political Refugees * PAGE 3 EVERY GREAT ADVANCE IN NATURAL KNOWLEDGE HAS INVOLVED THE ABSOLUTE REJECTION OF AUTHORITY.

HUXLEY

(LAY SERMONS)

INCOR POR AT 1NG S P A IN AND T H E WORLD

Vol. HI- No. 1 [48] LONDON, 11th FEBRUARY, 1939 P r ic e 2 d . [u .s jc 5c.]

DIRECT ACTION FOR SPAIN! I THE MILITARY SITUATION IN SPAIN IS GRAVE, AND the parrot-like repetition of “Chamberlain must go” is a ONLY THOSE WHOSE OPTIMISM IS INVERSELY PROPOR­ meaningless slogans. Thou­ snare and a delusion, and the THE TASK TIONAL TO THEIR ACTIVITY ON BEHALF OF SPAIN CAN sands of men will march for name Chamberlain a scapegoat DENY THIS FACT. miles crying in unison “Cham­ for Labour impotence and in­ The reasons behind the present tragic situation are not far to berlain Must G o!” Inwardly, difference. BEFORE US * * * seek: the continuation of Non-Intervention. And what is more, they must know that Chamber- For two years SPAIN AN D THE Non-Intervention is the responsibilibity of those who on the surface lain won’t go unless of course 'The working class has be­ WORLD has been appealing to the sympathise with the Spanish workers, but who in fact, are more he is constitutionally defeated come “Constitutional” in its English speaking workers to act on anxious to keep out of trouble. in the elections in 1940. Yet activity through blindly follow­ behalf of Spain, where the Social they were shouting these same ing its party dictates. Yet, to­ Revolution was being carried After nearly three years of meetings and empty slogans. slogans in 1936. Then, were day, more than ever must our through by the efforts and sacrifice bitter fighting Franco has Workers’ Spain has suffered the Spanish workers expected action be “direct action.” Then of our Spanish comrades. It was a entered Barcelona, triumphant a terrible blow, yet the indomi­ lone voice, and the only one to to wait nearly four years before only will the International pro­ thanks to his heavy artillery table Spanish people want to faithfully interpret the true signifi­ expecting any help from the letariat realize its true strength. and aviation which met with fight on. In their Press, and by cance of the struggle. British proletariat? And even Otherwise the obvious contra­ very little opposition from a word of mouth they still hope During that time, several enthus­ if they wait until an Attlee or dictions which exist to-day, of practically unarmed people. in their final victory. But that iastic men and women have joined Stalin-controlled Pollitt stands workers producing arms to be our ranks, and as a result, a paper But the Spanish workers’ de­ victory will never come so long where Chamberlain stood, will used against themselves and representative of our movement and feat is also a crushing defeat of as the workers of the world Arms go to Spain? their fellow workers in Spain, produced by our groups was essen­ International Labour. Perhaps content themselves with pro­ will continue unchecked. tial. REVOLT! is the outcome. the greatest indictment of tests at the “betrayal.” To-day The answer is NO. The Our cause is that of the workers, It has been the crime of the British Labour is the fact that more than ever, the Spanish Popular Front Government in ever bearing in mind that this cause Union leaders and Left Press some kind of feeling for the people, bleeding from a France has shown that even is also one of Liberty and the Truth. to keep from the worker* the For these very reasons, our path fate of the Spanish people has thousand wounds call to you when Socialists, Communists true significance of the struggle must lie clear of all political parties, only been aroused by the fall for your solidarity : “Arms and and Liberals get power they in Spain. So much so that both corrupt and backward. of Barcelona, 30 months after Food” for their struggle against are still politicians, controlled We will oppose the cowardly poli­ Spain and Czechoslavakia are the military revolt had been Reaction. by the moneyed interests in the tical line of the Labour Party, never synonimous save that our crushed by the militant workers * * * country, which are Fascist. representative of the working class. Labour leaders and Commun­ We will oppose the leaders of the of that town. And this feeling The great menace in the Then why lose precious time ists were prepared to die for Trade Unions, and the Unions them­ is limited to demonstrations, Labour movements to-day is shouting meaningless slogans? selves so long as they remain slaves to Czechoslavakia whereas for their leaders’ dictates. W e will oppose Spain they are only prepared to the Communist Party not only be­ buy food. cause it is no longer championing Spain, surrounded and in­ the working class struggle but be­ vaded by Fascism and betrayed cause it has degenerated into a party Easy Steps to National by the workers of the world ridded with political opportunists and dictatorial bureaucrats. W e will fights on, but she is fighting a The experience of the Great War sider dismissing him from our ser­ oppose the Trotskyists because losing battle against a better taught us that the ruling class would vice at the end of that week, that is whilst continually criticising Stalin, only introduce conscription by stages February 11th.” (News Chronicle armed enemy. Franco’s ad­ would willingly put in his place Serfdom is again given us. The path to serf- 27/1/39). vance on the Catalonian front another dictator equally ruth­ and by another name. Such a lesson Well might Lord Stanhope say is not the end of the workers less. We will oppose the I.L.P. dom is reached by easy stages. the whole working class! "Why do not employers encourage, (though we respect its honesty and struggle. But it is a severe First we were told of the need of Essential to the war industries are or I might almost say DRIVE their blow; a blow from which the idealism) so long as it does not free air raid precautions. In this the basket makers, boot polish workers, workmen into the Territorial itself from its mistaken faith in government was assisted by the ad­ buyers, chefs, ink workers, laundry Army?” (Daily Express 28/9/38). Spanish proletariat may not Parliamentary action. ministrative machine of the Labour workers, decorators, paperhangers, Let no patriotic worker think recover in time. REVOLT! opposes them all, and in Party and the propaganda of the paper bag makers, cardboard carton conscription as to defend his home * * * their stead will bring to the workers Communist Party. makers, brewers, tobacco workers, against a bloodthirsty foreign foe. We are not appealing to the the ideas and ideals of Anarchism Anarchists and revolutionary trade union officials and hundreds of The armed forces are used not to workers of this country, as do and Anarcho-Syndicalism. For us socialists warned the workers that other occupations. What effect is protect workers homes but to com­ the enemies of the working class are A.R.P. could not be a serious factor this expected to have on its readers? bat foreign capitalist competition, to “anti-fascist” politicians who not only the Totalitarian regimes in in saving life, but was a potential Almost every worker reading the subdue the colonial peoples and warn us of the dangers to Italy and Germany, but also those so strike breaking organisation (a strike list will find himself exempt. Is it threaten the workers at home. British freedom in the called “democracies” which in the too is a national emergency) and a expected that he will not oppose Military conscription laws are used Mediterranean with a Franco hands of reactionaries and reform­ subtle propaganda for war prepared­ conscription as it only applies to the to crush strikes and force down victory. other fellow? No one believes that wages. ists alike are used to dampen that ness and conscription. That the We appeal to the Interna­ spirit of Revolt and of class solidar­ workers realised this is shown by the patriotism like charity $Jiould begin In July, 1938, the French Popular ity which are inherent in the socially class composition of the A.R.P. at home. Front Government introduced a tional Proletariat in the name oppressed throughout the world. wardens. Typical of London are the If conscription comes without W ar Service Bill, it was voted for of the Spanish workers who It is for all men and women im­ examples of Battersea and Poplar. resistance it will be easy to take a by the French Communist and have sacrified everything dim­ bued with the ideas of Free Social­ Battersea, a really working class blue pencil and cancel the exemp­ Labour M.P.s. In November that ing these last 30 months of tion of 90 per cent, of these occupa­ year the government led the em­ ism to join with us in our work, borough needed 4,000 wardens and struggle in order to resist the and our struggle. (at the time of the crisis) recruited tions. Even now compulsion is ployers attack on wages, the forty 500. Paddington with a large quietly and subtly applied a little hour week and the unions. forces of reaction within and Our aim is a world of Free Men, more each day. Workers are When the workers struck work beyond their frontiers. not the creation of a new bureau- bourgeois population (Bayswater, Maida Vale, Hyde Park Ward, etc.) threatened by dismissal if they do in self defence the government used cracy. a new State and as a result, NOW! DECLARE A GEN­ needed 2,000 and gathered 2,007. not voluntarily join A.R.P. or that law to conscript the strikers ERAL STRIKE, NOT FOR A a new weapon of repression. Territorial Army. Hunger and want and send them back to work under This is typical of London Boroughs. DAY, BUT FOR A MONTH IF The next step was to suggest that make an efficient press gang. Of martial law. The strike was broken. REVOLT! NECESSARY. A.R.P. was a failure owing to the course employers are not always Now in Britain the T.U.C. agrees voluntary principle and not owing subtle about it. Recently a London to operate National Service and LOAD SHIPS WITH ARMS to the native incompetence of the firm, Messrs. Wilsons (London and discipline the union bodies who AND FOOD FOR SPAIN AND administrators. Provinces, Ltd.), of Clifton Street, resist. Let us vigorously support the MOUNT THEM WITH GUNS E.C., told their workers “we must unions and trades councils which URGENT Having become acclimatised, we AND ANTI-AIRCRAFT GUNS are then made familiar with the idea make a condition of their employ­ refuse to prepare their members for REVOLT / has no financial backing, only FOR PROTECTION AGAINST of general "National Service” and a ment that they join some unit of the the blood bath. Let us as in the omrades anxious to work hard so that Territorial Forces of this country last Great W ar build in each factory, RAIDERS. ““S publication will meet with success. National Register, both to be volun­ not later than Monday, February 6th pit and mill, workshop committees tary at first. The Spanish Workers’ or­ need urgently, contributions to our A list of exempted occupations is next.” with rank-and-file initiative to resist ganizations still ask for arms. S £ y n rrn<*’ anc* comrades willing to sell published, men whose indispensable "That is unless they can submit in each step to National Service the °L77 at meetings and demonstrations. sweet sounding alias of National It is the duty of the Inter­ war work makes them free from writing to me an exceptionally good Serfdom. national proletariat to see that Comrades ! Answer our call now ! military and similar service. A reason as to why he should not join, T. BROW N. strange list which includes almost then we shall be compelled to con­ arms reach them ! 2 REVOLT! FEBRUARY 11th, 1939 " Nationalizationof Petrol in Mexico The following article which owing to Mexico contracted a “debt of honour” to the American and English bourgeoisie lack of space we arc unable to reproduce It is understood that this debt will be d in full, was published in the Mexican A CRITICAL SURVEY by the workers and not only will thev “ Comunismo ” (review of the communist make what their leaders call a voluntara opposition). As we do not possess the declared as its property that which is and the British government. With that suggest? According to the Bul­ sacrifice in order to pay it, but will also original, this article is reproduced from letin, an understanding was reached “ rintemationale ” (Paris).—Eds. most in need of protection—the pro­ the recent “nationalization” this con­ offer upon the alter of the country the perty of English and American trol has now passed into the hands of between Washington and Mexico by 50 millions demanded by the Companies Under a capitalist regime national­ capitalists. what the Mexican bourgeoisie calls which all the petrol would be Ameri­ two years ago! A communication of the isation, has a reactionary character. Executive Committee of the Syndicate „r “our country.” can “ thus demolishing the last British Petrol Workers, published in the nre« It is by means of nationalisation in TRIUMPH OF THE “GOOD This was the only thing that could stronghold in this hemisphere.” on April 28th, 1938, states that this syn- this sense that the bourgeousie pro­ NEIGHBOUR.” dicatc “is perfectly in agreement with tects itself against the revolution of happen in the imperialist phase of “El Nacional;' the organ of the their Government, at the time when this the proletariat. In reality, effective nationalisation capitalism. National redemption Mexican Government, evidently inter­ is necessary for national considerations is impossible for a small state, above means only the triumph of one or an­ prets it thus, judging from the two to forego the benefits agreed on by deci! What is nationalised does not be­ all when applied to the property of other imperialism. In the case of following headlines: “Mexico breaks sion of the conciliation and arbitration come the property of the nation but great international companies, owing committees group 7, and that these shall Mexico it is the “good neighbour” with England” and “The talks with not apply while the present situation con­ the property of the state—that is to to the fact that the Imperialist who has triumphed. the American companies satisfactory.” say the property of the bourgeoisie. tinues. This in spite of the sacrifice of countries are completely in control of The international bourgeoisie ad­ There is no better illustration of the petrol workers (but evidently not of their leaders) and the long years of The nationalisation of the railways the political or economic actions of mits it quite frankly as the following the transformation of Mexico into an and the “expropriation” of the petrol the smaller states. It is only the struggle for more humane conditions on quotation from a bulletin of the exclusively North American colony the petrol fields. Moreover, the workers companies means merely that this Imperialist States that can nationalise, Archives of Geneva dated the 7th of than the adulation of the yankee im­ will, through various organizations, re property has changed hands from one either within their own frontiers, or in June will show. perialism expressed in every number imburse the sum of approximately Ho group of erploiters (the petrol com­ the small states under their control. of “El Nacional,” and in the speeches million pesos and, apart from this sum panies) to another group: the This nationalisation is, needless to “From now onward, the United States being conscious of their duty as Mexicans’ is the indisputable master of all the of all the Mexican leaders. give up one day salary a month, approxi! Mexican Government. The nature say, nothing but a farce—a change of domains of Mexico. The last British According to them the American mately 150,000 pesos a month, for an of this ownership remains unchanged, labels. The little “free” and “anti- stronghold (in Latin America) has been imperialism of to-day is really anti­ indefinite period, in view of the economic demolished to its’ foundations. The depression in the country.” it is still capitalist as before. The imperialist” state is “nationalized” by imperialism. Only English imperial­ workers are in exactly the same situa­ its’ imperialist master. United States have employed the only means of driving the English from ism is imperialism. In addition to these vast sums the tion as before. They are obliged to The only change possible in the Mexico without firing a single shot.” The great traitor, Leon Trotsky, sup­ sell their work to the owners of the “national redemption” cost the petrol case of a small state such as Mexico, It is also suggested in the Bulletin ports this propaganda with his open workers (not to mention the others) means of production, in this case the is that it passes from the control of that it was with the aid of Cardenas letters in which imperialism is understood owners of the petrol fields, the in­ to be the equivalent of British imperial­ over 190 million pesos. If we take some foreign companies and their that the English were finally driven ism. He has nothing to say about into consideration the millions lost by stallation, and the machinery of dis­ governments to other - foreign com­ out of Mexico. This was accom­ American imperialism. tribution, while the owner, now the the workers through trusting to the panies and their respective govern­ plished without difficulty. While the At the same time, by pretending to conciliation committees instead of Mexican State, keeps the surplus hand over control of the railways and ments. English were rejoicing in the posses­ striking for higher wages from the profit produced by the exploited This is precisely what has happened sion of 60 per cent, of the petrol in petrol industry to the workers they could workers. persuade them to make almost unbeliev­ companies we have a formidable recently in Mexico. The big North Mexico as opposed to the 40 per cent, able sacrifices. figure. Instead of obtaining at least In other words, the petrol industry American companies (Standard Oil controlled by the American com­ Success all along the line! In the form the 20 million promised by the of nationalisation the bourgeois govern­ in Mexico has now been converted and Gulf) were formerly obliged to panies, Cardenas appropriated it all. “favourable” decision of the Commit­ into one gigantic “Petro Mex” com­ ment was able to hand over control of the share the control of petrol wealth, But, while the expropriation aroused most important industry of the country to tees on the 50 million which were de­ bine with “national” directors and and of the fate of Mexico, with the a storm in London, it was greeted American Imperialism. In this trans­ manded from the Companies, they are technicians instead of foreign ones English company (Royal Dutch Shell) calmly in Washington. What would action the bourgeois government of obliged to pay to the imperialist and the principal task of the big companies, through their anti­ “Petro-Mex” is the same as that of imperialist government, a sum at least the smaller company owned by the five times larger. Instead of receiv­ Mexican State previous to the ing 20 million they are forced to pay “nationalisation” : to prevent or break Workers’ Empire Conference Fiasco 190 million as a contribution to the strikes, as was the case in the strike of “debt of honour.” protest last year. This conference (held on the 21 st to resist the foreman’s customary demand League!" Were they important amend­ January at Friends’ House, London) for a “rake-off" on their wages. ments? To take one typical case, “Im ­ In the Mexican petrol industry, the should have been as great a counterblast Kenyatta in particular gave a good speech perialism is one of the greatest evils of In all the history of the internation­ two classes which are fundamentally to the Tory-C.P. “Peace and Empire" on the position of the Kenya natives: how our age” (etc.) was suggested should be al bourgeoisie, it would be difficult to opposed within the capitalist society, conference held some time back as the their plight was similar to that of the amended to "The breakdown of imperial­ find a more perfectly executed trick. Workers’ Empire Exhibition, running German Jews, only far worse; how racial ism, throttled by its own inner contradic­ Under the patriotic words “ecpnomic capitalist and proletariat—or exploiter alongside the Conference, was to the persecution, confiscation of properly, tions, results in ever more vicious attacks and. exploited—are no less opposed Government-propagandist Glasgow Em­ "Ghetto-badges," pogroms were all or­ upon the colonial peoples and the toilersliberty for Mexico” is hidden the since the “nationalisation” than they pire Exhibition. As it was, the Confer­ ganised against the workers of Kenya, yet at home” (etc.; and plenty). And it was most gigantic theft known to history. were before it. The petrol industry ence served only to illustrate the paucity not a word was said on their behalf, be­ a pure case of carpet-bagging— each of The workers, while feeling instinctive­ and sterility of the pure-Marxist “left of cause they were a different colour to the the three Leagues was Trotskyist (genuine ly that they have been robbed, are remains what it always was; the prop the Communist Party’’ movement. German Jews. variety, not Stalin sense)! of the capitalist system in Mexico. With the speakers actually put up by It was not with the speakers we had George Mansur (former secretary of the too blinded by the idea of “the Politically it is even stronger than the organising committee there was, in the any fault to find, but with the resolution. Arab Labour Federation) spoke on a reso­ country in danger” to realise the before for instead of several foreign main, little fault to be found. Speaker There was a passage reading that “the lution demanding an enquiry into the atro­whole truth. companies protected by the State, the after speaker emphasised the fact that Indian National Congress and other city allegations against the Imperial troops " democracy” and Fascism were synony­ colonial organisations have declared that in Palestine, into death sentences, house- workers now have to deal directly What conclusions can we draw? mous terms to the colonial worker. The they will refuse to support any war waged burnings, imprisonments, shootings as part That the task before the Mexican with the State itself, with its labour bloody stories of French and British Im ­ by the British Government until they are of a definite policy and not as sporadic demagogy, its conciliation commit­ perialism were told: how the Arab nation politically free. It is our duty to support happenings. This was carried with only proletariat is not to make sacrifices in was, because of its geographical position, this attitude." U N TIL they are politi­ one dissident; our delegates voted for this, order that the petrol industry and the tees, its police, its prisons and its exploited by both these robber-govern­ cally free! Then, of course .... of course. army. Thus the battle of the workers railways should be paying proposi­ ments, in Syria and in Palestine; how Against this the two anarchist delegates If conferences are to be of any use, it is tions for imperialist and “nationalist” in the petrol industry is a thousand French police fired on demonstrations indecided to protest, but, naturally, the to attain unity on certain objectives, which times harder than it ever was before. Indo-China leaving the dead in the street; chairman (Fenner Brockway, of the In­ are obscured by party politics. It appears, capitalists, nor to accept the farce of The fundamental function of the how labour organisations were suppressed dependent Labour Party) wasn’t having however, that the politicians have a habit the “handing over” of industries to a by France and Britain in their Empires, any. Instead, the entire afternoon was of “perpetual recurrence”: because of this State is to protect capitalist owner­ so-called “workers administration,” how bribery and slavery flourished. spent in discussion of a set of trifling the only permanent solution seems to be but to conquer them, that is to say to ship, but to-day this protection has Abdul Hamid told of two members of the amendments proposed by the “Militant the linking-up of workers’ direct action all taken a new form: to insure that the Indian Seamens Union (present at the Labour League," the "Workers’ Inter­ over the world, and such conferences are snatch them from the grasp of the Conference) who had been beaten up and national League" (supporting the other doomed to failure. bourgeoisie by means of the prolet­ petrol industry is made safe from any their money stolen because they had dared two) and the “Revolutionary Socialist attack by the workers, the State has AM. arian revolution. ORGANISED LABOUR IN AMERICA

It is generally believed, in the U.S. as well as in Europe, that in American trade unions, I refer to a variety of practices, ranging from the conflict between A.F.L. and C.I.O. is a struggle between the ideas excessive constitutional centralization of power, through all the gamut of craft and industrial unionism. But this is only a half-truth, and at (From a Correspondent) of legal and illegal force and fraud, to the stealing of ballots and the the present juncture a misleading one. While it is true that the original murder of opponents). An indication of the temper of the rank and split was largely (though not entirely) the result of the unwillingness the habit of inexact statement is deeply ingrained in many American file may be seen in the recent action of the International Ladies’ Garment of the craft unions to relinquish their paper jurisdiction in certain of the trade unions. Thus, Mr. Lewis's Miners claimed 500,000 at a period Workers, one of the original members of the C.I.O.—and noted for its mass-production industries, this stage has long been passed. The neces­ when their membership had actually sunk to about 100,000. While progressive and, on the whole, democratic policies—which withdrew from sities of the situation have forced the A.F.L. itself to adopt the industrial their present claim of 600,000 is profeably fairly accurate, one must view the C.I.O. and stated its intention of remaining unaffiliated until such form of organisation in one industry after another (c.g. electrical manu­ with rather more scepticism the membership claims of Steel Workers and time as it felt affiliation with one group or the other might contribute facturing, timber), in addition to those (brewing, hotel and restaurant, Textile Workers Organization Committees—since these claims are not to unity. coal, garment, etc.) in which it had always recognised the principle. based on dues payments, and the activities of the two unions in question But such hope of unity in the near future as exists derives, not so On the other hand, the major industrial unions in the C.I.O. to-day are largely financed and controlled by the Miners and Clothing Workers much from a likelihood that the leaders may sacrifice themselves to the in­ are still those which originally left the A.F. of L. (United Mine Workers, Unions, respectively). terests of the rank and file, but from certain ulterior considerations. Chief Amalgamated Clothing Workers, United Automobile Workers, Steel While there can be no question that the original formation of the among these is the political situation. Mr. Roosevelt has sought vigor­ Workers, and Texile Workers). Most of these have grown in member­ C.I.O. as a group within the f .F. of L. (and even perhaps the subsequent ously to make the trade unions a tail to his political kite, and in this ship since the split; in the case of Steel, Auto, and Textile Workers the split) gave a tremendous impulse to organization at a time when it was he has received the loyal support of a number of politically minded growth has been phenomenal. But this growth has taken place for the badly needed, the organizational effects of the split are to-day almost trade union leaders on both sides. But the A.F. of L.—C.I.O. split has most part within the limits of the very wide jurisdiction they possessed entirely bad. Jurisdictional conflicts between the two are frequent; out­ caused serious difficulties in this programme because of the tendency of while affiliated to the A.F. of L. True, a few thousand new members of right scabbing on both sides is by no means rare. (Thus, President many A.F.L. leaders to oppose any candidate receiving C.I.O. support. In the Miners union are in by-product industries not formerly within its Green gave an A.F. of L. Charter to a company union of metal miners, an effort to eliminate this difficulty, the Administration has been bringing jurisdiction; and the United Automobile Workers has.by a rather peculiar while a group of scabs in an A.F.L. taxicab strike received a C.I.O. its weight to bear on behalf of unity. Thus it was that Dan Tobin, interpretation of industrial unionism, organised occasional locals of pickle- Charter). The struggle for power has frequently led each group to seek president of the Teamsters Union (largest in the A.F. of L., and also workers and saloon-keepers. But the greatest part of the gains made by alliances with government and employers against the other. And on chairman of the Labour Committee of the Democratic Party) took the this group of C.I.O. unions may be traced directly to the prompt and the political field, the alliance of certain C.I.O. leaders with one group floor at the recent A.F. of L. Convention with a stirring appeal for energetic use of the favourable opportunity offered by a period of tem­ of politicians has often been met by A.F.L. support of their opponents. unity. Thus also it is that there is some hope that the dominant forces porary “prosperity,” and the psychological aid to organization provided And there can be no question that the mutual recriminations of C.I.O. in the C.I.O.—Mr. Lewis, Mr. Hillman, and the “Communist" Part^r~ in particular by the Wagner Act, ana in general by the belief of the and A.F L. tend to repel the mass of the unorganized workers. Why, all of whom are enthusiastic supporters of Mr. Roosevelt, will now be workers that the government was “friendly to labour." The C.I.O. took then, if the effects of the split are disastrous, and growing more so, and in a more receptive frame of mind for unity proposals. For there can advantage of this opportunity by pouring in money, the former largely if no major difference of principle or tactics divide the two groups, is be no question that the recent elections have shown that Mr. Roosevelt from the staffs and the latter even more largely from the treasuries of unity not achieved? Perhaps the most important reason is that unity and his allies are badly in need of the votes the A.F. of L. could deliver. the United Mine Workers, the Amalgamated Clothing Workers, and the could only be achieved at the expense of the ambitions for sole leader­ Thus a thoroughly desirable end may perhaps be achieved for thoroughly International Ladies' Garment Workers. Nor in its organizational activi­ ship which actuate the dominant cliques in both groups. undesirable reasons. ties did the C.I.O. confine itself to the industrial form of organization. It was the threat to their control, implied in the organization of the C.I.O., which originally led the groups intrenched on the A.F.L. The real hope for American trade unionism, however, lies in * Thus in the maritime industry its unions retain the craft form of growth of democracy which will enable the members to control their executive council to order its expulsion; but it was also the desire for income, and a growth of clear class—consciousness in the members the A.F.L. unions from which they split, while the “United Electrical, power which caused John L. Lewis to walk out of the unity negotiations Radio, and Machine Workers" is, in the main, a craft union of machinists. to which subsequently the moderates in the A.F.L. had forced the themselves. The first is likely to involve a long and difficult struggle* Moreover, many of its minor affiliates (Shoe Workers, Transport, but one which unity, however achieved, would render much easier. For extremists to agree. Yet there can be little doubt that the bulk of the now the pretext of civil war may be used to suppress any opposition Workers etc.) are dual to A.F.L. unions long possessing the industrial members of both organizations are sincerely desirous of unity, despite form. in the ranks of either groups, while in the case of unity, it is likely the gyrations of their leaders. Unfortuately this will to unity is hin­ that each group of leaders would insist on a much greater degree or While the most spectacular gains have been made by C.I.O. unions, dered in making itself effective by the almost complete absence of internal democracy in the ranks of the other, in the hope of democracy in the the A.F.L. has been by no means idle in the period since the split. It democracy in many unions on both sides. Thus, Mr. Lewis’s own union, ranks of the other, in the hope of attaining influence among them- has, in fact, approximately doubled its membership, and at least one of the United Mine Workers, and Sidney Hillman’s Almalgated Clothing The growth of a clear class—conscious point of view among the workers its affiliates, the Teamsters' Union, can show gains comparable with those Workers have both been under thoroughly dictatorial regimes for many is also likely to require a painfully long time, but the increasing pressure of any C.I.O. union. Moreover, where the C.I.O. has suffered sharply years, and it is not even pretended that the members of the Steel and on their standard of living, and their repeated betrayals at the hand* in the industrial slump of the last year, the A.F.L. has continued to grow. Textile workers unions have the right to govern themselves. Similarly, of bourgeois politicians, are already beginning to show signs of producing The A.F.L. to-day has a membership of about 4 million; it is doubtful the building trades, one of the strongholds of the A.F. of L., are per­ an effect, while their militancy in day to day struggles for immediate if the C.I.O. exceeds 2 million. (An exact comparison is difficult, as meated with dictatorial practices. (When I speak of denial of democracy demands is unexcelled anywhere. REVOLT! FEBRUARY 11th, 1939 3

M ilitary Objectives ? NEARER TO REALITY

^ HE year has opened tragically for the opposition the ideals of freedom and the of feet, that has proved to be made of true friends of Spain, but the dis­force; it has caused millions of simple traitrous clay. asters which have filled us with sorrow people, who never before dared to liftOur immediate duty is to alleviate our an apprehension can also serve to bring their minds above the dull routine ofguilt with acts of solidarity. A people, ns nearer to reality. It is not that we their slavish lives, to question the justice homeless and persecuted because of the have been living in a fools paradise; of their lot and to yearn for a fairer faith they share with us, must be rescued there is nothing, either in the history of existence. The ideas which we had to from death and despair. We must stir our movement, or in the present align­instil by propaganda and education the are conscience of our country, so that it ment of forces, that could for a moment now a common possession of all gwes the shelter and food to those who are lead us to suppose that freedom andpeople; and once a people is roused destitute to because we have refused them justice were easy to uphold. It is doubt­a consciousness of its rights, once lovearms for their self-defence. ful if our cause can ever be established replaces duty in their hearts, and mutual o> force of arms, because the arms we aid is seen as an alternative to moral and orur are dangerous, even to ourselves. SPAIN’S POLITICAL REFUGEES economic servitude, then no power of From Lucia Sanchez Saornil, Secretary The instruments of death are incompat­armaments and no alien mercenaries can of the S.I.A. comes an urgent appeal for ible ivith freedom. W e fervently desire for long withstand the spiritual power the refugees: “ DEMAND RIGHT OF the victory of the Spanish People and that is generated in their midst. ASYLUM IN ENGLAND FOR REFU­ with victory we hope to carry forward GEES.” We need hardly add many words our libertarian policy. A victory for to this more than eloquent appeal. France has opened her frontiers, but this I ranco would mean, instead of an open By does not preclude us from acting on be­ campaign for freedom, for federalism half of our comrades. and for workers' control, a return to the We must demand that political refu­ dark battle against tyranny. We do notHERBERT READ gees men without countries such as the fear that prospect. We know that though Italian and German comrades, and our Spanish comrades whose return to Cata­ we are without wealth and opportunity The Spanish tragedy brings us nearer lonia would mean instant death, should to buy the weapons of modern warfare, to reality— above all to the realisation be allowed to come to this country with­ we fight with the irresistible armament that the international solidarity of the out political discrimination being made. of our ideals. Against us is an embodi­working classes, which is the only force This is a responsibility which we must ment of force and might—a power thatwe can oppose to capitalism and fascism. shoulder without another moment’s hesi­ tation. Send us funds for the purpose must perish of its spiritual and intellec­does not yet exist. Do not let us disguise and demand in no uncertain manner, tual poverty; with us is the immortal the ugly truth: the Spanish workers have whenever and wherever possible, that flame of humanity—the truth and love been betrayed by their British, French this country should admit Spain’s poli­ which penetrate all barriers and bring us, and American comrades. History will tical refugees. through centuries of oppression, nearer record to our shame that in these very SPAIN AND THE WORLD COLONY to the good life. years which saw the destruction of the At the moment of going to press, we have had no news as to the fate of our The mighty armaments which Franco Spanish democracy for want of arms, our children at Masnou. But we still appeal has secured from his fascist allies may own workers were busily engaged on the for Funds which will be used both for the subdue the Spanish people, but they can­rearmament of their capitalist masters. women and children and political refu­ gees. We hope that a new colony may not extinguish the knowledge and en­We must create new bonds of inter­ be started in France very shortly. lightenment which have come into their national solidarity, free from the weak­ Show your solidarity with the Span­ lives. Indeed, the effect of this long nesses inherent in parliamentary ish workers now and during the coming strife is quite the contrary. It has socialism. We must return to the months. Contributions should be sent to: Spain and the World Refugee Fund, By the thousands they flee before illuminated, as never before, the misery foundations of our faith; for it is the 21 Frith Street, London, W.l, England. Franco’s “ Christian ” Army of a people; it has thrown into sharphead, of this giant democracy, and not

Tom Mooney's Resurrection By Emma Goldman

A sensational newspaper published in San Francisco was sent Examiner was especially bloodthirsty. The panic that followed dared speak up for the prisoners. But we were known as to me by a friend. It is filled with news about Tom Mooney’s on the heels of the explosion exposed strikingly the lack of courage, Anarchists and it was a question whether the accused, of whom pardon and resurrection from his living death. It also reports not only of the average person, but of the Radicals and Liberals only Israel Weinberg, was an Anarchist, would wish to have us the joyous and enthusiastic reception given him by representatives as well. My largely-attended meetings dwindled to a mere fifty affiliated with their defence. They might feel that our names of all Labour organisations of San Francisco. I, too, rejoiced with persons on the evening after the explosion and the weeks follow­ would hurt their case rather than do them good. I myself knew Tom’s final liberation, but my joy was intermingled with consider­ ing, the rest of the audience consisting of detectives and police. them but slightly, and Warren K. Billings, I had never met. But able sorrow that the man who loved him most and was the first A reign of official terror followed the explosion. Revolution­ we could not sit by idly and be a party to the conspiracy of to proclaim Tom Mooney’s innocence was no longer among the ary workers and Anarchists were, as always, the first victims. silence. Alexander Berkman knew all of the accused well, and living to rejoice with me. I mean Alexander Berkman. Four labour men and one woman were immediately arrested. he was absolutely certain of their innocence. He considered none At the time of the bomb explosion in the Preparedness Parade They were Thomas J. Mooney and his wife, Rena, Warren K. of them capable of throwing a bomb into a crowd of people. July 22nd, 1916, I was in San Francisco as one of the cities in Billings, Edward D. Nolan and Israel Weinberg. During the two weeks following the tragedy of July 22nd, my annual itinary for lectures. I had already addressed large Thomas Mooney, long a member of Moulders’ Union, Local the Blast, the militant paper published by Alexander Berkman, in audiences for a whole week. On the historic day I went to my 164, was known throughout California as an energetic fighter in San Francisco, and my meetings, were the only expression of pro­ dear co-worker, Alexander Berkman, and our friend, M. E. the cause of the workers. For many years he had been an effective test against the terrorist campaign carried on by the local authori­ Fitzgerald, to lunch with them and spend the afternoon. While factor in various strikes. Because of his incorruptibility, he was ties at the behest of the Chamber of Commerce. Robert Minor, we were joking and laughing over our meal, the telephone rang, cordially hated by every employer and Labour politician on the then an ardent Anarchist, had been summoned by Comrade and Alexander Berkman stepped into his office to answer it. When coast. The United Railways had tried, a few years previously, Berkman from Los Angeles, to come and help in our preparation he returned I noticed the extremely serious expression on his face, to put Mooney behind the bars, but even the farmer jury had for the defence of the accused innocent men. and I intuitively felt that something had happened. refused to credit the frame-up against him. Recently he had It required several weeks of the most strenuous effort on our sought to organise again the motor men and conductors of the part to awaken some semblance of interest even among the “A bomb exploded in the Preparedness Parade this after­ radicals. We succeeded in raising at my meetings $100 and in noon,” he said: “There are killed and wounded.” Street Car Combine. He had attempted, unsuccessfully, to call a strike of the platform men a few weeks before the parade, and borrowing a considerable sum for the defence of the arrested “I hope they are not going to hold the Anarchists responsible the United Railways marked him for their victim. They posted labour men. But so terrified was San Francisco that no Attorney for it,” I cried out. bulletins on the car bams warning their men to have nothing to of standing would accept the case of the prisoners, who had al­ “How could they?” Fitzi retorted. do with the “dynamiter Mooney,” on pain of immediate discharge. ready been condemned by every paper on the city. “How could they not?” Sasha (Berkman) answered; “They On the night following the posting of the bulletins, some power- In New York I began my quest for a man with always have.” towers of the company were blown up, and those who knew smiled courage and legal standing who would be brave enough to On the way to my apartment I heard newsboys calling out at the obvious attempt of the railway bosses to “get” Mooney by defend innocent victims in the face of the terror in San Francisco. Extra Editions. I bought the papers and found what I had the peculiarly “timely” branding of him as a dynamiter. After I had been refused by several well-known lawyers, among expected—glaring headlines about “An Anarchist Bomb” all over Warren K. Billings, formerly President of the Boot and Shoe them Frank P. Walsh, an eminent attorney in Kansas City, I had the front page. The papers demanded the immediate arrest of the Workers’ Union, had for years been active in Labour struggles, to report to the friends in San Francisco that the situation looked speakers at the Preparedness Meeting of July 20th. Hearst’s and the employers had once before succeeded in railroading him hopeless. Thereupon I received word that the International to prison on a trumped up charge in connection with strike troubles Workers’ Defence League, organised in San Francisco, had in San Francisco. requested Alexander Berkman to go east to secure an able attorney and to arouse the labour element to the peril of the prisoner. The other comrades of Mooney and Billings were also known 1 h**!! Struck for Spain active labour men, while Mrs. Mooney was a music teacher. (to be continued) ^hen the Spanish workers rose against Fascism in the glorious July, To charge her, her husband and the other men, with the jo , the international anarcho-syndicalist movement immediately called responsibility for the Preparedness Parade explosion, was a or atrike action against the intervention of British, French, German and deliberate attempt to strike Labour a deadly blow through its All who have read our pamphlet agree that it is a ‘UUian capitalism in Spain. most energetic and uncompromising representatives. We expected Unfortunately the reformist working class movement was tied to the valuable contribution to a deeper understanding of the * political machine and hoped to gain more by negotiating with corrupt a concerted response on behalf of the accused from the liberal and Spanish workers’ struggle. If you have not read it yet, eactionary politicians than by workers direct action. radical elements, regardless of political differences. Instead we order your copy now _ . rect action could have saved the Spanish people two years of were confronted by complete silence on the part of the very people no^ nn8s> but let not regret at the years that are lost prevent us acting who had for years known and collaborated with Tom Mooney, SOCIAL RECONSTRUCTION . welcome the action of the engineering shop stewards in organising Billings and Nolan. IN SPAIN . aem°nstration strike on January 26th. Four factories struck work at There was not a single prominent man in the unions on the j t0 )°*n an Arms for Spain demonstration in the west-end of coast who now dared speak up for his arrested brothers. There by G aston L eval . naon. Hearing of this, groups in other factories defying threats of “ snussal joined in. was no one to offer a penny for their defence. Not one word “An admirably concise and efficient survey . . . should on no . ,L^r°m 4 p.m. onwards trains and buses from the industrial areas appeared even in “Organised Labour,” the organ of the powerful acount be missed.” —N£w LEADER e west-end rang with shouts of “Arms for Spain! ” building trades. Not a word in the “Labour Clarion,” the official “. . . attractively produced and altogether astonishing value for j *n sPite of threats and discouragement a large procession paraded weekly of the San Francisco Labour Council and of the State threepence . . . should not on any account be missed by any wirh °n' was a fine ’demonstration, without party labels or titles, Federation of Labour. Even Freeman Older, who had so serious student of the Spanish struggle .” . . $tew°Uj seekings. Further action is planned. Keep it up shop staunchly defended the Macnamara brothers, implicated in the ETHEL M A N N IN in PEACE NEW S. explosion of the Los Angeles Mines Building, and who had always per copy 3d. (postage Id.) bravely championed every unpopular cause, was silent now, in the face of the evident Chamber of Commerce conspiracy to hang FREEDOM PRESS DISTRIBUTORS “ed by the Revolt! Editorial Committee at 21 Frith Street, London, 21 FRITH STREET, LONDON, W.l. t, on February n th , 1939, and printed by The Narod Press (T.U.), mnocent^men sjmatjon Only Alexander Berkman and I 129/ 131, Cavell Street, London, E.i. 4 REVOLT! FEBRUARY 11th, 1939

unions only receive half these sums, that is to say, either fifty or twenty-five per ■»' JBoofcs— — In the Land of the cent, of their total wages. AT THE COMMENCEMENT OF THE REVOLUTION EVERY WORKER, WHEN SICK RECEIVED The Will to FULL SALARY. UNDER THE FIVE ‘Dictatorship of the YEAR PLAN, TWO YEARS SER­ VICE ENTITLED THE WORKER TO Civilization FULL PAY WHEN SICK OR IN­ JURED AND THE NON-UNIONIST TO 50 PER CENT. TO-DAY . . . ^——Review By F. A. Ridley ■ Proletariat’ There has also been a reduction in the paid rest time for women in case of child­ To-day is the day of populariza­ vast canvas, may be summarized birth. Now, 35 days before a confine­ tion; of “middle-brow” books, which 1) By a decision of the Council of the signed by Molotov, Stalin and Chvemik, ment and 28 days after are allowed in thus:— Peoples Commissaries dated 20th Decem­ the heads of the administrative and place of 56 before and 56 after. deal with (more or less) high-brow ber, 1938 (quoted from “IZVEST1A” political power and of the trade unions Six ukases signed by the President of subjects in a (more rather than less) The essential principle of human 2\st December, 1938), each worker must . . . new measures are to be taken with the Supreme Council of the Soviet Union, evolution is social solidarity, or carry a " work book” as from 15 th regard to discipline in industry and social low-brow manner. For the domain dated January 3rd, 1939 IZVESTIA, ( of sociology and politics the domin­ “Faith in civilization,” to borrow the January, 1939. This book will contain insurance, to take effect after January JANUARY 4th) changed the text of the an account of all the changes of employ­ 1st, 1939. ant type is set by “The Left Book author’s expressive phrase. This oath required of all soldiers and of the “Faith” has inspired mankind’s long ment of it’s bearer and of the causes of All executives arc ordered to treat civilian employees of the Red Army, and Club,” which has reduced the such changes the remuneration he receives severely any attack on discipline in in­ regulate the ceremonial of administering story, which centres around his serial and the cause of discharge, should that ephemeral to an art and the super­ dustry, punishment going as far as dis­ the oath. ficial to a science. Amid the din of efforts to build a civilization that take place. It will be impossible to en­ charge or even a criminal charge. Any Anything which might suggest inter­ gage a worker unless he present his “work such literary machines “the still small shall be really permanent, giving worker who leaves his employment of his nationalism and the work-class movement satisfaction to all, and beyond the book” which must be retained by the em­ own will or who is discharged for an has been suppressed, and only the defence voice” of original thought is, to-day, ployers until his discharge. The price of offence against discipline will lose all of country is affirmed. in danger, as never before, of being pale of decay and disintegration. the book is fixed at 50 kopeks and a fine benefits from social insurance until he has Each soldier must take the oath IN ­ entirely swamped. Hitherto, all such attempts have of 25 roubles (THAT IS TO S/fY 4-5 completed six months employment in a D IV ID U A L L Y, not later than two D A Y S W AG ES ) will be inflicted for it’s failed: the historic highway is new job. Similarly, such workers will months after joining the army. “The Will to Civilization” is, de­ cluttered up with the debris of fallen loss. UP TIL L NO W W ORK PEOPLE henceforth be liable to eviction from their The oath is to be spoken, then signed, finitely, the work of an original and HAVE ONLY BEEN OBLIGED TO lodgings on ten days notice, without the during a solemn ceremony before the civilizations, with “the ruins of CARRY A CERTIFICATE OF EM­ necessity for legal proceedings. IN THE regiment in full dress complete with flags, dynamic thinker, who has fully empires.” Retrogression is, after all, PLOYMENT BUT IT IS TRUE PAST, WHEN SUCH PROCEEDINGS music, and an address by the colonel! assimilated in all its bearings the THAT LATTERLY, THE REASONS as much a fact of nature and history WERE OBLIGATORY, THEY DID ALL THESE MEASURES WERE dictum of the royal philosopher as its counterpart, progress. But _ FOR DISCHARGE HAVE BEEN NOT ALWAYS HAVE THE DE­ PRECEEDED AND ACCOMPANIED (Frederick the Great): “What is the NOTED ON THEM. SIRED RESULT. BY A PRESS CAMPAIGN DESIGN­ and this is perhaps the most daring ED TO SHOW THAT THE good of experience if you do not and important thought in the book, 2) The “Presidium” of the Supreme Pensions are to be increased from 10 Council of the Soviet Union has issued WORKERS THEMSELVES HAD DE­ reflect.” Mr. Katz conducts, herein, —mankind is no Ozymandias gazing to 25 per cent, for workers having a long MANDED THESE LAWS AND an ukase dated 21th December, 1938 record of continuous employment in the a vast survey of human experience, forever upon the majestic ruins of his {IZVESTIA 2Sth December ) instituting WERE DELIGHTED BY THEM. backed up by encyclopoedic learning, same factory or workshop, while they are SIN C E THE 3rd JA N U A R Y THE own social handiwork. No! De­ three new decorations, two of which are to be abolished for those who have only a particularly designed for workers, a medal NEWSPAPERS HAVE PUBLISHED, and illustrating with striking consist­ feated on the temporal plane, he takes short term to their credit. AS HORRIBLE EXAMPLES, NUM­ ency a number of elemental philoso­ ‘‘for prowess at work" and another ‘‘for There are also to be changes in the refuge in the celestial. Beaten in, the exemplary worker” These medals EROUS CASES OF WORKERS DIS­ phical first principles. Definitely, and by, time, it is in eternity that he regulations affecting benefits in the case CHARGED FOR HAVING BEEN will be given by the President of the of illness or accidents at work. this is a seminal book: one of the few Supreme Council to workers who shall ABSENT FROM WORK ON THE 1st takes refuge. Hence, upon the have given the best examples of “Stak- 4) Six years uninterrupted employment inJANUARY (AFTER NEW YEARS such that have appeared in the de­ failure of secular civilization, the hanovism,-" to those who reach the highest one establishment must be completed be­ EVE!) WITHOUT BEING ABLE TO cadent phase of Capitalism that be­ human race takes shelter in the ark output, and to those who contribute tofore the worker is entitled to sickpay equal GIVE ‘‘GOOD REASONS” FOR came more and more pronounced to full wages. THEIR ABSENCE. of the Church; beaten by time, it re­ the advancement of technique, science and after the World War. treats into the timeless. Unable to culture. Less than two years continuous employ­ CONCLUSIONS ? D RAW THEM Katz’ fundamental idea, which 3) By a decision dated 2Sth December, ment will entitle the worker to only fifty FOR YOURSELVES. THEY ARE stand the headlong movement of life, 1938 (IZVESTIA, 29th December ) and per cent, relief, and those workers not inONLY TOO CLEAR. YVON. runs like a golden thread across his beaten man seeks a metaphysical universe, a world of “pure act” (Aristotle), from which all movement, all change, is forever excluded. OUR NEW RESPONSIBILITY Hence, the rise of the church repre­ Industrial Britain on the Move! sents the failure of man in “the Below we are giving our final lists of adventure of civilization.” “Both contributions to “ Spain and the World.” It is an eloquent tribute to “T H E popular myth about the con­ latively prosperous South and Jewish refugee cinema appeals with Christianity and Buddhism are the work of “ Spain and the World.” servatism of the British workers London (where the new factories, . . . the unemployed’s counter­ Tchabods—children of the decline But “ Revolt!” is a continuation and has again been shaken. Gradually, etc., are, presumably to make them demonstrations! and fall of two of the urban civiliza­ intensification of this work, and I hope tions of antiquity.” In fact, it is the that all our comrades in England and but surely, there is another swing- more easily bombed from the air) The humbug about the refugee on the continent will give their con­ over to industrial direct action. In has made landlords inflated with essence of the argument that—“in menace will be seen. None of these the beginning was the act.” (Faust). tinued support to “ Revolt!” in the spite of all the compromises of the their "prerogative” of choosing refugees take jobs in this country. same way as they have for the past so-called “workers’ parties” (which tenants. Rents are going up— while, If it is only in empiricism, in two years supported “ Spain and the The outcry was then against the W orld.” comprise very little the average in the London and Southern areas, charity appeals, but the fact of the action, that society advances. My­ V.R., worker) we find all the ingredients partly because of A.R.P. scares, matter is that the outcriers have not sticism, metaphysics, and the whole of a revolutionary labour movement partly because of usual stinginess, the slightest intention of rifling the conception underlying the phrase: SPAIN AND THE WORLD actually in action. conditions (even the lawful obliga­ funds of the Baldwin Appeal Fund, “My kingdom is not of this world,” PRESS FUND. Suddenly— on top of each other, tions to keep in good condition and and giving it to the unemployed. embody merely the failure of society (20th December to 20th January). almost— we find some unions giving repair) are getting worse. All they intend to do is make.a fuss to act; of its “elan vital,” of its “will Illinois: F. Porter 8/ 6; Steubenville: N. a blank refusal to offers of co­ Three strikes are reported, at the about it, and get the unemployed to live”—socially. Corrado 8/ 6; New Brunswick: A. Blecher To-day we stand at an historical £2/14/11; Renton Pa: per Tita Pradetto operation in A.R.P., “National Ser­ moment of writing. In Flower-and- to do the same, instead of attacking £1/11/10; N. Bergen: D. Frascati 13/-; vice,” conscription and speed-up, un­ Dean Street, one of the toughest the U.A.B., P.A.C. and Unemploy­ vantage point wherefrom the world- Chicago: p.p. social £2/2/6, Tampa Fla: employed demonstrations in the parts of Spitalfields, a 100 per cent, ment Exchanges, where, after all society is, for the first time, visible per A. Coniglio 14/11; Toronto: A. metropolis and elsewhere, and rent- solid strike demands lower rents and something can be done. Fortunate­ and, if we will it, close at hand, man­ Bortolotti £1/1/3; London: A Meltzer little better conditions. Some­ ly, the unemployed (at any rate, as a kind can, to-day, reach the world- 6d.; Tottenham Court Road Builders (per strikes^ E. Man) 1A; Youngstown: S. Antomni The three moves of producer, what akin to the wartime Glasgow whole) have not fallen for it. society, the social goal of civilization throughout the ages. But humanity, List 14: 17A; Mareeba: G. Farello 10/-; tenant and workless (it needs only rent strike, the women are leading It is regrettable that the National London: T. Brown 5/-; Nottingham: H. if it has the will to live, has, a consumer’s boycott of blacklist the struggle to resist the landlord Unemployed W orkers’ Movement is Mace 2/6; New York: Dr. J. Grossner and his agents. .In Quinn-square equally, the will to die. It can, now, 8/ 6; London: B. Derczanski 2/6, H. firms and Fascist-import firms to so completely in the hands of the Cooks 5/-; Oslo: F. Hazeland 9/10; complete the four ingredients of a Buildings— scene of 1938 rent-strike non-revolutionary Communist Party, as in the past, “make the great re­ Springfield: per L. Borgognoni 17A; revolutionary movement) are one. — the eviction of a woman (with but even so rank-and-file pressure fusal.” It can, yet again, turn its Edmonton: P. Giacosa 7/10; Providence The workers have learnt from ex­ five children), one of last year’s has forced these demonstrations. In back on life. Fascism, and certain R. I.: per S. Annese, Circolo Libertario contemporary forms of mysticism £1/1/3; Stroud: per L.G.W., P. Parsons perience what conscription (under strikers, is being resisted by the the same way, the trade unions, 2/ 6, K. Lewis 1/-, L. G. Wolfe 6/ 6; whatever name) means. It is the ENTIRE tenement. In the Peabody under the control of Labour Party already represent its will to die. In Russia to-day, the author might pre­ Bristol: L. Richfield 1A; London: B.D. super-form of industrial warfare: Estate at Clapham, a similar rent officials, can be forced to act, on List 236 2A; Phila: per A. Alieva, II militarisation of industry and almost strike is threatened, in solidarity their own bread-and-butter issues. fer to substitute Spain!—progress is Circolo d’Em. Sociale £2/2/6; Glen- with the secretary of the Tenants’ visible, but faulty: Marxism, accord­ maggie: G. Franceschini 9/6; Toronto: martial law in time of strikes. A The rising feeling, actually, could List 2, per D. Gieseche 9/4; Southend: few unions have resisted: that is to Association, who is ordered to quit very soon force both C.P. and L.P. ing to Katz, is prophecy, not science; M. Kavanagh 2 A; Middlesborough: J. the good. But it is not enough! (victimisation being the reason). officials to become themselves a beacon to thought, but far from Bastock 2A; London: E. Mannin £1/1/-; being its boundary. In England, Those who have agreed to co­ It is interesting to note the re­ eligible for the N.U.W.M.— and not Nuneaton: per H. Smith 3A; Needham: homeland of the empirical since the operate with the Government (and mark of one of the Quinn-square as officials! The same feeling could Gruppo Libertario Social Dec. 31st 17th century, the author holds that £1/13/10; Brooklyn: Anteneo Hispano we remember that the International Buildings tenants, made to a capital­ organise these strikes— tenant, un­ there reside great qualities of revolu­ £1/6/2; London: Young's Rest (per E. Federation of Trade Unions refused ist-journalist: "THE BAILIFFS SHALL employed, producer— and link them Man) 1/ 6; Stroud: L. G. Wolfe £1; tionary leadership, when once aroused to co-operate with our I.W.M.A. N O T PASS!” The influence of the up with consumer’s strikes. Tenant, S. Francisco: per L. Noli (Albert, —by national disaster?—from her Paolini, Angelo) 12/9, from New Year on a boycott of Franco) must be Spanish Revolution and the resist­ producer, consumer— all are the gathering £3/5/9 Haverhill: per O. subjected to every criticism from the ance of Madrid has reached through same, and unemployed also the present mood of paralysis and chronic indecision. Bianchi £1/1/3; Rhodesia: Scribante 7/-; rank-and-file. The class-collabora­ France to England! same (if not to-day, to-morrow). New York: Ateneo Ed. Social £lA/10. tionists and pro-conscriptionists, re­ “The Will to Civilization” ends on TOTAL £30/14/9. cruiting-sergeants and job-holders of a note of optimism. Previously acknowledged £130/15/9. the labour movement must be sum­ The Unemployed Direct Action “Is has been said that the world is a machine for creating gods. When TOTAL £161/10/6. marily expelled from the labour There could be made out of this Workers Movement men recover their faith in civilization, movement. If the unions co-operate present feeling a movement towards (This Fund is now closed. All sums re­ it will be said that the world is a ceived for Spain and the World will be with the Government, it means no T H E unemployed, barred, by the continued direct action; a movement school for making men,” these are passed on to the Treasurer of "Revolt!" strikes ( “official,” that is) are pos­ nature of things, from economic organised so that it could take con­ its concluding words. — V.R.) sible, and “unofficial” strikes are action, have been attacking the trol of the industries and dwellings Such is a brief and necessarily in­ rendered more difficult by Govern­ forces of the State machinery by when the bosses and bailiffs had adequate summary of a remarkable ment supervision, restriction and use demonstrations, which, moreover, been driven out for the last time. of "agents-provocateur” and indus­ were well calculated to win the and stimulating book, combining sympathy of Londoners who, at Unfortunately, this feeling is being original thought, dynamic expression, trial spies, as happens to-day in the dissipated. The politicians will least, have a sense of humour. The and great learning in a singularly REVOLT! dockyards. Those who hope that make capital out of it, and then it lying-down in the roadways, invasion felicitous manner. There are points Incorporating conscription will be satisfactory—as will all disappear, and the workers of the Ritz, throwing-out of the upon which criticism is permissable, SPAIN AND THE WORLD it will only affect youth— should not banner at the elevated Monument, will, following another economic e.g., the distinction between society be persuaded that they are, from the crisis, do the same things, and again point of view of their own interests, demanding a square meal (in para­ and the state is not made with suffi­ Published Fortnightly phrase of the railway “distressed” it will be lost, and again, and again. cient emphasis. The former is per­ wrong: they too are not the people There is only on thing to stop this shareholders demanding a “square manent; the latter can be dispensed who should even be allowed inside waste of the workers’ efforts, and Subscription rates: deal” ), chaining to the Unemploy­ with as society advances. In general, a conscious labour movement. They that is the organised propaganda 1 year 4/- (U.S.A. $1) ment Exchanges and so on, were all Mr. Katz tends to exalt the gregarious are scabs at heart. that this revolutionary action is 6 months 2/6 (U.S.A. 60c.) actions which focussed attention on aspect of human society, and does not anarcho-syndicalist, if without the the unemployed. And did it have pay sufficient attention to the equally name, and that the only way for its The Tenants’ Strike effect? To such an extent that the important role of the individual in All correspondence, manu­ logical outcome to be achieved is by T H E tenants’ strikes are good capitalists were scared enough to the evolution of civilization, and scripts, monies should be sent the gradual building of an anarchist news. Noticeably, they are all in throw out immediately a red herring there are other critical points which to —— labour movement upon the lines in­ London. The exodus from the De­ to put the unemployed off the scent: could be added. None the less, a The Editors, dicated by the organisations that, as pressed Areas (which the Govern­ the “Sunday Pictorial” in particular book which breaks new ground in a REVOLT! is seen, do spring into being on these 21 Frith Street, London, W .l ment orders us to euphomise as and the Fascists endeavoured to link constructive manner is sufficiently occasions. valuable and rare. Here is definitely Phone: Gerrard 2636 “Special” Areas!) in Wales, Ireland, up the Nazi demonstration in the Scotland and the North, to the re­ West End against the German- A.M. such a book!