was sent to Australia. We still State Department clearly continues that im­ treasure that file. fication. When the students paraded, Inter­ perialist policy. Formal recognition of the carried a membership meeting attended by less than 300 and Ever since The Militant has ar­ Activities of ‘M ilitant’ Readers and the ior Minister Filos, a Washington puppet, set entrenchment of U.S. armed forces in Pan­ instructed the local’s officers to sign the Taft-Hartley “ yellow rived regularly. It has acted as an J* the police in action. According to a Social­ ama simply brings the record up to date. dog” affidavits. to capitulation had not organized invaluable guide to Australian The opposition to this move well to bring supporters to the Marxists. May it continue to grow! Socialist Workers Party was strong, and discussion last­ meeting. The vote against the mo­ N. Origlass Negro Unemployment Rising tion therefore reflected a strong Australia AKRON—4 So. Howard St., 2nd f], Mon. iiAKL,"BM — 103 W . 110 S t, Rm . 28 ed almost an hour. Fully one- through Fri., 3-o p. m. ; Sat.. 2-4 p. m. Phone MO. .'2-1866. Open discussion, sentiment in the shop. B O S T O N - 30* S tu a rt St. Sat., 1-5 p. m., Thur., 8 p. m. In the present period of so-called pros­ dred white- workers are unemployed to nine third of those present were op­ Tugs., 7 r30-9 :30 p. m. v. The opponents to signing the B R O N X — 1034 P rospect Ave., 1st No Wonder SWP BUFFALO—Militant Forum, 629 Main perity and full employment twice as many posed to signing the oaths, fl. Phone LU. 9-0101. out of every hundred Neoro workers: In oaths explained that compliance St., 2nd jfl. Phone M Adison 3960. E very with a large number of the Reu- would further handcuff labor and Is On Blacklist afternoon except Sun. B R O O K L Y N — 636 F u lto n *S t; P h o tic - Negro as white workers are unemployed. Atlanta Negro unemployment is 1000% ST. 3-7433. therite followers abstaining and C H IC A G O — 777 W . Adams (corner H al- This alarming unemployment in the Negro greater than white. that the law was designed as one Editor: some even speaking against the of the most detrimental pieces of sted). Phone D E A rbo rn 4767. D a ily except CHELSEA—130 W. 23rd St; l>hon* community is but a foretaste of the mass un­ So the U. S. Attorney General has Sun., 11 a. m.-5 p. m. Library, bookstore. CH. 2-9434. This shows that even in periods of peak motion. legislation ever passed in the U. S. added the Socialist Workers Party CLEVELAND — Militant Forum, Sun., OAKLAND (Cal.)—Write P. O. Bov employment and hunger that Wall Street production the Negro people suffer from And all this — despite the fact Reuther supporters, led by Kenneth 8:30 p. r.i.. Peck’s Hall, 1446 E. 82nd St. 1351, O akland 4. to the list of subversive organiza­ (o ff Wade P a rk A ve .).* has in store for the Negro people in the com­ economic discrimination which threatens that the motion on the floor was Bannon, tile newly appointed head P H IL A D E L P H IA — 1303-05 W . G ira rd tions. The SWP has nothing, abso­ D E T R O IT — 6108 L in wood Ave. Phone ing depression. their very right to live. “Last to be hired made under the guise that all local of the Ford division of the UAW, Ave., 2nd fl. Phone Stevenson 4-3$20. lutely nothing to be ashamed of! T Y 7-6267. Mon. throuirh Sat., 12-5 p. m. Open daily. Forum, Fri., $ p. m. union officers were instructed to demanded compliance under the Forum and open house Sat., 8 p. m. Figures released by the National Council and first to be fired” still holds in the bosses’ Which side are we on? I t ’s a darn sign by the UAW national conven­ guise of the national convention F L IN T - 215 E. N in th St. D a ily 7-9 PITTSBURGH—14i8 Fifth Ave., 2nd for a Permanent Fair Employment Practice rule book. cinch we’re not. on the side of Tom fl. Open meetings, 1st & 3rd Sup., 8:30 tion ! ruling. They did not show how p. m. Open house, Sat. eve. Forum , Sun. Clark, the NAM, the venal boss eve. p. m. M a rx is t Study Class, T h u r., 7,9 p. m , Committee show that while unemployment The above, figures show the pressing need signing the oath at this plant would Actually, of course, the UAW con­ press, the professional “pay-triots” LOS ANGELES—Militant Publ. Assn., S A N D IE G O —432 F St.. Rm. 21? Tpes., Oft a nation-wide basis has declined, the pro­ for immediate action to mobilize the Negro accomplish anything for the mem­ 3161,** W. Pico Blvd. Phone Richmond Thur»., Sat.. 1-5 p. m. Mon., Wed„ Fri., vention did nothing of the sort. of the American Legion, the cor­ portion of Negroes without jobs has increased bership. 4644. D aily, 12-5 p. in. 7-9 p. m. people and the labor; movement behind the Under the guise of helping “weak” rupt capitalist parties of the Demo­ SAN PEDRO . M ilita n t, 1008 S. P a cific Two officers of the local, how­ S A N F R A N C IS C O - 1739 F illm o re Ave., since 1940. T hus in N ew Y o rk C ity unem ­ drive for legislation to end discrimination in locals, the Reuther machine had crats and the Republicans, and the Rm. 214. ■ith fl. Phone F I. 6-0410. D a ily except ever, still refuse to sign. They have ployment among Negroes is 63% 'higher than industry. The best time to act on this is now instructed the incoming national of­ labor misleaders who haven't got WATTS—Militant, 1720 E. 97th St. Sun.. 12-4:30 p. m. ficers and executive board members been warned that if they persist LYNN (Mass.)—44 Central Sq., Rm. 11 SEATTLE—Maynard Bldg., ,1st Ave. among white workers. In Chicago two out the guts to stand up and fight for Sat. 1-5 p. m. Discussion, Tues.,. 7:30 —not when the coming depression has al­ to sign. But there was no provision in this attitude, they will be thrown South & W ashington. Phone SE. 0438. their class. p. m. Mon. through Sat., 12-5 J»r m. Bra'ftch of every hundred white workers are unem­ ready arrived and mass unemployment sets ordering local union officers to do out of the union. MILWAUKEE—Militant Bookshop, 608 The side we’re on is the side of meeting. Fri., 8 p. m. Library,- bookstore. ployed while seven out of every hundred in. The way to act on this is through .an so. Hand-in-hand with the campaign S. 5th St. Mon. throuirh Fri., 7:30-9:30 ST. L O U IS -1023 N. Grtmd. B lvd., * r q , Sacco arid Vanzetti, Joe Hill, Wesley p. m. Negro workers are jobless. aggressive political struggle against both to housebreak the union through 312. Phone Jefferson 3642. Forum« F r i.. STRONG SENTIMENT the Taft-Hartley Law, the Ford Everett, Gene Debs, Bill Haywood, MINNEAPOLIS— 10 So. 4th St. Phone. 7:30-10 p. m. , ' * •* In the South where the Jim Crow system capitalist parties in Washington, which share M ain 7781. D aily except Sun., 10 a. m .- ST. PAUL—540 Cedar St. Phone Gar- This move capitulating to the Motor Company in this plant has Tom Mooney and Warren Billings, 6 p. m. Library, bookstore. Forum, Sun., attains its full viciousness the figures are fieid 1137. D aily, 2:80-9:30 p. m. equally in the re sp o n sib ility fo r k illin g t'he Taft-Hartley Act was made easier started a systematic campaign of the Haymarket Martyrs, the M in­ 3 :30 p. m. TACOMA (Wash.)—Write', P. O. Hex naturally higher. In the Norfolk-Ports- wartime Fair Employment Practices Com­ because two of the spokesmen op­ speed-up. Although the leadership NEW HAVEN—Labor School, 855 1079. M eeting, Wed«, 3 p. m., -Odd .Fellow neapolis 18 and the countless num­ Grand Ave.. 3rd fl. Mon. 8-10:30 p. m. mouth-Newport News area of Virginia 350% posed to signing the oaths are taint­ of the local is in the hands of the H a ll. 6th & Faw cett. mittee and preventing establishment of a bers of lesser known victims of NEWARK—423 Springfield Ave. Phone TOLEDO-113 St. Clair St., 2nd fl. ed by the speed-up policies followed Reutherites, a sizable organized op­ Bigelow 3-2574. Reading room, week m o re Negro workers than white are de- permanent FEPC with the power to really Open daily. by the Communist Party during the position to “ labor-management co­ capitalist class brutality, Negro and nights, 7-10 p. m. prived ST w ork; that is, two out of every hun- YOUNGSTOWN—115 E. Federal 3t., stamp out industrial Jim Crow. war. Furthermore the opponents operation” remains. white. I t ’s the side we’re going to NEW YORK CITY (Hq.)—116 Univer­ Rm. 302. Phone 3-1355 M on. th ro u gh Sat., s ity PI. Phone GR. 5-8149. 11 a. m.-4:30 p. m. Diary o f a Steel W orker The Christmas Spirit By Theodore Kovalesky the MILITANT You hear it in the frosty bells and in the crunching- You’ve read the books and papers and ads. Where snow. The sugary carols seeping through your radio is the peace and good will? proclaim it, the newspapers ad­ There is none. There is no peace and pathetically PAGE FOUR NEW YORK, N. Y. MONDAY, DECEMBER 22, 1947 vertise it, and the store windows little good will. glisten with it. A sick woman leaves a hospital after a long- Once again the wheel of time illness and stands weakly before a desk, a hospital has swung around to December clerk berating her for her inability to pay her bill and the age-old merrymaking that in full. clusters about the red-lettered ”25' Murray Pleads for Joint Action on thfe calendar. A corporation executive snorts, "Let them strike, There is still time for laughter, damn them! We’ll use the Taft-Hartley Act to the still a little time left for holiday lim it!” spirit, still a little room to dance on the edge of A well known speaker gets up and explains to the the cliff above the hellish pit of war and reaction. Rotary Club why “we” should use the atomic bomb As Taft Act Deals Double Blow Peace on earth, good will to men! on the Soviet Union. At night you see through the windows of the The federal government launches a sweeping purge As Washington aimed double blows wit'h the Taft-Hart- broken houses the tinkling melody of colored lights to fire any of its employes who have "dangerous ley Act club at labor’s economic and political rights, GIO Pres­ thoughts." PRICES U P , WAGES up strewn over the Christmas trees. A dark door opens, ident Philip Murray addressed another appeal to AEL Presi­ and the visitor leaving the shadowed porch says, The Wall Street imperialists reach the fingers of dent W illiam Green for joint AFL-CIO action. “ Merry Christmas.” their government, in Washington deep into the pockets Murray’s letter, published You pass the department store windows in a of the American workers to finance arms and aid OPA CEILING INCREASE TO “ (1) The general counsel of the glare of light. You look at the statued forms of for European fascists and reactionaries to use in JUNE 1946 OCTOBER 1947 in the Dec. 8 CIO News, NLRB has practically .authorized women • in soft furs, children in warm snow suits. defeating the European workers. voiced “the urgent desire of employers to engage ‘investigators’ You see stacks of toys dumped into provoking dis­ “Peace on earth, good will to men,” murmur our affiliated unions and their who would ascertain whether unions play, wonderful little electric trains, mechanical toys the preachers, and the echo of their pious voices 1 8 6 % members to join with the AFL for are engaging in unfair labor prac­ is taken up by advertisers, senators, mayors, generals, to teach the child to become useful with his hands, 1 7 0 % the purpose of taking immediate tices within the provisions of the books to exercise his young mind, and guns to get newspaper publishers and capitalists in honor of steps to defeat the attempts of re­ Taft-Hartley Act. This simply him used to this age of violence. the legendary birthday of a man who said, “It is actionary forces to undermine and means the reinstitution of the abuse On every corner clanging their monotonous bells harder for a rich man to get into the kingdom of weaken the labor movement." of employer-paid spies within the shiver the tired Santa Clauses with their open pots heaven than for a camel to pass through the eye The CIO appeal was issued in the labor movement. yawning for coins. The downtown streets are gaily of needle,” and who was lynched for his radicalism. week that the National Labor Re­ "(2) The brutal law of injunc­ lighted with strings of colored bulbs, sponsored by Peace on earth, good will to men. . . . Only one lations Board pressed major attacks tions in labor disputes has been the Merchants’ Association. force on earth will realize that aim. Those who take on collective bargaining rights and completely revived by the NLRB But where is the peace, where the good will? a day off each year from their warmongering to union security. and its general counsel. Everywhere you see the glitter of commerce, the preach peace and good will will never do it. Only In its Remington-Rand ruling, “ (3) Several complaints that had packed window's beckoning the buyers. From the the working class can bring this peace. We call the NLRB brazenly incited employ­ been issued by the NLRB against soft-spoken good taite of the most expensive jeweler it Socialism, the Society of peace and plenty, of good ers cf more than 3.000,000 union both AFL and CIO unions reveal iri the city to the tobacco-chewing loudmouth who will; and cooperation between all men, for the good members to tear up existing union an interpretation of the T-H Act hollere at his customers in a lot filled with bound-up of all men. contracts. It stated, in effect, that which would practically eliminate pines and firs, there is only the passage of money Only Socialism will bring peace on. earth. And national unions which refuse to the right-'of workers to strike even from buyer to seller. only you and your brothers will bring Socialism. sign degrading “ yellow dog” oaths though engaged in a dispute involv­ You have heard the bells and the Christmas carols. Merry Christmas! have no legal collective bargaining ing basic economic demands.” rights. UNDERSCORE NEED NLRB General Counsel Robert The Negro Struggle- The facts cited by Murray not Denham, in a speech before the only underscore the need for joint National Association of Manufac­ labor action, but further disprove Let Us Subvert Jim Crow turers, declared in advance of an the idea that the unions can “live NLRB hearing that he supported with” the Slave Labor Law if the By Albert Parker the Big Business publishers who are union leaders merely sign “yellow trying to force the AFL Interna­ Of course there is more Involved here than the dog” oaths. Do you want to overthrow the vicious Jim Crow- Giurnwy-Montgomory (or Hi« Economic Outloofc. CIO. * Estimated tional Typographical Union to sign The CIO News reports that the system? Do you want to destroy the century-old question of tradition. The struggle against Jim Crow an open-shop contract in violation This chart from the November CIO Economic Out look shows statistically what every worker already CIO Southern Organizing Commit­ pattern of segregation, discrimination, abuse, hu­ is, a matter of necessity. The Negro people do not of their long-recognized closed shop knows from experience—that price rises have far outstripped wage boosts. Federated Pictures tee “has been organizing plants and miliation, insult and violence by have much choice. It's either fight or resign yourself policy. which Negro people are “ kept in to the status of permanent second-class citizenship; building unions without the help of He threatened employers who the NLRB.” If a company questions their place-’? Are you ready to there is no in-between. And conditions don’t stand agree to contracts that seek to evade the union’s majority, the CIO re­ fight to the death for equal rights? still; if they don’t get better, which is possible only various restraints in the Taft-H art­ quests a card check by some third If your answer is yes, don’t be as the result of militancy, then they get worse. If ley Act and assailed any "appease­ surprised to find your name, or the capitalism isn’t replaced by socialism, then there is CIO and Liberal Groups agency—“ anyone but the NLRB.” ment” of labor. He made it celar name of a m ilitant organization always the danger of fascism, which will strike at that the NLRB will actively and ag­ Where employers still balk, “ a you belong to, included on some the American Negro as ruthlessly as it did at the gressively enforce every feature of strike or threat of a strike is ne­ political black list handed out in Washington. If German and European Jew. the Slave Labor Law. cessary to convince management ypur answer is yes, then you can expect to be de­ So the struggle will go on, despite blacklists, witch H i t Government Blacklist Van A. Bittner, head of the Ci DRIVE AGAINST LABOR nounced as a "subversive" and accused of “disloyalty,” hunts, thought control, etc. The question is — how Widespread labor and lib­ rights of the Nazi defendants in munist (Stalinist) Party was barred Organizing Drive, states: “The These government assaults on col­ beautiful thing about the new pro­ or something worse. to make the struggle most effective? And in this the postwar trials had been respect­ from speaking at New York's City eral protest has been aroused lective bargaining and union se­ cedure is that we are building un­ Some people are liable to be frightened by such connection the very issuance of the blacklist has ed more than those of the allegedly College on the grounds that his by Attorney General Clark’s curity are now accompanied by a ions not merely winning elections.” things, and to withdraw from the fight against capi­ great educational significance. subversive groups blacklisted by party was on the “subversive” black­ talist oppression. That would please the White House One of its aims is to discourage and weaken the blacklist of so-called “subver­ Clark. developing drive against labor’s po- “Even the international unions list. Other universities took similar lieital rights. that are qualified under the Taft- and Congress and the Department of Justice very Negro struggle. It thus disproves the theory, ac­ sive” organizations, which in­ action as college presidents and much; the main aim of their blacklists is to scare cented by many Negro leaders, that the government CLARK S YARDSTICK The Dec. 15 CIO News reports Hartley Act,” says the CIO News, cluded the Socialist Workers deans goosestepped into iine in the that G-men of the Federal Bureau “are fighting shy of NLRB elec­ and intimidate people into deserting the fight for is “impartial" in the fight between the pro- and P a rty. The Guild also asserted that thought-control campaign. a. better world. It would also please the Ku Klux anti-Jim Crow forces. That is, the struggle for Clark’s personal opinion seemed to of Investigation (FBI) have twice tions. It takes too long, calls for Klan and Rankin and all the other avow'ed enemies full Negro emancipation is a struggle against the The CIO News, in an article be the yardstick for what was “sub­ In Hartford the Connecticut quizzed Philip Murray and Allen L. the services of too many attorneys Swim, CIO News editor, on the and complicates what should be a of the Negro people. government too. by its editor, Allen L. Swim, versive." State Youth Conference has been CIO's challenge of the Taft-Hartley fairly simple proposition—an ex­ % Most Negro militants, we believe, are not going In other words, the fight for equality, is a political refused the rental of a hall for its condemned Clark’s action as a The government - inspired re d ban on the use of union funds in pression from the workers whether to be cowed into silence and inactivity. If they did, fight. To win it, the Negro people must work out annual convention because it was “purge” list and “trampling on scare was also protested by the federal election campaigns. Last they do or do not want union rep­ they would be unworthy of the fighting traditions a political program aimed at ending the political on Clark’s blacklist. Similarly Madi­ Council of Methodist Bishops. The summer the CTO News, defying the resentation.” power of the capitalist class and its two Jim Crow basic civil rights.” son Square Garden has informed of Nat Turner, Harriet Tubman. Frederick Douglass Council adopted a resolution con­ Taft Act, supported the Democratic Those union leaders who nibble- at parties. The sooner that is recognized, the sooner “ It was a foolish thing to do be­ the Stalinist Party that the Gar­ and the thousands of others who, in their day, were demning the firing of government candidate in the July 14 special the “anti-communist” bait, of the denounced as subversive and disloyal to slavery. the fight will be won. cause there is wide disagreement den is “not available” this year for over the meaning of ‘subversive’ and employes for alleged subversive its annual Lenin meeting. Congressional election in Baltimore. Taft oath# and the alleged ■ “ bene­ Murray’s letter to Green cites ;loyalty'," says the CIO News. views as acts that "are themselves fits” of the NLRB are helping . to NAVY STANDARDS other dangerous threats to the AFL spring a death trap on the entire "It was a cruel thing to do be­ violations of constitutional guaran­ George Gorchoff, a machinist in and CIO from the NLRB. labor movement. cause the organizations were ‘black­ tees and therefore un-American.” Tuberculosis: The Dread Killer the Brooklyn Navy Yard for more listed’ without being given an op­ The drive against civil liberties than 15 years and secretary of portunity to attempt to establish took on renewed energy following ■By Grace Carlson Local 556, International Association their innocence. Clark's publication of the black­ “Protect Your Home From Tuberculosis” is the- 11 times as many laborers die of tuberculosis of Machinists, was fired for alleged “And it was a dangerous thing list. A wave of suppression h it the chief slogan of the 1947 Christmas Seal campaign. as do bankers. subversive beliefs. His appeal has Milwaukee SWP Runs to do, because democracy is threat­ colleges as speakers appealing con­ Carried on by the National Tuberculosis Association, The big majority of the farmers, bakers, plumbers, brought out the sinister standards ened when the head of a govern­ tempt of Congress citations were the Christmas Seal campaign is truck drivers, miners, waiters and laborers who die employed by the government for mental agency is compelled to as­ banned from speaking. used to raise funds to educate from tuberculosis each year are young people. Be­ purging federal employes. sume the role of investigator, prose­ Howard Fast, well known novelist, J. Boulton for Mayor people about the cause and cure tween the ages of 15 and 44, tuberculosis causes more The Navy made public its of­ cutor, judge and jury.” was prevented from addressing a deaths than any other disease. With a toll of some ficial instructions for the witch M ILW AUKEE, Dec. 9 — James E. Boulton, a founding of the dread killer, tuberculosis. The National Lawyers Guild student club at Columbia. Arnold 53.000 deaths annually, tuberculosis is the seventh hunt. Included was a sample case member and organizer of the Socialist Workers Party branch But it is not easy for workers pointed out that even the civil Johnson, an official of the Com- cause of death in the United States today. to guide purgers. Among the model here, will run as the Trotskyist candidate for maydr in the to protect their homes from tu­ But tuberculosis is a preventable disease. No one “specific criteria” were the follow­ spring non-partisan primary. The SWP candidate is an indus­ berculosis. Living in crowded, should die of tuberculosis in 1947 when medical ing; trial worker with a splendid record of labor militancy. poorly-heated homes, wearing in­ science has perfected so many techniques for treat­ ing TB patients. Unfortunately, the doctors, who “ You frequently visited in 1945 His nomination as an independent working-class candidate adequate clothing, eating insuf­ Need for Labor Party and 1946 with M r...... your know so much about how to cure tuberculosis, don’t followed th e announcement*', ficient amounts of the protective brother - in - law, who constantly chine, claimed “ the Milwaukee met­ know how to prevent it. Of course, they know that that the remaining feeble foods, workers and their children are an easy prey tuberculosis is a disease of poverty. Of course, they praises the Communistic form of ropolitan area is too big to function government and with whom you horse-traders of the once-pow- for tuberculosis germs. The National Tuberculosis know that society must wipe out poverty if we want Debated in Cleveland without a liberally-inclined endors­ Association show's us the tragic end-results of these to wipe out tuberculosis. But that’s as far as medi­ so frequently associate that it sug­ erful Socialist Party of M il­ ing vehicle in so-called non-partisan terrible living conditions in a table called, “The Work­ cal scientists can go. By George Tobin gests you likewise advocate Com­ waukee have set up. endorsement elections.” Without this “demo­ er's Chances of Dying from Tuberculosis” ; Dr. H. E. Kleinschmidt, Educational Director of C L E V E L A N D , Dec. 12— L a b o r’s nee«i fo r a p o litic a l munism.” Another sample charge machinery in alliance with capitalist cratically inclined committee to reads: “You have advocated the construct a municipal platform and 2 times as many farmers die of tuberculosis as the Tuberculosis Association, said recently, “Tuber­ party of its own was discussed at CIO Hall tonight, in a debate interests. Russian form of government in The SP politicians under the leadT to endorse or draft candidates and do bankers culosis is only one of the evils growing out of greed arranged by the U AW Cleveland Council on Education. 4 times as many bakers die of tuberculosis as and social injustice, but it alone is enough to justify many social gatherings within your ership of Frank Zeidler, School to support them, no body of men own home.” ard women can be elected to public do bankers. zealous crusading for the day when every family The affirmative was taken ests to win. “ We can rule the Board member, have joined with office with a constructive or co» 4 tmes as many plumbers die of tuberculosis as will be assured a decent standard of living.” „„ by Anthony Pirc, president of United States, if the laboring people The above rules for determining liberal capitalist politicians to form herent philosophy of government.” do bankers. The Socialist Workers Party would welcome- Dr. UAW Local 337 and chairman of get together and quit fighting “subversive” beliefs make plain ¿he a so-called Municipal Enterprise 5 times as many truck drivers die of tuberculosis Kleinschmidt and all other Tuberculosis. Associa­ the 32nd Ward Political Action among themselves.” Unity with the degree |o which civil rights arc Committee. This will function as The Milwaukee SWP answered as do bankers. tion leaders into our ranks in order to crusade “ for Committee. He was assisted by AFL is necessary, he said, before being violated as well as the Ges­ an endorsing vehicle for SP candi­ with a statement, that said in part: 1 times as many miners die of tuberculosis as the' day when every family will be assured a decent Lucille. Clifford of UAW Local 363. a Labor Party can be started. tapo ipethods of spying on families dates and their capitalist allied. “The SWP, in the belief that thous­ and homes which the Truman ad­ Zeidler, last remaining hopeful do bankers. standard of living." They are putting up a valiant The negative side was given by Alex In his rebuttal Pirc pointed out ands of Milwaukee workers desire ministration is employing. of the dying SP office-holders ma- 9 times as jnany waiters die of tuberculosis as' fight against tuberculosis, but that isn't enough. The Tuma of UAW Local 474 and Lester that only seven out of 90 labor- a genuine socialist candidate se­ do bankers. main enemy is Capitalism! Hupp of UAW Local 70. endorsed Congressmen voted against lected and endorsed by, and respon­ Pirc began by saying that the Truman's bill to conscript the rail­ sible to the Party, has endorsed Taft-Hartley Act is the result of road workers and break their strike Hansen to Tour Midwest James E. Boulton, 1951 N. 19th St., the bankrupt policy of “ rewarding last year. “ Voting for Democratic who will enter his candidacy in the Did You Get Your $3,458? your friends and defeating your or Republican politicians,” said he, spring mayoralty primary. enemies." The Democratic Party “is like voting for a company man On "Struggle for Europe" “ Under the leadership of Frank By Art Preis as well as the Republican Party is running for union president.” Zeidler the Socialist Party poli­ controlled by Big Business, he sMd, Joseph Hansen, Foreign ticians have abandoned the last I f the American workers could feed their families living costs in the country's 34 largest cities. MANY QUESTIONS and pointed out fhat it was a News Editor of The Militant, semblance of principle in a des­ on “good times” propaganda, we’d all be mighty fat. How many today enjoy a "modest but adequate” Democratic administration which Many questions were asked by perate effort to collect votes that is scheduled to make a Mid- At this moment I ’m trying to squeeze a little nourish­ income of $3458 a year in Washington, D. C.? We lifted price ceilings, threatened to the audience after the debate. Most may enable them to follow in the ment out of a recent Scripps-Howard headline: “ U. S. could name a few hundred Senators and Congressmen conscript the railroad strikers and common was fear that a labor party West speaking tour in Janu­ footsteps of deserters like Andrew Now Enjoys Record Peacetime Era of Prosperity." who get more than four times that. But not many invoked injunctions and fines would “split the progressive vote.” ary under the auspices of the Biemiller, Dan Hoan, John Brophy That’s been Truman’s theme-song in his periodic government clerks and blame few' Negro workers who against the miners. “Truman and One worker said he thought the Socialist Workers Party. His and others who have gone over to “Economic Report.” He even told us a few weeks back form the bulk of the city’s useful population. workers could take over the Demo­ Taft are both strike-breakers,” said subject will be “The Struggle the boss political parties. that we’re eating too much—have to cut down on the How many in Seattle earn $3388; jn New York, Pirc, who advocated running inde­ cratic Party in the primaries. In steaks and turkey legs and pie crusts and eggs to leave $3347; in Milwaukee, $3317; in Boston, $3310; in De­ reply, Pirc showed that the Demo­ for Power in Europe.” ! "Control over candidates was the pendent labor candidates by the last principle that the decrepit a few mouthfuls for the rest of the world. troit, $3293; in Pittsburgh, $3291; in Minneapolis, cratic Party has kicked out Wallace The tour will include West Vir­ PAC and the formation of a na­ and disintegrating Socialist Party The statistics’ factory in Washington pours out $3282; in Chicago, $3282; in San Francisco. $3317; in and all the other “ liberals” from its ginia, Pittsburgh, Youngstown, Ak­ tional Labor Party. . had clung to for several decades. It fresh figures weekly. Production up, profits up, prices Baltimore, $3260; in St. Louis, $3247; in Mobile, Ala., councils, and is no more progressive ron, Cleveland, Toledo, Chicago, Tuma said that he “ would like alone was salvaged from the rich UP—and wages up. Oh yes, especially wages. Ameri­ $3276? or subject to labor’s control than Milwaukee, Detroit, Flint and Buf­ to see a Labor Party some day, but socialist past of the party of Eu­ can workers are getting sore fingers counting their Thè same Bureau of Labor Statistics tells us that the Republicans. falo. pay every week. So the reports go. average manufacturing pay today is about $50 a week now is not the time for it. The gene V. Debs. Today, in an obvious American people are not interested “We have got to build a political The topic he will discuss is a time­ capitulation to the Milwaukee Jour­ Just the same, most of us are having a tough time —before taxes. That comes to $2600 a year—if you movement that we own and con­ work 52 weeks a year. Of course, there are farm in a Labor Party.” Lucille Clifford ly one. The recent wave of strikes nal and its influence over votes, this trying to stretch that non-Sanforized (shrinkage trol,” said Pirc. “Workers responded workers and laundry workers and millions of others, replied by asking, “ When will be in France and Italy drew world at­ last vestige of principled socialist higher than government standards) dollar. We can’t with real enthusiasm when we ran who receive far less—as little, in fact, as $16 a week the time?” She said that the labor tention to the “ cold” war now being conduct has been sacrificed by seem to scrape up enough cash to buy a ticket on this an independent labor candidate in at the present 40-cent hourly minimum. movement, trying to see which is waged in Europe between Anglo- Frank Zeidler and his ‘comrades’.” Prosperity Express. the De Vito campaign last fall. Now don’t get any notions about the prosperity you the lesser of two evils at the polls, American imperialism and the Those tickets sell high today. In fact, too high for Workers don’t trust the boss, and about 8 0 of the American people. Because if you’re will enjoy when, you latch onto that “modest but ade­ has ended up by getting the greater Kremlin bureaucracy. they don’t trust boss candidates.” a husband and wife with two growing dependent quate” living standard the government says you need. evil in office each time. The mounting impatience of the JOSEPH HANSEN READ children, you’d need “between $3004 and $3458 a year I f the wife bought a heavy wool coat last year, she’s Only 21% of Cleveland CIO mem­ After the discussion a vote among European workers over the inability to maintain a modest but adequate” standard of liv­ still got to wait another three years to acquire that bers voted in the last election, said the audience showed 16 for a Labor of the “Big Four” to forge an en­ aims' and the Marshall Plan fit into Hupp, who thought that this lack Party, seven against, and many on the struggle for power in Europe. ing at June 1947 prices. “new look." And hubby will have to wear another during peace can have colossal con­ year’s shine on last year's suit. of interest in politics would doom the fence. The subject will surely Exact dates and places where Fourth • Those are the government’s own .conservative fig­ sequences not only for Europe but ures. They were submitted 911 Dec. 16 to the Senate- It's sure peculiar how the newspapers and radio any Labor Party. A third party, be discussed more widely among Hansen will speak w ill be an­ House economic subcommittee' by the Bureau of Labor can pour out an ocean of prosperity and the people said he, would split the progressive militant workers here in the com­ for America and the entire world. nounced in coming issues of The International Statistics. They are based on a 21,£-year study of can’t seem to soak up a drop of it. vote and allow big moneyed inter- ing year. 1 Hansen will discuss how Stalin’s Militant.