Y.C.L. PRE-CONVENTION DISCUSSION

The Coming Y.C.L. Convention GIL 'GREEN

The Student M ovement CELESTE STRACK

Economic Situation of Youth JAMES C. CLARK

Lenin and Spain EARL BROWDER

Hitler Against th e World W 1LHELM PiECK

The Washington State Elections MORRIS RAPORT

The R oad to Victory- Manifesto of the Communist Party of Spain

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CONTENTS

Review of the Month A. B. 99

Lenin and Spain EARL BROWDER • IU

The Coming Convention of the Y .C.L. GIL GREEN. uo

The Student Movement in the United States . CELESTE STRACK

The Economic Situation of the Youth JAMES C. CLARK

Hitler Against the World . WILHELM PIECK

The Washington State Elections MORRIS RAPORT

The Road to Victory . 180 Manifesto of the Communist Party of Spain

Book Reviews . HELEN MARCY •

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\ REVIEW OF THE MONTH

Employer Trouble Is a New Phase in Reactionary Conspiracy. Lewis Demands Investigation. Voice of a Sit-In Striker. Time to Fight Economic Royalists. Disarm Moguls of Corporate Industry. Labor Unity, Allies and Plant Strike Committees. Roosevelt's Message and the Strike Movements. Relief Appropriations and Relief Cutting. Fight for a People's Budget. Congress Gets Off on Wrong Foot. Real Issues in Spanish Question. Neutrality Is Not Ne'IJ,tral. Victims of Neutrality Myth. Lift Spanish Embargo. Birth of Progressive Bloc in Congress. Inde­ pendent Legislative Program, People's Front Policy and Organized Mass Backing. Mexican Labor Wants No Trotsky. Trotskyism Is the Enemy of the People.

OHN L. LEWIS, chairman of the know how these same forces had tried J Committee for Industrial Organ­ to arouse and build up all kinds of ization (C.I.O.), proposes to ask Con­ fascist movements in the country. It gress to investigate the General Mo­ is imperative now to throw the full tors Corporation. This request should glare of public examination and atten­ be supported by the entire labor tion upon the newest phase of these movement and by all progressive reactionary conspiracies. forces in the country. For this is what it is: a new phase It is necessary to investigate the in reactionary conspiracy against the origin and sources of the "employer welfare of the American people. It trouble" in the automotive industry. goes far beyond the automotive in­ Who are the sinister forces in and be­ dustry itself, important as that is. hind General Motors that stand in the Congress should investigate without way of collective bargaining, that seem delay what the du Ponts are driving at to be ready to precipitate the country and also, as suggested by John L. into crisis and civil warfare but not Lewis, whether "foreign financiers to allow the workers to secure their should dictate labor policy in Amer­ legitimate and just demands? We ica". know that General Motors is dom­ Everybody knows that it is sheer inated by the du Ponts and Morgans fakery for General Motors to main­ -the founders and backers of the in­ tain that the United Automobile famous "Liberty League". We know Workers Union is out to get control how these worthies had conspired to of the plants-"to run the industry". foist upon the country a reactionary Yet this is how Sloan and Knudsen are adminstration in the last elections. We trying to misrepresent the issue. And 99 100 THE COMMUNIST the capitalist press is doing it darndest too tired and nervous to sleep. When you go to spread this brazen misrepresenta­ to bed you shake. When you're forty you are tion. The United Automobile Work­ a wreck, and you get laid off. And then­ well, if you're lucky you get a tin cup. That's ers Union stated the issues clearly and why I am on strike." (New York Herald plainly in the eight-point demands of Tribune, Jan. 10.) the striking workers. These demands were restated in the letter of Homer Thus speaks the voice of the "satis­ Martin, president of the union, to the fied and happy" employees of General General Motors executives under date Motors. It speaks the burning and just of January 4, 1937· There he said: grievance of all workers exploited and oppressed by the rapacious moguls of "These issues, as I indicated, cover the monopoly capital. And what do these recognition of the union by the corporation workers demand? Not the final and for the purpose of collective bargaining, complete account with their exploit­ recognition of serliority rights for the pur­ pose of maintaining job security for the ers. Not yet. They only present a few employees, the elimination of the speed-up most elementary demands the grant­ system, and the establishment of a minimum ing of which would make it possible wage which would assure a decent standard for them to live. But du Pont, Sloan of living to your employees." and Knudsen won't hear of it. It is Can General Motors "afford" to they who are today seeking to create a grant these demands? Just take note crisis, to create economic dislocations, of the fact that in the first nine at the same time blaming the union months of 1936, as compared with the for the consequences. It is they who same period in 1935, its net profits are trying to bring in the courts-their have increased by 53 per cent. Not a own people on the bench-to force small increase, is it? Wages have also the sit-in strikers out of the plants and grown somewhat; but hours have thus to sharpen the situation. It is lengthened, cost of living is continu­ again they who provoked violence and ally rising, and the damnable speed-up bloodshed in Flint on the evening of system is making life intolerable. January 11. Even the New York Herald Trib­ Indeed, the country is suffering to­ une, a paper that is very friendly to day from serious "employer trouble". du Pont, couldn't help but publish a The sharks of monopoly capital are bit of truth. Its reporter managed to reckless and unscrupulous. If allowed interview some of the sit-in strikers in they will go to any length to assert the Fisher Body plant No. 1, in Flint, their dictatorship. These are the eco­ and here is what he reports: nomic royalists whom President Roose­ velt was preparing to fight. This is the "A husky man, who came from 'some time to fight them. place in the South', said: 'You want to know what I hate about this place? Well, I'll tell In his New Year's address, John L. you. And I don't give a hoot if you put it Lewis said: in your paper. It's these damn things', and he nodded toward the conveyor line. "The time has passed in America when "'Why, they tear your guts out. After fol­ the workers can be either clubbed, gassed or lowing that for eight hours you go home and shot down with impunity. I solemnly warn you are too tired to eat. ·why, you are even the leaders of industry tonight that labor REVIEW OF THE MONTH 101

will not tolerate such policies or tactics. La· tics which Comrade Foster has devel­ bor will expect the protection of the agen­ oped in his series of articles in the cies of the federal government in the pur­ Daily Worker. We have reference here suit of its lawful objectives. The stage is set. Industry can go forward with profit to its especially to the following two prop­ investors and with security to all citizens, or ositions: it can elect to destroy itself by blindly fol­ 1. Building the strike leadership on lowing its unreasoning prejudices and re­ the widest democratic basis and the fusing to conform to the modern concept of setting up of strike committees in proper industrial relationships. The leaders of industry will decide and upon them rests every plant and department. The aim the responsibility of deciding wisely." is to give voice in the strike manage­ ment, and to draw actively into strike Evidently they have decided un­ activities, all workers in the plant. wisely. Labor and the American This, together with a continuous edu­ people generally are compelled to take cational campaign explaining the account of this fact. It is also impor­ issues of the strike, is bound to scotch tant to know what the monopolies are the efforts of the corporation to mis­ banking on to carry them through in lead any substantial section of non­ their "unwise" decision. Several things union workers and to alienate them seem obvious. The economic royalists from the strikers. are counting on, first, the creation of 2. The application of the policy of divisions in the ranks of labor itself. the united front with the member­ Divisions along two lines: between the ship and (where possible) leadership organized and as yet unorganized of the craft unions where these con­ workers, and between the members of stitute a factor in the situation. This the craft and industrial unions. Both is bound to be effective in counter­ of these divisions are being fostered in acting the splitting and strike-break­ the automotive industry today. A prod­ ing activities of some of the reckless uct of the General Motors' efforts to reactionary leaders in the A. F. of L. foster division between the organized The second thing upon which Gen­ and unorganized is the so-called "Flint eral Motors is counting is to alienate Alliance" organized by Boysen and from the striking workers the sympa­ other agents and provocateurs of the thy and support of the toiling farmers corporation. And to help the General and of the middle classes generally. In Motors to create the second line of fact, it is all too obvious that the division-between craft and industry moguls of finance capital who dom­ -Frey and Co. of the A. F. of L. have inate General Motors are seeking obligingly come forward with their momentarily as much economic dis­ "instruction" to the membership of location as possible with a view of the craft unions. The leaders of the blaming the union for "retarding re­ Automobile Union and of the' C.I.O. covery". They are using this to arouse will, of course, have to counter effec­ the farmers and city middle classes tively these maneuvers of the enemy. against the workers and the union. They can be so countered by applying The Automobile Union, and the in this and similar situations some of C.I.O., have sufficient resources at the basic elements of strategy and tac- their disposal to counter effectively

they they completely completely governments governments dominate. dominate. to to hamper hamper Here Here too too the the organiza-

government government which which in in many many instances instances of of the the agencies agencies of of the the federal federal or or state state

workers, workers, primarily primarily efforts efforts the the may may force force be be made made of of local local by by one one or or another another

of of governmental governmental the the guise guise force force of of "protecting" "protecting" against against the the labor's labor's rights, rights,

of of their their own own private private armed armed forces forces and and said. said. It It is is quite quite possible possible that, that, under under

General General Motors Motors struggle. struggle. is is counting counting And And this this is is the the also also use use needs needs to to be be

And And the the third third thing thing upon upon which which of of independent independent organization organization and and

decided decided apparently apparently unwisely. unwisely. because because it it is is following following the the correct correct road road

because because the the labor labor moguls moguls is is growing growing of of finance finance strong strong have have and and stronger, stronger,

tion. tion. For For such such it it is is likely likely to to become become compel compel protection protection of of its its rights rights because because

forces forces of of monopoly monopoly capital capital and and reac­ nomically nomically and and politically. politically. Labor Labor can can

in in this this momentous momentous conflict conflict with with the the tinues tinues to to organize organize and and struggle struggle eco­

hold hold the the support support of of its its natural natural allies allies government government only only labor labor itself itself if if con­

at at the the disposal disposal can can of of expect expect labor labor protection protection to to win win and and from from the the federal federal

These These are are ment ment only only a a or or few few President President of of the the means means Roosevelt. Roosevelt. Labor Labor

progressive progressive forces. forces. pendence pendence upon upon the the federal federal govern­

by by the the united united strength strength This This should should of of all all labor labor not not mean mean and and passive passive de­

sequently-demands sequently-demands to to be be backed backed up up the the pursuit pursuit of of its its lawful lawful objectives. objectives.

in in his his New New agencies agencies Year's Year's of of address address the the federal federal and and government government sub­ in in

investigations investigations as as were were made made by by Lewis Lewis labor labor will will expect expect the the protection protection of of the the

4· 4· Such Such demands demands for for congressional congressional another another slogan slogan expressed expressed by by Lewis­

gressive gressive forces forces on on a a common common program. program. the the country country to to the the other. other. And And also also

states-embracing states-embracing mand mand of of all all the the labor labor masses masses and and from from pro­ one one end end of of

the the legislative legislative field-nationally field-nationally and and by by industry-this industry-this should should become become the the de­

gressive gressive elements, elements, for for joint joint action action on on Disarm Disarm the the moguls moguls of of incorporated incorporated

ers ers and and middle middle classes, classes, and and all all pro­

industry." industry."

to to the the

national national organizations organizations of of farm­

maintained maintained by by the the moguls moguls of of incorporated incorporated

3· 3· A A direct direct approach approach by by the the C.I.O. C.I.O.

ricades, ricades, machine machine guns, guns, prepared, prepared, built built and and

people people in in the the strike strike localities. localities. have have to to take take by by storm storm the the barbed barbed wire wire bar­

liberties liberties and and democratic democratic rights rights labor labor of of the the in in this this industrial industrial democracy democracy should should

pressed pressed and and wants wants industry industry disarmed, disarmed, lest lest position position to to help help maintain maintain the the civil civil

Senate Senate that that labor labor wants wants this this investigation investigation

in in the the localities localities

'of 'of the the broadest broadest com· com·

and and paraphernalia. paraphernalia. May May I I humbly humbly warn warn the the

Organizing Organizing Citizens' Citizens' Committees Committees 2. 2.

houses houses overflowing overflowing with with industrial industrial munitions munitions

middle middle

classes. classes.

labor labor army, army, and and why why they they maintain maintain ware­

demands demands and and needs needs of of the the farmers farmers and and employers employers why why they they hire hire and and feed feed this this anti­

of of industry's industry's criminal criminal agencies, agencies, to to ask ask the the the the support support of of the the workers workers to to the the just just

lette lette Committee Committee which which has has before before it it a a few few

support support of of the the workers workers and and offering offering

"May "May I I respectfully respectfully suggest suggest to to the the LaFol­

"employer "employer trouble", trouble", appealing appealing for for

the the strike, strike, the the nature nature of of the the present present said: said:

in in the the vicinity vicinity explaining explaining the the cause cause of of sibility sibility in in his his New New Year's address. address. Year's He He

to to farm farm and and middle middle class class organizations organizations L. L. John John Lewis Lewis referred referred to to this this pos­

Delegations Delegations of of striking striking workers workers toiling toiling farmers farmers and and middle middle 1. 1. classes. classes.

lowing: lowing: hold hold the the support support or or sympathy sympathy of of the the

dicative dicative of of these these resources resources are are the the fol· fol· cially cially as as they they cement cement their their unity unity and and

also also this this maneuver maneuver of of the the enemy. enemy. In· In· the the workers workers are are far far from from helpless helpless espe­

THE THE 102 102 COMMUNIST COMMUNIST REVIEW OF THE MONTH tion of the workers, to weaken them corporations that are preparing to and to cheat them of their victory. machine-gun and tear-gas their em­ This labor must be on guard against. ployees in order to make them aban­ The importance of winning the don the fight for collective bargaining fight with General Motors cannot be and better conditions. These workers, overestimated. For one thing, it in­ and their friends among the farmers volves the well-being of a large and and middle classes, must have been important section of American labor. deeply disappointed. This feeling of But the importance of winning this disappointment should go a long way fight becomes tremendously enhanced toward strengthening the workers in when it is realized, first, that the work­ their determination to fortify their ers in the basic steel industry and in own independent power on the eco­ mining will shortly be facing in strug­ nomic and political fields. gle the same enemy; and, secondly, Another matter that has already that this is the enemy-the du Pont­ caused widespread disappointment Morgan gang-that is one of the chief among the people was the President's monopolistic oppressors of the Ameri­ treatment of the relief situation and can people, the fountain head of ex­ the relief needs. Somehow the Presi­ treme capitalist reaction, the sponsors dent manages not to face the plain but of fascism in the United States. The basic fact that there are in the country workers in General Motors must win today no less than IO,ooo,ooo unem­ because their cause is just, because ployed workers whereas industry is they are ba.ttling for the cause of the about "normal". He also refuses to whole of American labor, because they face another basic fact, that more than are fighting for the progress and pros­ one-half of the farming population is perity of the people of the United still in dire straits, living in inde­ States. scribable poverty, and that even the most optimistic outlook for American agriculture in the coming years holds RESIDENT ROOSEVELT'S message to out few promises to these small and Pthe 75th Congress contained not a landless farmers. word of reference to the "employer There is little comfort for the work­ trouble" in marine, in auto, in steel, ers and farmers in President Roose­ in glass, in coal, and in the basic in­ velt's optimism and hope that capi­ dustries generally. Here was a time talism and capitalist democracy must which called imperatively for a stern and will solve these problems. We warning to the economic royalists to know that it can't and won't. But if he obey the laws of the land and to desist really believes it can, and is interested from making trouble. Yet the Presi­ in making it do so, what is he pro­ dent chose to say nothing. Why? posing for today and tomorrow? There can be no doubt that mil­ Judging by his opening message to lions of workers who cast their votes Congress, he is ready to take off the for the President on November 3 ex­ W.P.A. additional hundreds of thous­ pected to find in his message just such ands of unemployed, thus dooming a warning to the open-shoppers, to the them to starvation; he is also ready THE COMMUNIST to abandon thousands of drought­ trade unions. The toiling masses of stricken farmers. this country can have little difficulty In his letter on relief to Speaker in making up their minds as to which Bankhead, the President asks for an of these figures is more correct. appropriation of $7go,ooo,ooo to carry Mark Sullivan of the New York the W.P.A. through from February 1 Herald Tribune is very much dis­ to June 30, 1937. Yet even the May­ pleased with the mass actions organ­ ors' Conference urged upon the ized by the Workers' Alliance in President a minimum appropriation support of its program. He dislikes of $877•5oo,ooo while the American especially the mass delegation to Workers' Alliance-speaking for the Washington on January 15 to lay be­ unemployed-finds that the needs call fore Congress the demands of the for no less than $I,o4o,ooo,ooo. people. He "fears" this sort of mass Behind these ·differences in figures pressure on Congress "can come dan­ stands the difference between tolerable gerously close to intimidation". But existence and sheer misery and star­ the true explanation for the opposi­ vation for hundreds of thousands of tion of the Sullivans to the mass pres­ American toilers. President Roosevelt sure is their opposition to the demands proposes to shift 25o,ooo farmers from of the Workers' Alliance. Sullivan, the W.P.A. to the Resettlement Ad­ you must remember, is a Hoover and ministration. This means, instead of Landon man-a "budget-balancer". receiving $40 per month from the He does not even try to hide it. For W.P.A., a farming family will be get­ he says also that these dem!inds of the ting from the R.A. the starvation wage Workers' Alliance, "if granted, will of $15.86. Further: there are at present postpone indefinitely the balancing of no less than 3oo,ooo unemployed em­ the budget and may bring on infla­ ployables kept on direct relief. The tion". (New York Herald Tribune, President, though he dislikes the dole, Jan. 12.) is willing to leave them there. The Old Liberty League stuff which the American Workers' Alliance demands people had repudiated most decisively they be transferred to W.P.A. And on November 3· But it comes back lastly, the present wages on the W.P.A. again not only in the writings of the These wages are just about enough to Sullivans, which is natural, but also keep body and soul together. The in the President's message and espe­ President, apparently sharing the fears cially in his budget. of the economic royalists that "high" The key to this budget is the idea relief wages compete with private in­ of balancing. True, it is very far yet dustry, is willing to leave the wages from being balanced, but the idea that on W.P.A. at their present low levels. it must be balanced shortly and in The American Workers' Alliance de­ such a way as will not hurt the eco­ mands a 20 per cent increase in wages. nomic royalists-this idea is uppermost These are the differences between in the budget. Here are some of its the figures of the President and those main features: no new taxati'on upon of the Workers' Alliance, the latter the rich, leaving in force all the old having been indorsed by numerous taxes upon the poor; niggardly and REVIEW OF THE MONTH

totally inadequate provisions for re­ the economic royalists. Such a people's lief; no provision at all for the burn­ budget must anticipate the most burn­ ing need of a thorough federal ing legislative measures for the housing program, or for the handling people's needs and provide funds of the acute farmer-tenant question, or through taxation of the rich to finance for the refinancing of farm and small these measures. Fight for a people's home owners' mortgages; ample pro­ budget. visions for war preparations. One might say that the President did mention these problems in his ON GRESS legislation got off on a opening message. The answer is: yes, C wrong foot. We refer to the pas­ he tipped his hat to them. But now we age of the Joint Congressional Resolu­ are dealing with his budget. Here is tion prohibiting the shipment of where provisions have to be made for munitions to Spain. In this there is a financing the required measures. But serious warning to the Farmer-Labor none are to be found in the budget. democracy of this country. And this is probably the explanation: When it is said that this resolution either nothing serious is contem­ was railroaded through Congress, plated, or, if something will be pro­ without sufficient preparation and dis­ posed later on, the way of financing cussion, by the Roosevelt administra­ will be by government borrowing. tion, it is true. It is true that Congress Chance~ are that if the masses do not was stampeded and dragooned into press, and press hard, nothing will be passing this resolution. For this the done. Because the President's budget administration, and the President in is dominated also by another idea, in the first place, bears full responsibility. addition to balancing. It is not to in­ But why was the administration crease the national debt. successful in stampeding Congress, From which it follows that the and a lot of people outside Congress? struggle against the budget-balancers Of course, the administration has tre­ at the expense of the people is not mendous resources for accomplishing finished by a long shot. It has just be­ such ends. These should not be min­ gun. The Farmer-Labor and progres­ imized. Yet the Farmer-Labor and pro­ sive forces in Congress have a job cut gressive forces are not helpless at all. out for them. It is to fight at once for They too have plenty of resources. adequate provisions for relief to work­ But these were not mobilized. And ers and farmers. It is also to stage a why? Because the progressives still major struggle on the budget as a have not got a sufficiently clear under­ whole. This is in its very nature a standing of their tasks and position. struggle of principles. The principles Because they haven't been pushing underlying a people's budget call for hard enough towards a unified the adequate satisfaction of the most people's program, and towards united burning needs of the masses financed action inside Congress and outside. by taxation of high incomes and for­ It is a fact that large numbers of tunes. No inflation and no deflation. Congressmen did not like the admin­ A budget balanced at the expense of istration's resolution on Spain. Yet 106 THE COMMUNIST

only one member of the House voted interpretation of "neutrality" which against it-to his eternal honor and the President is pushing forward as that of the Farmer-Labor movement­ distinguished from the old, Wilson Representative John Toussant Ber­ "neutrality". And so the Diploma­ nard of Minnesota. And the endorse­ tische Korrespondenz concludes: ment of his action from many sources "It must be recognized that the United shows that the people will take a cor­ States follows this policy, and consequently rect position when informed of the has demonstrated its sense of responsibility real issues. not only in its own interests but in the in­ terests of universal peace." Yes, the real issues. The trouble is that in the camp of the Farmer-Labor Hitler talking about universal peace progressive forces there is still insuf­ and deriving satisfaction from the ficient clarity op the real issues. And American "neutrality"! Shouldn't this hence it could come about that, for be enough to explode this neutrality? example, Senator Nye, who is known Apparently it is not. It is therefore as an opponent of fascism and a friend necessary to go into the matter fur­ of democracy and peace, would vote ther. And perhaps the best way of do­ on the Spanish resolution the same ing it is to examine the remark of way as Senators Pittman and Vanden­ Senator N ye to the effect that the berg. Unbelievable it is, but most pro­ Spanish resolution was not neutral gressive Congressmen voted on this since it was passed in the middle of a question the way Hearst wanted. war and clearly to the detriment of What is it that creates this confusion one side-the democratic government and makes possible these unnatural of Spain. Senator Pittman did not like coincidences? The answer must be the remark of Nye. Naturally. But faced squarely. It is the contradictions Senator Nye was correct none the less. and inherent impossibilities of so­ The passage of the Spanish resolution called neutrality. was an unneutral act. \!Ve must not Hitler had no difficulty in recog­ let the people forget this. nizing that the action of Congress was But to say this alone is not enough. helpful to himself and his "cause" \Vhat should now be obvious to all which is the promotion of fascism and true friends of peace and democracy war. A wireless to The New York is also this: neutrality itself, in the Times from Berlin, January 7, says: present world situation, is unneutral. Neutrality in the Far East would "The semi-official Diplomatische Korres­ mean letting Japan gobble up China, pondenz, which speaks for the Foreign office, cannot find words strong enough to express attack the Soviet Union and prepare its satisfaction with the American stand." to make war upon the United States and England. Neutrality in the West­ Clear, isn't it? And will anyone ern hemisphere would mean letting maintain (except Hearst and his like) Germany and Japan get a sufficiently that Hitler is happy over the Ameri­ firm stronghold in the Latin-American can stand because it works for peace? countries for the war which both are And what is it that Hitler's mouth­ planning in Europe and Asia. Neu­ piece praises especially? It is the new trality in Europe, which Hitler is REVIEW OF THE MONTH championing especially, means to de- · the condition prevailing in the Far stroy all vestiges of collective security. East prior to the Japanese seizure of subjugation of the small nations to Manchuria. He is evidently looking Germany, and an open road fpr a for an opportunity to get together a Hitler war against France and the conference of Far Eastern powers to Soviet Union. And who will stop him initiate this process of re-establishing from attacking England? the status quo. Whatever the merits We must invite the American of this policy (and it could be devel­ people to look at "neutrality" as it is oped into a policy genuinely serving and not at some sort of ideal neutral­ the interests of peace), it certainly is ity which does not and cannot exist. not "neutrality" as the thing is being And if they do so, they will at once idealized. It is very definitely unneu­ note that President Roosevelt has tral to the Japanese imperialists. many neutralities, not one. In the And for Europe, the President has Western hemisphere, his policy is to a different "neutrality" again. There, make it difficult for Japan and Ger­ where American imperialist interests many to establish themselves there are involved not as directly as in the more firmly, as well as to check British Far East and Latin-America, Roose­ expansion. This is one kind of "neu­ velt's policy semes to be orientating on trality", the kind that Hitler does not rapprochement and collaboration like so much, nor does Japan, nor does with England and possibly France. England, for that matter, because this With what aim? Roughly it could be brand of "neutrality" works out to be stated like this: to lend moral and unneutral from the point of view of . political encouragement to the policies the imperialists of these countries. of these two powers in Europe in or­ And in this they are right: whatever der to secure from them a measure of it is, it is not neutrality. Yet the policy support for American policy in the has in it certain positive elements, and Far East and Latin-America. Is this these arise precisely from the fact that a policy of neutrality as it is idealized? the Roosevelt policy in the Western Not at all. It only appears neutral be­ hemisphere is not neutral to the ag­ cause the interests pursued there by gressive efforts of Germany and Japan the President are not as direct as is the -the two main dangers of war. While case in the Far East and· in Latin­ designed to promote the imperialist America. The policies of England in interests of the American bourgeoisie, Europe are not neutral at all; and to the Roosevelt "neutrality" policy in the extent that Roosevelt encourages the Western hemisphere tends to make these policies, as he obviously does, more difficult the war preparations of he is pursuing an unneutral policy in the two chief aggressors. And in this Europe. sense works to a certain degree in the This was glaringly demonstrated in interests of peace. the passage of the Spanish resolution. In the Far East President Roosevelt ',y e do not pretend to know all the is trying to develop a different sort of reasons that moved the administration "neutrality". His objective there is to to rush it through Congress at this try to re-establish the status quo, i.e., time. But certain things are evident,

program program this this help help willingly willingly thoroughly thoroughly they they and and would would fully fully nor nor France, France,

More More program. program. a a such such for for beginnings beginnings and and England England of of policy policy vention" vention"

and and elements elements first first the the contained contained 1936 1936 "non-inter­ hypocritical hypocritical the the encourage encourage

of of spring spring the the to to in in want want Conference Conference especially especially they they Labor Labor did did nor nor Spain, Spain,

Farmer­ Chicago Chicago the the by by adopted adopted of of government government democratic democratic the the hurt hurt

platform platform to to The The program. program. want want peace peace not not ine ine did did certainly certainly They They sives? sives?

genu­ a a upon upon based based progres­ and and States States United United the the Farmer-Laborites Farmer-Laborites the the of of

for for policy policy bulk bulk foreign foreign the the about about all-round all-round an an what what But But velop velop it. it. of of opment opment

devel­ necessary necessary a a is is de­ to to resolution resolution undertake undertake to to Spanish Spanish and and "neutrality" "neutrality"

so-called so-called of of the the and and policy policy contradictions contradictions foreign foreign hopeless hopeless Roosevelt's Roosevelt's ing ing

support­ are are these these and and nets nets because because the the from from the-roaders the-roaders themselves themselves free free

middle-of­ the the of of to to vote vote the the forces forces for for necessary necessary Farmer-Labor-progressive Farmer-Labor-progressive

is is explanation explanation No No the the for for necessary necessary administration. administration. velt velt imperatively imperatively is is It It

Roose­ the the of of those those as as same same the the myth. myth. not not a a to to are are victim victim fell fell they

repeat: repeat: We We generally generally neutrality. neutrality. policies policies foreign foreign non-existing non-existing their their though though

resolution resolution a a of of Spanish Spanish the the meshes meshes for for the the from from voted voted themselves themselves cate cate

extri­ to to moment moment the the at at reactionaries reactionaries unable unable were were Republican Republican the the why why

That's That's Spain. Spain. of of but but unneutral unneutral government government was was cratic cratic measure measure trality trality

demo­ the the hurt hurt to to neu­ sought sought so-called so-called They They this this parties. parties. that that realized realized and and

contradictions contradictions its its capitalist capitalist saw saw two two them them the the of of in in Many Many reactionaries reactionaries

neutrality. neutrality. of of myth myth the the by by captivity captivity in in the the of of Robinsons, Robinsons, and and denbergs denbergs

genuinely genuinely were were Van­ the the of of resolution resolution votes votes same same the the the the for for for for necessary necessary tion tion

voted voted who who explana­ progressives progressives no no is is and and There There Laborites Laborites happen? happen? it it could could

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Ber­ except except it. it. of of glad glad and and middle-of-the-roaders-all, middle-of-the-roaders-all,

fascists fascists the the helping helping doing: doing: were were they they fascism, fascism, and and reaction reaction of of enemies enemies cism, cism,

what what knew knew also also out, out, pointed pointed already already fas­ and and reaction reaction of of Supporters Supporters tion? tion?

as as reactionaries, reactionaries, The The measure. measure. tral tral neu neu resolu­ this this behind behind up up lined lined Congress Congress

un­ an an in in urging urging was was he he tendencies tendencies that that known known disagreeing disagreeing seriously seriously

have have must must Roosevelt Roosevelt fascists, fascists, the the to to and and divergent divergent the the all all Eernard, Eernard, tative tative

favorable favorable and and government government Spanish Spanish the the Represen­ of of exception exception the the with with that, that,

to to unneutral unneutral definitely definitely is is powers powers two two fact fact the the of of meaning meaning the the is is what what Just Just

these these of of policy policy non-intervention non-intervention called called situation. situation. world world present present the the in in

so­ the the since since And And East. East. Far Far the the in in else else nothing nothing be be can can and and unneutral, unneutral,

especially especially and and Latin-America Latin-America in in cies cies is is itself itself neutrality neutrality this-because this-because And And

poli­ his his for for support support gain gain to to thus thus and and unneutral. unneutral. as as resolution resolution gressional gressional

France France and and England England with with relations relations Con­ the the branding branding in in right right absolutely absolutely

the the improve improve him him help help will will believed believed was was Nye Nye Senator Senator say: say: we we Again Again

he he which which measure measure a a through through push push to to policy. policy. vention" vention"

neutrality neutrality of of issue issue the the using using was was He He "non-inter­ so-called so-called the the of of treachery treachery

neutral. neutral. not not was was he he knew knew Roosevelt Roosevelt and and sham sham the the to to is, is, that that France, France,

neutrality. neutrality. of of myth myth the the to to victim victim and and England England of of maneuvers maneuvers and and

fell fell progressives progressives and and Famier-Laborites Famier-Laborites plans plans present present the the to to Spain Spain in in policy policy

the the conclude: conclude: must must we we Inevitably Inevitably American American just just ad ad to to administration administration

explanation? explanation? the the is is then then What What Hitler. Hitler. Roosevelt Roosevelt the the of of wish wish the the them them among among

COMMUNIST COMMUNIST THE THE 108 108 REVIEW OF THE MONTH 109 has been developed in the "Progressive and relative neutrality; nor does it People's Peace Program" adopted on lie between mandatory legislation and January ·10, 1937, by the Hennepin discretionary legislation. The real is­ County Convention of the Farmer­ sue is: fascism and war or democracy Labor Party of Minnesota to be sub­ and peace. This is today a world mitted to the state convention of that issue and must be treated as such. party. It would be too bad indeed if all We say that this is imperatively that the progressives were to learn necessary because otherwise there is from the experience with the Spanish serious danger that the progressive resolution was to prohibit the Presi­ forces will again get themselves tan­ dent to collaborate with other peace gled up in the contradictions of myth­ powers for the purpose of maintaining ical neutrality. This danger is already peace. That would be exactly what evident in the latest expressions of Hearst and Hitler want. The trouble opinion by Senator Clark as well as with the Spanish resolution is not that by Senator Nye on the new "neutral­ it contained elements of indirect col­ ity" proposals to come before the 75th laboration with England and France Congress. The reaction on the part of on the Spanish question, but that it some of the progressives to the evident was collaboration for a wrong pur­ unneutrality of the Spanish resolution pose. Had President Roosevelt follow­ is to urge more neutrality, more abso­ ed a true peace policy, he would have lute neutrality, mandatory neutrality. sought to urge upon the British and We respectfully submit that this French governments the truly demo­ would be taking the wrong road if the cratic and peace policy which the purpose is to keep America out of Soviet Union is pursuing in Spain as war. well as in the rest of the world. And Senator Bennet Champ Clark de­ he would have found a mighty re­ clared that "a flat, mandatory, auto­ sponse among the people not alone in matic policy of absolute neutrality is the United States but also of England the greatest contribution we could and France. In doing so, he would have possibly make to the peace of the done the only possible thing to pre­ world". This may look good, offhand. vent war and to keep the United States But what it really means is isolation, out of it. "perfect isolation", and this is sheer Let us work for the lifting of the illusion. It does not and cannot exist Spanish embargo resolution as soon except as a screen for war-makers to as possible. Let us not get tangled up prepare their bloody deeds. That's in the artificial debate of "mandatory" why Hearst and Coughlin are such or "discretion". Let us not permit the warm champions of isolation. reactionaries to intimidate the pro­ Especially after the sad experience gressives with the cry that the Ameri­ with the Spanish resolution, it is time can people will not support an active for the progressives to realize that the peace policy. Many Americans may issue for the American people, who still be saying "neutrality" but detest war and are opposed to it, does what they really mean is peace and not lie between absolute neutrality opposition to the fascist war-makers. 110 THE COMMUNIST

Let the progressives take the issue to The membership of this group the people, explain what is really in­ proper consists of 13 Representatives volved, champion an active peace pol­ -the delegations from Minnesota and icy before the masses, and pretty soon \t\Tisconsin respectively. These have it will become evident to all that the organized themselves into an indepen­ majority of the American people are dent group, had nominated their own against fascism and war, that they are candidate for Speaker of the House, for democracy and peace and that they Representative Schneider, and elected are ready to support a foreign policy their own floor leader, Representative by their government which actively Boileau. It announced its formation promotes the interests of democracy and aims and proposes to secure for and peace. itself all the rights and privileges due • • • it as an independent political align­ ment, and for this it will have to fight oT everything was negative in the hard. N opening days of the 75th Con­ This is a great and promising be­ gress. To compensate partly for the ginning. If the above three things are passage of the Spanish resolution, realized, this group will prove to be there took place in Congress an event the center of mobilization of all pro­ of an entirely different order. We re­ gressive forces in Congress, a most ef­ fer to the organization in the House fective weapon for the struggle to of Representatives of the progressive realize the People's Mandate in the and Farmer-Labor group. It is an elections. And by this very token, the event of far-reaching importance. To group will prove a historic milestone enable this group to play the truly on the road of building up a People's historic role which it is called upon Front Party-a Farmer-Labor Party­ to fulfil, three things are especially in the United States. necessary. 1. A consistent legislative program • • of its own and a clear independent political line giving expression to the XPRESSING the feelings of the bulk immediate needs and demands of the E of Mexican labor, as well as of Farmer-Labor democracy of this other progressive forces, the Mexican country. Confederation of Labor (C.T.M.) 2. Skillful and flexible collabora­ said in an official statement that Trot­ tion with all progressive elements in sky's presence in Mexico is not de­ the Democratic Party and also among sirable. the Republicans. The C.T.M. first swept aside the 3· Systematic collaboration between sophistries and fake arguments about the progressive Farmer-Labor group the right of asylum. And like a true in Congress with similar forces outside working class and progressive organ­ of Congress and the setting up of state ization (nothing like the Trotsky­ and national legislative conferences to poisoned Socialist Call) states its posi­ collaborate with the Congressional tion on the question of asylum clearly. group and to back it up. It says: REVIEW OF THE MONTH Ill

The C.T.M. is not against the right Socialist Call (and Norman Thomas of asylum. It considers it one of the -the great champion of "pure" social­ conquests of which international law, ism) is always ready to find excuses so feeble at present, can still be and extenuating circumstances for proud. For this reason, the C.T.M. every crime that Trotskyism is com­ has defended this right with all deter­ mitting. We have not forgotten yet the mination and has demanded that ease with which these worthies have asylum be given "the victims of impe­ accepted the dastardly murder of rialism and of reaction". Kirov as contrasted with the excite­ This is how honest workers and ment and "moral" indignation ais­ progressives speak: asylum be granted played by these same people upon to victims of imperialism and of re­ learning that the Soviet government action. Let the Socialist Call and Nor­ has executed those guilty of the un­ man Thomas study that a bit. Maybe speakable murder. they'll learn something. Or, is it too Just recently Max Eastman deliv­ late? ered himself of an open incitement to The C.T.M. quite evidently has no counter-revolution against the Soviet desire to champion "asylum" for as­ Union. He did that from a platform sassins of Kirov and plotters of similar which also saw Norman Thomas. And assassinations. what do you thing the Socialist Call The C.T.M. very definitely declares had to say on Eastman? It was "sad". that Trotsky's presence in Mexico It was just "poetic license". Nothing threatens the unity of the working more. class; is a danger to the alliance of the Honest workers, let alone sincere working class with the peasantry and Socialists, will not and cannot tolerate city middle classes; is a danger to the in their midst Trotskyism, as the So­ People's Front movement in Mexico cialist Party is doing today. For there which is keeping reaction and fascism is no more sinister and vicious enemy at bay; is therefore a danger to the in­ of the unity of the working class today terests of the Mexican people. than this Trotskyist gang of cut-throats This too is clear. It is spoken by and counter-revolutionists. The ar­ honest workers and progressives. rival of the chief of this gang in Quite different from the Trotsky-rid­ Mexico will spur on all anti-fascists to den Socialist Call which brazenly and even greater efforts to build the unity hypocritically involves the cause of of the working class, to build the labor unity to justify its defense of People's Front, and to clear their Trotsky and Trotskyism. ranks of all contamination from Trot­ Very significant is the fact that the sky to Trotskyism. A.B. LENIN AND SPAIN

BY EARL BROWDER

HIS is the thirteenth year we have nation-upon the hypocritical plea of T been meeting to commemorate "neutrality" and the desire to keep Lenin, • the founder of the first social­ out of war. To avoid embarrassing Hit­ ist state, the leader of the oppressed of ler, who threatens the whole world all the world, the teacher and guide of with war, our government actually ever new tens of millions every year performed an act of war against Spain, in their struggle for a new and better against Spanish democracy and for the life. Thirteen years ago Lenin died, alien fascist hordes bombarding Ma­ but never was his spirit more power­ drid and slaughtering hundreds of fully shaping the destinies of mankind thousands of men, women, and chil­ than today. dren. And it was only a year ago that What would Lenin speak about, if the same people were telling us that he could be with us tonight? Unques­ a blockade against fascist Italy, in the tionably he would speak, first of all, act of raping Ethiopia, was impossible about the epic struggle for human because that would threaten peace. liberation being waged for over six Evidently the principle that is guiding months by the heroic Spanish people, these policies is to help the fascists assaulted by the concentrated forces of in the hope they will not attack Amer­ world reaction. If we would honor the ica, but under no circumstances to memory of Lenin, then tonight's meet­ help smaller nations, even though ing must be, primarily, the occasion democracies, but rather help their of raising higher the banner of solidar­ enemies, because these democracies ity with the embattled democracy of neither could nor would threaten Spain. America. It is the principle of re­ A deep blush of shame should sweep warding our enemies and punishing over every American, whenever Spain our friends. And this is called a is mentioned, since that day, at the "peace" policy! What utter degrada­ opening of Congress, when the Ad­ tion to which we are descending! ministration at Washington rushed in Our enemies accuse the Communist such indecent haste to place a block­ Party that we, in demanding the sup­ ade against democratic Spain-a gra­ port of Spanish democracy, are bring­ tuitous act of war against a friendly ing some alien doctrine to America. They say our Leninist principles are • Address delivered at Lenin Memorial "imported from Moscow". It is really Meeting held January 20, 1937, at Madison Square Garden, New York City. too bad, if true, that defense of de- 112 LENIN AND SPAIN 113 mocracy can come only from Moscow. that failure there would be a powerful argu­ It is true that of all governments of ment to prove that there must be a failure here." the world, only that of the Soviet Union ·has stood staunchly, without And what should be done when a wavering, at the side of Spanish de­ sister democracy is threatened by a mocracy in its hour of trouble. That concentration of enemies? Jefferson is to the glory of socialism and the gave the answer when he recorded a Soviet Union, and the shame of all conversation with George Washington, governments calling themselves de­ dated December 27, 1792: mocracies. But it is not true that this same spirit must be imported from " ... he [Washington] observed to me that Moscow to New York. In America he thought it was time to endeavor to effect a stricter connection with France. He went there still live the fierce passion for into the circumstance of dissatisfaction be­ liberty and hatred of tyrants which tween Spain and Great Britain and us, and brought our country to birth and pre­ observed there was no nation on whom we served it in many trials, the revolu­ could rely, at all times, but France. (I was tionary traditions at the heart of much pleased with the tone of this observa­ tion. It was the very doctrine which had Americanism-even though our gov­ been my polar star.... )" ernment has betrayed lhis American­ Ism. When France was attacked and What arrogant stupidity to bring blockaded, did Jefferson want the forward this blockade of democratic United States also to rush to join the Spain in the name of Americanism! blockade? Not at all, although the Even AI Smith, the mouthpiece for United States was a relatively weak the du Ponts and Hearst, must pay country. In a letter to James Madison, lip service to Thomas Jefferson as the Jefferson said, in March, 1793: first great ideologist of the American democratic tradition. Let us ask "The idea seems to gain credit that the Thomas Jefferson where he stands on naval powers combining against France will prohibit supplies, even of provisions, to that this issue. country.... I should hope that Congress ... In a report on some negotiations would instantly exclude from our ports all with Spain, March 18, 1792, Jefferson the manufactures, produce, vessels, and sub­ observed: jects of tlie nations committing this ag­ gression, during the continuance of the "In the course of this war [American revo­ aggression, and till full satisfaction is made lution] we were joined by France as an ally, for it." and by Spain and Holland as associates; having a common enemy, each sought that What a world of difference between common enemy wherever they could find this bold defense of democracy against him." all its enemies, and the present cow­ About the French revolution Jeffer­ ardly crawling on the belly before son said, in a letter to Edward Rut­ Hitler! ledge, August 25, 1791: Jefferson further elaborated this "I still hope the French revolution will fundamental American doctrine in a issue happily. I feel that the permanence of letter to Gouvernour Morris, Minister our own leans in some degree on that; and to France, on March 12, 1793 THE COMMUNIST

. we received information that a Na­ Jefferson's doctrine, so opposite to tional Assembly had met, with full power to that cowardly "neutrality" that attacks transact the affairs of the nation, and soon a friendly democracy instead of aiding afterwards the Minister of France here pre­ sented an application for three million of it, expressed the deepest sentiments of livres, to be laid out in provisions to be sent the masses of the American people, to France.... We had no hesitation to com­ not only at that moment but gen­ ply with the application ... and we shall ... erally. During the French Revolution, omit no opportunity of convincing that na­ tion how cordially we wish to serve them. money and arms were sent to France, Mutual good offices, mutual affection, and American Jacobin Clubs were formed similar principles of government, seem to here, and all except the extreme reac­ destine the two nations for the most in­ tionaries openly expressed their sup­ timate communion; and I cannot too much port and admiration for its demo­ press it upon you, to improve every oppor­ cratic principles. ttmity which may occur ... for placing our commerce with th'at nation and its de­ During the European revolutions pendencies on the freest and most encour­ of 1848, America showed deep sym­ aging footing possible." pathy for the revolutionaries. They How far, how far, we have traveled welcomed with great acclaim such rev­ from Jefferson, when an administra­ olutionary leaders as 'Veydemeyer, tion acts upon the opposite principles; Kossuth, and Carl Schurtz. During instead of advancing finances, places our Civil War, it was the boast of the all possible obstacles in the way of North that revolutionary leaders simple transfer of the funds of the from Europe were fighting in the friendly democracy in trouble; when Union ranks against the slave power, no opportunity is lost to demonstrate just as it was our boast that the that no help will be permitted, even French, Spanish and Hollanders of private persons. Mutual good of­ helped us in our ·war of Indepen­ fices, mutual affection, and similar dence. principles of government, count no When, during the Civil War, Great more than the principle of defense of Britain tried, not to place an embargo democracy and peace. Commerce is against the North as we have against prohibited, instead of made as free as Spain, but merely to grant belligerent possible. It is the anti-dem~cratic rights to the South, Lincoln almost attackers to whom Jefferson would went to war against Britain. This was apply the embargo, but our admin­ avoided only because Karl Marx ral­ istration has turned Jefferson's prin­ lied the English working class to de­ ciples exactly into their opposite. feat their own Tories and prevent President Roosevelt would do well them from sending arm5 to the South. to ponder the words of Jefferson in a These are the true doctrines of Americanism. They fit in exactly to letter to Edmund Randolph, June 2, 1793, in which he said: the doctrines of Leninism. That is why we, who meet here tonight to "Indeed, I fear that if this summer should honor the memory of Lenin and con­ prove disastrous to the French, it will tinue his work, are the ones to whom dampen that energy of republicanism in our new congress, from which I had hoped so it is left to quote the exact words of much reformation." Jefferson in relation to the burning LENIN AND SPAIN issues of the day. And that is why we ocable victory of socialism in the can truthfully say that Communism largest country in the world. is the Americanism of the twentieth It is the sign of the greatness of century and that we, followers of Lenin that he left with us when he Lenin, most carefully preserve the died thirteen years ago, not only a treasures of the American tradition, firm and monolithic Party, fully con­ which our government has betrayed. secrated to his teachings, but a dis­ It is no accident that it has been left ciple who could take up Lenin's work to the Soviet Union to be the only and bring it to completion, an archi­ firm and reliable friend of embattled tect who could fully guide the build­ democracy in Europe today. That is ing of the structure of the socialist because the big capitalists, and all society, who could defeat all its ene­ whom they control, are abandoning mies, who could make it an impreg­ democracy in favor of fascism. Where­ nable fortress in a world of enemies. ever the big capitalists still hold power, Just as Lenin's name was carved in­ democracy is being attacked and delibly beside those of Marx and En­ threatened with destruction. It is im­ gels by his creation of the Bolshevik possible to defend democracy without Party and the victory of October, 1917, uniting the people against big capital, just as surely has another name taken to wrest from it the controlling power. its place beside that of Lenin, by vir­ The Soviet Union is able firmly to de­ tue of the victorious socialist construc­ fend democracy everywhere, because it tion, symbolized in the new Constitu­ has within its own territory com­ tion. New glory has been added to pletely eliminated capitalism and all the names of Marx, Engels, and Lenin exploitation, and developed for itself by that other name, that of the leader the greatest democracy the world has of all the progressive forces of the ever known. world, Joseph Stalin. Thus it is at the exact historical Who is so poor of spirit that he can­ moment when the capitalists are over· not rejoice in the recognition of the throwing their own democracies that world-shaping achievements of the the Soviet Union comes forward with tens of millions of the formerly down­ its new Constitution, which translates trodden and oppressed, organized the rights to life, liberty, and the pur­ around the working class by the guid­ suit of happiness into the guaranteed ing genius of Marx, Engels, Lenin, right of every citizen to work, to edu· and Stalin? Who is so blind that he cation, and to leisure, the material cannot see that these achievements realization of those things which in open up a new and glorious page in bourgeois democracies are but abstract the history of mankind? promises to the mass of the people. Socialism is inevitable, because the The new Constitution of the Soviet working class inevitably responds with Union registers what is already enthusiasm and heroism to the inspir­ achieved, not what is promised for ing call of such leaders. Capitalism is the future. It marks the fruits of the doomed beyond all reprieve, because great work of Lenin, whose memory it can by no means produce men or we honor tonight, the final and irrev- ideas which shape the human spirit ll6 THE COMMUNIST beyond the most ephemeral moment. As the American democratic revo­ The fight for democracy, peace, lution of the eighteenth century had and progress will go forward to new its Benedict Arnold and Aaron Burr, victories in Spain, and in the United so the proletarian revolutionary move­ States, as throughout the world, be­ ment of the twentieth century has its cause it has on its side that solid bul­ Trotsky. As the British Tories made wark established by Lenin, the Soviet heroes of these traitor8, so do the capi­ Union, because that bulwark has been talist class and its press shriek in our completed and made impregnable by ears the "revolutionary virtues" of the genius of Stalin. the traitor Trotsky. The same press to Everywhere in the capitalist world which the slightest laoor militancy is this fight marches forward under the anathema as "Bolshevism", which even banner of the P~ople's Front against raved against the "Bolshevism" of fascism and war. The People's Front President Roosevelt, sings the softest is growing everywhere. And every­ songs of praise for the "revolution­ where the most energetic and loyal ary", the "ultra-revolutionary" Trot­ builders of this front are the Commu­ sky. In the fascist countries, where nists, trained in the school and on the death is the penalty for distributing model of Lenin and Stalin. The men a Communist leaflet, Trotsky's books and women of the Communist Interna­ are placed by the authorities in the tional, in all countries, whom millions prison libraries for political pri~oners. recognize as their guides, are of that Truly the fascists and reactionaries mold: Dimitroff, the hero of Hitler's know their own men; but just as sure­ Reichstag Fire Trial in Leipzig, who ly does the working class know its singlehanded and in irons met and own. That is why the counter-revolu­ defeated the Nazi dictatorship, con­ tionary scum of Trotskyism is being victed it before the whole world; thrown out of the labor movement as Thaelmann, the banner of liberation fast as it shows its face. That is why of the whole German people, whom the Socialist Party, which swallowed even after four years Hitler dares not this poison less than a year ago, is bring to trial; Andre Marty, the hero already in the paroxysms of vomiting of the Black Sea Mutiny of the French it forth again. That is why Lenin, fleet, now a front line defender of through long years, fought against Madrid; Carlos Prestes, leader of the and defeated Trotsky and Trotskyism, Brazilian people's struggle against a and thereby made possible the Rus­ fascistic regime, now threatened with sian Revolution. judicial murder; Mao Tse-tung, chair­ Political reaction and fascism were man of the Chinese Soviets and leader given a resounding defeat in the last of the national liberation movement elections in the United States. The of his country. Each of these men, people, by overwhelming majority, embodying the best of the national gave a mandate for democracy, for traditions of his country, is at the progress, for higher living st:j.ndards, same time the embodiment of inter­ for extended civil rights, and for nationalism, as Thomas Jefferson was peace. for the America of his day. But, as we Communists warned the LENIN AND SPAIN masses from the beginning of the elec­ ganizing all-around measures to tion campaign, the Roosevelt middle­ strengthen the forces of Spanish of-the-road administration cannot be democracy! trusted to carry out this mandate. On We are proud of the trade unions every point it is compromising or be­ which are conducting the valiant bat­ traying the mandate of the elections. tles for industrial democracy in the Only the mass organization and strug­ auto and marine industries, in steel, gle of the people, only the building in textile, and in a dozen industries of the People's Front, can realize that and a thousand localities! mandate. This is the message of We are proud of the unity of the Leninism to the people of America unemployed, in the Workers Alliance, today. which registered so effectively last Already this spirit of Leninism is week in Washington the demands of beginning to permeate the American the millions of Americans unemployed masses. They are building their mass and of the whole working class, for organizations. They are beginning to effective work and reliei measures, and conduct mass struggles to realize the for social insurance! election mandate. We are proud of our Negro We are, proud of the American brothers, who are rising to organiza­ workers, proud that already they have tion and struggle to realize some of produced hundreds of American La­ that equality, the promise of which fayettes who stand in the front lines added their votes to the great popular of the defense of Madrid, of the demo­ mandate of the elections cratic republic of Spain! We are proud of the great united We are proud of the Farmer­ youth movement, whose pilgrimage Labor Party movement, which pro­ to Washington will soon place their duced the voice of Congressman demands before Congress and the Bernard which alone shouted "I ob­ President, and of the united student ject" to the betrayal of democracy by movement which has brought life to the voting of the blockade on Spain! our stagnant universities, colleges and That shout crystallized the conscience high schools! We are proud of the of the nation, and rendered inevitable women's movement which is now crys­ the revocation of that crime and the tallizing around the Women's re-establishment of the principles of Charter! Jefferson-and of Lenin-in our rela­ We are proud of all the rising mani­ tions to Spain. festations of the People's Front in the We are proud of the American United States. We see in them the people who organized the North proof that the American people will American Committee for Spanish meet and solve their problems, will Democracy, which has collected a mil­ crush fascism, and wiil open up the lion dollars in money, clothing, and way for the future realization of so­ food, and sent it to the Spanish cialism in our c~untry also, will real­ fighters. ize the prophecy of Lenin We are proud of the Society for These organizations and movements Technical Aid to Spain, which is or- give the immediate program of the 118 THE COMMUNIST

People's Front in America. In fighting of the ultimate realization of a free, for the immediate aim~ of these mass classless society, we must build the in­ movements, the Communists are at dispensible instrument for that pur­ the same time the best and only con­ pose, the Communist Party. For prac­ sistent fighters for the new socialist tical success in the struggle to main­ society. tain peace, to preserve and extend The fight for the People's Front in democracy, and through the struggle all its manifestations is the fight for for liberty to achieve socialism, a the principles of Marx, Engels, Lenin stronger and bigger Communist Party and Stalin; it is the fight for the whole is the necessary condition for such future of humanity. practical achievements. Writing during the formative It is therefore in the interests of the period of the Communist movement, working class and of the great ma­ Karl Marx showed in The Commu­ jority of the people that we appeal to nist Manifesto that the Communist you to join the party of Lenin. It was Party has no interests separate and Lenin who created this basic instru­ apart from those of the working class. ment for the struggle for liberty and These interests at the same time are progress, for a better life and against those of all progressive humanity. capitalism, the heroic and united Bol­ The Party of Lenin is an integral part shevik Party to which it is our honor of the working class and at the same to belong. time its most conscious element. As Our forefathers proclaimed that such it gives leadership to the work­ vigilance is the price of liberty. So, ing dass and to the masses of toilers. too, it is necessary to preserve the Recognizing the striving of the strictest vigilance within our Party working class for a better life, the so that we may prevent every attempt Communist Party does not rely on the to smuggle the contraband of anti­ spontaneous revolt of the masses. As Leninist ideas into the party of Lenin. the leader of the working class, the Such ideas, which are harmful to the Communist Party has an unfailing striving of progressive humanity, must guide in the theory of scientific so­ be defeated wherever they make their cialism. And, indeed, socialism is a appearance. science. It embodies the best achieve­ While commemorating the death of ments and creation of human thought Lenin, every member of the Commu­ and action throughout the centuries. nist Party should ask himself the ques­ In order, therefore, to achieve the tion: Have I done all within my goal toward which human progress power to build and strengthen the is striving, the goal of Lenin. it is · party of Lenin? We are strong, and necessary to be fully equipped with are growing stronger because of our the theory of Marxism-Leninism. devotion to the cause of the toilers, In order that the great mass of the the cause of human progress. That is people may have the"rneans of achiev­ why obstacles and difficulties along ing their immediate needs and im­ our path will not hinder our progress. proving their conditions of life now, In serving the real and most press­ and at the same time the guarantee ing needs of the people, we say that LENIN AND SPAIN ug there is nothing more important, Let this thirteenth anniversary of nothing of deeper concern to us than the death of Lenin mark the great the great struggle for democracy in strengthening and maturing of the Spain. The untold sacrifice and hero­ party of Lenin, the Communist Party. ism of the Spanish people are wrought Let it mark another period of great not only for the benefit of the masses advance of the unity of the workers, of that country. Their battle is being and the gathering of all the oppressed waged against international fascism. people in the People's Front. Let it They are fighting against those who mark the renewed determination of strive to plunge the entire world into millions growing ever ·larger, that the the hell of war. When the brave fight­ fascists and war-makers shall never be ers of Spain proclaim that fascism allowed to control our country. Let it shall not pass, we too raise our voices mark a new forward march of the and join our hands in their struggle. American people, hand in hand with Nothing that we do can even approxi· the democratic peoples of the world, mate that which they have sacrificed to wider democracy, to greater pros­ for us. It is in accord with the best perity, to more secure peace. of American devotion to peace and That is the message of the Commu· democracy that we do all in our power nist Party, of the teachings of Marx, to help make Madrid the tomb of Engels, Lenin and Stalin. fascism!

120 120

yet yet defeated. defeated. The The reation, reation, masses masses leisure. leisure. old old The The and and Soviet Soviet Constitu-

labor, labor, educational educational But But opportunities, opportunities, the the forces forces of of rec­ reaction reaction are are not not

rights rights and and for for economic economic time time society society security. security. guarantees guarantees man man creative creative . .

for for peace, peace, for for extension extension new new Soviet Soviet of of Constitution. Constitution. democratic democratic For For the the first first

confirmation confirmation masses masses in in the the of of adoption adoption ioilers ioilers declared declared of of the the their their desire desire

cent cent elections. elections. mankind, mankind, On On November November has has received received 3 3 the the indisputable indisputable

pression pression of of the the people. people. democratic democratic This This was was strivings strivings the the issue issue of of in in the the re­

racy, racy, that that socialism socialism jor jor rna rna is is issue issue the the highest highest facing facing ex­ the the American American

That That socialism socialism Democracy Democracy is is the the goal goal versus versus of of democ­ fascism fascism is is also also the the

true true democracy-socialism. democracy-socialism.

mankind." mankind."

to to move move forward forward in in the the direction direction of of

mon mon cause cause of of all all advanced advanced and and progressive progressive

world world slaughter slaughter and and enable enable humanity humanity private private affair affair of of the the Spaniaids Spaniaids but but the the com­

save save our our generatio11 generatio11 from from pression pression another another of of the the fascist fascist reactionaries reactionaries is is not not a a

"The "The liberation liberation of of Spain Spain from from the the op· op· the the defeat defeat of of reaction reaction and and fascism fascism can can

more more certain certain is is it, it, therefore, therefore, that that only only the the words words of of Comrade Comrade Stalin: Stalin:

mocracy mocracy and and those those of of fascism. fascism. All All the the get get the the significance significance of of this this struggle struggle and and

the the world world between between the the forces forces of of de­ we we must must not not for for a a single single moment moment for­

in in one one form form or or another another throughout throughout all all of of our our pre-convention pre-convention discussion discussion

pression pression of of that that struggle struggle which which rages rages battlefields battlefields of of Spain. Spain. That That is is why why in in

Spanish Spanish war. war. Spain Spain is is the the sharpest sharpest ex­ the the world world is is being being decided decided on on the the

tions tions of of the the world world we we live live in in than than the the people, people, but but also also that that of of the the people people of of

home home to to us us more more clearly clearly the the condi­ the the immediate immediate future future of of the the Spanish Spanish

Spain Spain and and its its people. people. Nothing Nothing brings brings to to us us it it is is a a call call to to action. action. Not Not only only

objective objective the the colonial colonial enslavement enslavement of of Spain Spain is is not not only only an an object object lesson; lesson;

adventure adventure which which has has as as its its immediate immediate stands stands secure secure and and free. free.

cism cism has has engaged engaged in in a a new new foreign foreign utopians utopians have have been been realized: realized: man man

alarming alarming actuality. actuality. International International fas­ assembly. assembly. At At last last the the dreams dreams of of the the old old

longer longer a a remote remote possibility possibility but but an an rights, rights, freedom freedom of of speech, speech, press press and and

take take place place at at a a time time when when war war is is no no bourgeois bourgeois democracies democracies are are only only formal formal

~ ~ the the Young Young Communist Communist League League will will through through which which to to enjoy, enjoy, what what under under

Eighth Eighth National National Convention Convention of of ~E ~E tion tion provides provides the the material material means means

BY BY GIL GIL GREEN GREEN

THE THE YOUNG YOUNG COMMUNIST COMMUNIST OJ<' OJ<' LEAGUE LEAGUE

REPORT REPORT TO TO THE THE NATIONAL NATIONAL CONFERENCE CONFERENCE

THE THE COMING COMING CONVENTION CONVENTION OF OF THE THE Y.C.L. Y.C.L. THE CONVENTION OF THE Y.C.L. I~ 1 young alike can only win the demands differences between this and previous they voted for by their unity and upturns? through struggle. To the extent that First, the continued existence of they do this and to that extent alone, mass unemployment; some 1o,ooo,ooo can they force Roosevelt to carry into jobless. life the mandate given him by the Second, its limited character. Even people of this country. now new factors are discernible Already this can be seen by the pointing to another crash in the events of the past weeks. The reac­ future. tionary forces are striving to turn What general conclusions can be their election defeat into a victory. drawn from this? What, if not this, is the meaning of First, that the upturn in production the sudden love displayed for Roose­ has not and will not solve the basic velt by Hearst and the National Man­ problems confronting the younger ufacturers Association? This is also generation. While it is true that a the meaning of the much heralded number of young workers have been "era of good feeling" and of the press drawn into industry during past campaign harping on the improved months, mass unemployment con­ economic conditions and the return­ tinues as a permanent social disease ing prosperity. and the most conservative estimates point to a minimum of 4,ooo,ooo ROOSEVELT RENEGING ON ELECTION young jobless. PROMISES Even those who are working have A conspiracy is afoot to rob the no guarantees of permanent employ· American toilers of their partial elec­ ment and thus no sense of economic tion victory; to destroy their growing security. Wages for young people are militancy. Roosevelt is already reneg­ extremely low, especially for Negro ing on his election promises. Hun­ youth and for girls. This was dramati­ dreds of thousands of W.P.A. cally expressed by the pitiful plea sent employees have been laid off. If he to President Roosevelt by a young girl succeeds in this first atiempt, it will be in New Bedford who toils in a textile a signal for a general onslaught. mill for from $4 to $6 a week. Part of this attempt to bury and The farm and middle class youth forget the issues voted on by the continue to face the dilemma of being people of this country is the new ap­ unwanted both on the land and in the proach towards the problem of the professions. In respect to the growing younger generation. Mr. Brown, of number of young intellectuals and the National Youth Administration, professionals that present-day society has declared that the problem of cannot use, Dr. Elliott, President of transient youth no longer exists and Purdue University, offers to solve this has implied that the entire youth problem in the following unique man­ problem is nearing solution. ner: He says: "American colleges must Let us examine the actual facts. abandon their objective of higher Production is moving up towards the education for all people." That such a estimated "normal". But what are the proposal can be seriously considered is 122 THE COMMUNIST in itself a severe indictment of our for democracy, peace, security and present social order. opportunity. We are especially proud It is therefore not surprising that of the fact that with our help Amer­ this country has an accumulated mar­ ica's youth are finding the path riage deficit of some 7:;o,ooo-that is, toward unity as expressed in the stu­ 75o,ooo who under normal conditions dent peace strikes; in the movement would have been married. Nor should in behalf of the American Youth Act; we be surprised at the growth of crime in the struggle for the rights of the among young people, a matter which Negro youth and in the splendid re­ has become an acute social problem. sponse and activity in behalf of demo­ When added to the above we con­ cratic Spain. sider the imminent danger of a world Aware of the great program made explosion which if not stopped will by our League in helping to cement take its ghastly toll in millions of the unity of America's youth; at the young lives, who can say that the same time we realize how small it is in plight of the younger generation is comparison to the tremendous prob­ being solved? lems facing our generations and the masses of toilers. It is in light of these VAST AWAKENING OF YOUTH greater problems that we wish to dis­ Under conditions such as these we cuss the policies and tasks of our witness a vast awakening of America's League in preparation for our Eighth younger generation. Young people, National Convention. whether in Y's, Settlement Houses, or I. YouTH IN INDUSTRY FACES church youth organizations; whether NEW PROBLEMS Catholic, Protestant or Jewish; whether white or Negro; want to The first series of questions I wish know what the future holds in store to discuss flows from the changed eco· for them, want to know how to nomic conditions in the country, the achieve peace, security and opportu­ formation and development of the nity. And while they have many dif­ Committee for Industrial Organiza­ ferences of opinion, they are united in tion and the special youth problems the view that these can only be that have arisen. achieved through democracy. This in During the period of the economic itself is a factor of greatest importance crisis and depression the vast majority making possible the unification of the of young people were outside of in­ broadest masses of youth for common dustry, especially the Lasic mass pro­ action in the solution of their com­ duction industries. Today, this is mon problems. changed. While unemployment is still We are proud of the fact that our widespread, large numbers of young Young Communist League has be­ people are engaged in industry, espe­ come an integral part of America's cially heavy industry such as steel and younger generation; has linked itself auto. This means that the problems of up closely with the many youth organ­ industrial youth are of greater impor­ izations of our country and shares tance than heretofore, in fact, of with them their ideals and aspirations prime importance, Furthermore, today, THE CONVENTION OF THE Y.C.L. these problems can more easily be met possi51e effective results in this field because of the changes in the labor is the changing attitude of the general movement, particularly the formation labor movement toward the young of the C.I.O. and its extensive drive workers. Many adult trade unionists to build powerful industrial unions recognize for the first time that with in the mass production industries. the influx of youth in industry, with Industrial youth are in the main the apprenticeship schemes of the unskilled. For this reason most of employers, and with the growth of them were never organized, as the child labor, the problem of winning craft unions ignored their problems the youth is one of prime importance. and made no special efforts to win An example of this trend was to be them; in fact, often excluded them. seen at the recent Tampa Convention Hence, the trend toward industrial of the A. F. of L. While this was the unions, toward organizing the mass of most reactionary gathering in the his­ the unskilled workers is of greater sig­ tory of that organization, the conven­ nificance for the young people in _in­ tion, nevertheless, for the first time in dustry than even for labor as a whole. its history, adopted a progressive stand That is why we consider the forma­ on the question of winning young tion of the C.I.O. a great step forward people for the trade union movement. for American labor and its youth, and A resolution sponsored by the Ameri­ will support in every way possible its can Youth Congress was unanimously endeavor to organize the basic indus­ adopted, concluding as follows: tries. We also recognize that the estab­ "Resolved, that the American Federation lishment of powerful industrial unions of Labor now in Convention assembled un­ will be of prime importance in dertake a campaign to promulgate union strengthening the entire progressive consciousness among America's young people movement of the people and will be and raise among its members the slogan: decisive in laying the foundation for '\Vin your sons and daughters for the Trade Union Movement.'" a broad Farmer-Labor Party. · What does this imply concretely? Of course, we recognize that with­ It means that to the degree that youth out the industrial form of organization have entered industry, to that same this slogan cannot be fully achieved. degree must our League enter indus­ Despite that fact, however, we con­ try; to that degree must we consider sider this resolution a victory for the work among industrial youth as of youth and the labor movement and first concern. will do all in our power to make its slogan one that is repeated by tens of TRADE UNION 1\IOVEMENT IMPROVES thousands of trade unionists and ap­ ATTITUD.E TOWARD~ YOUTH plied by hundreds of local unions: Our League can be of great service Let us remember, however, that in helping to organize the masses of resolutions are not in the habit of industrial youth and in helping their automatically transforming themselves struggles for union recognition, for into practical activities. If this reso­ higher wag·es and for improved con­ lution is not to suffer the fate of being ditions. Another factor which makes buried in the archives of the A. F. ot THE COMMUNIST

L., it is we who must take the initia­ face in improving our work in the tive in seeing that it is translated into steel towns of America? practical deeds. That section of the First, our League as an organization resolution which calls for the organ­ is extremely weak in the steel districts. ization of educational, recreational We have tried to strengthen our forces and athletic activities among young in these districts by sending some lead­ people can certainly be fulfilled in ing comrades into them and that is every local trade union if Y.C.L.'ers why some improvement is noticeable take the lead in seeing that this is in our work. Many more forces will done. have to be sent to these regions in the Already a number of unions have next weeks. But the problem cannot developed youth activities of an edu­ be solved simply by sending outside cational and recreational character forces into these places. Why? Because with great success. We refer to the these districts are made up of dozens splendid experiences of the San Fran­ of small steel towns and outsiders can­ cisco Maritime Federation, which has not so easily make contact and win established a recreational center in the confidence of the young people. which some 3,000 marine workers par­ The problem of forces is first of all ticipate daily and which has influ­ one of training local people. enced the entire San Francisco labor In this respect it must be said that movement in the direction of such our concentration districts have no activities. We also refer to the educa­ definite policy towards personnel. An tional and athletic activities of the example of this is the fact that not a I.L.G.W.U. in New York and to the single steel worker was sent by our youth committees and youth affairs League to the national trammg being organized in many of the steel school. Such districts as Pittsburgh, regions. Cleveland and Detroit did not even

STEEL INDUSTRY submit a sjngle candidate for this school. OUR CONCENTRATION CENTER When one bears in mind that these Steel, which is the center of the communities have few educational C.l.O. drive, must become the center facilities and that the general cultural of our work. 'Whether steel is organ­ life is extremely poor, it is not hard to ized or not will have decisive bearing understand why we train forces in on the whole future development of these regions so slowly. the labor movement and the nation as In the past few weeks the question such. At stake is not alone the issue of has arisen of the relationship of the industrial unionism but the living Party and League forces within the and working conditions of millions of mills. It is obvious that both organ­ workers and their families in the mass izations should operate closely to­ production industries. gether, as under present conditions Our work in the steel industry has both organizations are in a measure improved in the past two months, but illegal within the plants. However, we even now barely scratches the surface. wish to oppose definitely the concep­ What are some of the problems we tion which has arisen in some places, THE CONVENTION OF THE Y.C.L. that the Y.C.L. should actually be the labor movement; new only in the abolished within the mills and that all sense that they deserve special em­ Y.C.L.'ers should instead become phasis and consideration at this time. members of a youth committee of the APPRENTICESHIP A GROWING Party. PROBLEM We are for joint meetings of Party and League groups; we are also for First of these is the problem of joint Party and League units where apprenticeship and vocational train­ this is most practical, but we are de­ ing. So important has this question cidedly against the liquidation of the become that the recent gathering of League in the steel mills. Why? Be­ the National Industrial Council took cause the League is absolutely neces­ this up as a special point. It found in­ sary to stimulate the whole work dustry suffering from an acute short­ among the youth in the community, age of skilled labor and proposed that and all our previous experiences the manufacturers establish a system point to the fact that where the of apprenticeship and vocational Y.C.L. is liquidated in a short period training to meet this situation. On the of time all youth work is also nil. other hand the American Federation Taking into consideration the pres­ of Labor disputes the correctness of ent illegal and semi-legal existence of this finding and insists that plenty of the Y.C.L. in the steel towns, it is skilled labor is still available. necessary to advocate the building of It is our opinion that there are all sorts of legal youth clubs and youth elements of truth in both reports. A movements. These can be organized shortage of skilled labor is to be found to provide social and recreational ac­ in certain branches of industry, par tivities or around some issues such as ticularly in machine production. This the steel drive or the need for recrea· can be easily understood if one re­ tional centers. An example of how this members that for many years whole is possible is our work in --. Here branches of industry were completely our League has grown to 19 members shut down and that a new generation and a club of about 75 young steel of workers was not given the oppor­ workers has been organized. Another tunity of learning t,rades. Increased example of how to get support for production especially during the past the steel drive is the steps being taken year has overnight, so to speak, in­ in the Pittsburgh region to rally the creased the demand for a type of existing youth organizations into a skilled labor that can only be pro­ special conference for the aid of the duced over a number of years of labor steel union. and training. With certain modification, what has Appenticeship is therefore a genu­ been said about steel also applies to ine problem even though the manu­ other industries such as textile and facturers, for reasons of their own, auto. have consciously exaggerated the exist­ Now I wish to deal with a few new ing shortage of skilled labor. What problems which have arisen since the are their reasons? economic upturn and the growth of 1. They are more than anxious to

hiring hiring young young people people of of the the lower lower age age ing ing a a powerful powerful labor labor sports sports movement. movement.

ployers ployers have have pursued pursued the the policy policy of of order order of of the the day day the the task task of of develop­

come come acute acute is is that that of of child child labor. labor. Em­ ment. ment. This This situation situation places places upon upon the the

A A second second question question which which has has be­ connect connect it it closely closely to to the the labor labor move­

along along democratic democratic lines lines and and wants wants to to

THE THE QUESTION QUESTION OF OF CHILD CHILD LABOR LABOR

self self in in favor favor of of developing developing the the A.A. A.A. U. U.

of of all all by by the the trade trade union union movement. movement. dent dent of of the the A.A.U., A.A.U., has has declared declared him­

tional tional training training to to be be administered administered first first Mahoney, Mahoney, the the newly newly elected elected presi­

system system of of apprenticeship apprenticeship and and voca­ Union. Union.

ficially ficially launch launch a a drive drive for for a a federal federal vention vention of of the the Amateur Amateur Athletic Athletic

advocate advocate that that the the labor labor movement movement of­ progressive progressive forces forces at at the the recent recent con­

At At such such conferences conferences the the Y.C.L. Y.C.L. should should trade trade unions unions and and the the victory victory of of the the

steps steps should should be be taken taken in in other other cities. cities. athletic athletic activities activities sponsored sponsored by by the the

a a conference conference for for that that city. city. Similar Similar this this moment moment as as a a result result of of the the growing growing

Union Union has has already already decided decided to to call call such such Another Another problem problem presents presents itself itself at at

lem. lem. The The New New York York Central Central Labor Labor

SPORT SPORT MOVEMENT MOVEMENT

conferences conferences to to discuss discuss this this entire entire prob­

CONDITIONS CONDITIONS RIPE RIPE FOR FOR LABOR LABOR We We favor favor the the calling calling of of special special labor labor

manufacturers. manufacturers. lation. lation.

ing ing in in the the scab-herding scab-herding schools schools of of the the necessary necessary adequate adequate congressional congressional legis­

these these young young people people will will get get their their train­ step step in in the the direction direction of of obtaining obtaining the the

the the labor labor movement movement does does not, not, then then child child labor labor but but will will be be an an important important it it

should should help help them them achieve achieve this this end. end. If If ratification ratification will will not not in in itself itself abolish abolish

learn learn a a trade trade and and the the 1abor 1abor movement movement states states before before the the end end of of this this year. year. Its Its

ship. ship. Young Young people people have have a a right right to to amendment amendment ratified ratified in in the the remaining remaining

vocational vocational training training and and apprentice­ certed certed drive drive to to get get the the child child labor labor

movement movement cannot cannot deny deny the the need need for for organizations organizations to to join join hands hands for for a a con­

tion tion be? be? One One thing thing is is clear. clear. The The labor labor The The Y.C.L. Y.C.L. calls calls upon upon all all youth youth

should should labor's labor's position position on on this this ques­ a a considerable considerable period period of of time. time.

first first of of all all the the craft craft unions. unions. What What people people who who have have been been unemployed unemployed for for

ger ger for for the the entire entire labor labor movement movement and and of of crime, crime, especially especially among among those those young young

This This situation' situation' creates creates a a serious serious dan­ main main causes causes for for the the alarming alarming increase increase

Ford, Ford, General General Motors, Motors, etc. etc. group. group. This This development development is is one one of of the the

already already being being done done by by the the steel steel trust, trust, to to keep keep as as a a permanent permanent locked-out locked-out

own own supply supply of of skilled skilled labor labor and and this this is is generation" generation" which which the the employers employers wish wish

turers turers are are determined determined to to train train their their also also that that of of defending defending the the "depression "depression

For For the the above above reasom reasom the the manufac­ health health of of children children under under sixteen, sixteen, but but

drive. drive. is is not not alone alone a a battle battle to to protect protect the the

in in the the forefront forefront of of the the unionization unionization Hence Hence the the fight fight against against child child labor labor

lot, lot, and and in in industries industries such such as as steel steel are are tion". tion".

in in skilled skilled labor labor so so as as to to improve improve their their as as part part of of that that "demoralized "demoralized genera­

wish wish to to take take advantage advantage at at lower lower wages wages of of the the and and shortage shortage are are not not considered considered

The The older older time. time. craftsmen craftsmen These These instinctively instinctively youngsters youngsters can can be be hired hired 2. 2.

been been unemployed unemployed of of age. age. for for any any length length of of

get get rid rid of of all all brackets brackets workers workers as as over over against against forty forty years years those those who who have have

THE THE COMMUNIST COMMUNIST THE CONVENTION OF THE Y.C.L.

We have favored this for many years ment of the younger generation have but realized that this objective could increased at an accelerated pace. not be ·achieved without the trade Youth instinctively feels more and union movement as its mainstay. more the need for common action in Today this is possible. face of their common problems. Our line for the development of a This is what gave birth to and labor sports movement has nothing in helped extend the American Youth common, however, with the former Congress as the most conscious expres­ sectarian Labor Sports Union nor sion of the desire for collaboration in with the present Workers Sports Al­ the ranks of the youth. In the period liance which looks upon the A.A.U. since its inception the American as its opponent. Not an opposition Youth Congress has made continuous labor sports movement, but one func­ progress. Since its Third Congress, for tioning as an integral part of the example, the Student Christian Move­ A.A. U. is our perspective. In this ment has affiliated, representing the manner the labor sports movement student divisions of the Y.M. and can help influence and transform the Y.,V.C.A. This means that all three A.A.U. into a broad non-fascist divisions of the Y.W.C.A. are affiliated people's sports association. to the A.Y.C. nationally as well as the In New York steps have already largest and most active national di­ been taken by the A.A. U. and local vision of the Y.M.C.A. trade unions to call a special confer­ The Youth Congress was a tremen­ ence and to prepare for a labor sports dous step forward for American carnival as well as for an outdoor youth, but it has not yet completed event next summer. Certainly similar the task of uniting the ranks of the steps can be taken in California, West­ younger generation. We must remem­ ern Pennsylvania and elsewhere. The ber that there are only some 2,ooo,ooo I.W.O. workers' clubs, and sport teams young people affiliated to the Youth of the Y.C.L. should also endeavor to Congress through their respective or­ affiliate to the A.A.U. and its leagues. ganizations, while in the United States The building of a powerful labor there are more than 2o,ooo,ooo young sports movement has become an im­ people from 18 to 2 5 ·years of age, the mediate task which means that prac­ vast majority of whom consider them­ tical measures are necessary to accom­ selves progressives-and at least stand plish this objective. for democracy, peace and security. This poses the question: How are II. THE GROWING MOVEMENT TOWARDS we to help broaden and deepen the YOUTH UNITY AND OUR TASKS growing collaboration of America's As remarkable as has been the youth and their organizations? To change that has taken place in the answer this question requires an un­ Amateur Athletic Union these last derstanding of the moods, currents two years, it is only symptomatic of and trends at work among the various the general trend among the organ­ sections of young people and a more izations of youth. Thus, the conditions flexible approach to organizational working for a powerful united move- forms and methods of work.

the the student student consciously consciously peace peace movement movement anti-fascist. anti-fascist. which which They They are are for for

ment ment for for student student jority jority government government of of America's America's and and youth youth by by are are not not yet yet

desire desire for for unity unity word-anti-fascist. word-anti-fascist. by by the the growing growing move­ Yet Yet the the vast vast ma­

Student Student youth youth acter? acter? are are It It expressing expressing can can be be summed summed their their up up in in one one

direction. direction. Congress. Congress. ·what ·what is is its its present present char­

have have made made strides strides the the program program forward forward of of in in the the this this American American Youth Youth

Semitism, Semitism, and and in in a a number number of of cities cities it it is is of of great great importance importance to to broaden broaden

laboration laboration in in the the struggle struggle against against anti­ this this is is to to be be accomplished, accomplished, If If we we feel feel

ing ing to to achieve achieve local local and and national national col­ younger younger generation. generation.

The The Jewish Jewish youth youth have have been been striv­ into into a a truly truly representative representative front front of of the the

Richmond, Richmond, Va., Va., on on February February 14. 14. in in the the near near future future coordinating coordinating these these

Negro Negro Youth Youth Conference Conference to to be be held held in in movements movements with with the the aim aim of of some some time time

County, County, Pa., Pa., and and such such as as the the Southern Southern among among all all existing existing national national youth youth

which which was was established established in in Alleghany Alleghany veloping veloping close close fraternal fraternal cooperation cooperation

gress gress movements movements such such as as the the one one gress gress should should pursue pursue a a policy policy of of de­

Negro Negro youth youth are are forming forming local local con­ It It is is our our belief belief that that the the Youth Youth Con­

in in the the Catholic Catholic Youth Youth Movement. Movement. youth, youth, it it is is not not the the only only one. one.

Catholic Catholic youth youth are are banded banded together together tant tant instrument instrument to to unite unite America's America's

movement. movement. the the Youth Youth Congress Congress is is the the most most impor­

velopment velopment of of the the American American youth youth mold. mold. We We must must see see clearly clearly that that while while

portant portant part part in in the the whole whole future future de­ these these groupings groupings into into one one preconceived preconceived

program program will will undoubtedly undoubtedly play play an an im­ that that of of trying trying to to artificially artificially force force all all of of

youth youth organizations organizations on on a a progressive progressive ural ural forms forms of of collaboration collaboration and and not not

movement movement which which unites unites all all Protestant Protestant that that of of helping helping to to develop develop these these nat­

Youth Youth Building Building a a New New World. World. This This Our Our policy policy in in this this situation situation must must be be

know know of of the the single single existence existence issue issue of of of of the the peace. peace. Christian Christian

out out our our knowledge knowledge or or aid. aid. We We all all different different types types of of organizations organizations on on the the

themselves themselves and and in in certain certain cases cases with­ World World Youth Youth Congress Congress which which unites unites

from from the the life life of of the the young young people people the the Continuations Continuations Committee Committee of of the the

forms forms of of collaboration collaboration in in Defense Defense of of have have Spanish Spanish arisen arisen Democracy Democracy or or

Proof Proof of of this this already already exists. exists. Variou,s Variou,s such such as, as, the the United United Youth Youth Committee Committee

terests terests of of young young people. people. those those that that are are based based on on special special issues; issues;

diverse diverse as as are are the the In In conditions conditions addition addition to to and and these these in­ forms, forms, there there are are

this this goal goal by by Negro, Negro, a a number number Jewish, Jewish, of of paths, paths, etc. etc. as as

action action by by one one single single path; path; it it will will reach reach athletic, athletic, student, student, Protestant, Protestant, Catholic, Catholic,

on on specific specific types types eration eration of of will will organizations: organizations: not not march march toward toward united united

unity. unity. It It means means that that the the younger younger gen­ The The forms forms dealt dealt with with above above are are based based

express express itself itself ence ence in in the the of of various various movement movement forms forms toward toward of of collaboration. collaboration.

grounds. grounds. This This factor factor cannot cannot help help but but Congress, Congress, we we definitely definitely see see the the exist­

ligious, ligious, cultural cultural and and national national back­ Thus, Thus, side side by by side side with with the the Youth Youth

economic economic classes classes and and have have different different re­ Athletic Athletic Union. Union.

the the sense sense that that they they belong belong to to different different united united by by affiliation affiliation with with the the Amateur Amateur

time time compose compose a a heterogeneous heterogeneous mass mass in in Athletic Athletic organizatiom organizatiom are are already already

common common problems, problems, they they at at the the same same tional tional student student organization. organization.

While While America's America's young young people people face face includes includes nearly nearly every every important important na­

THE THE COMMUNIST COMMUNIST THE CONVENTION OF THE Y.C.L. democracy. The narrower character of problems. Why can we not cooperate the Youth Congress program makes it to solve these? Will not such coopera­ more difficult to draw all of America's tion benefit our respective member­ youth organizations into this move­ ships and the community as a whole?" ment. That is also why there are In local communities the most suit­ some who see a contradiction between able form of collaboration has been the building of a Farmer-Labor Party proven to be "Youth Councils". This youth movement with that of building is also a natural form of collaboration the A.Y.C. which has developed in many small What does the above policy mean towns and communities without our concretely for the various localities? cooperation or aid. Is it not possible It means that the leading comrades to help organize youth councils every­ should place before themselves the where? We believe it is. ·where these question: How can we develop the already exist our task is not to build broadest forms of youth collaboration new councils but to apply. for ad­ in our state or region? If the question mission as a Y.C.L. to the existing is placed in this manner, then the most ones. This policy was correctly pur­ important consideration for us will be sued, for example, in New Britain, the content and not the form. The ·Conn. fonns will vary in accordance with the On the East Side of New York such composition and characteristics of the a federated community youth council youth of the given region. If we think was established with representatives along such lines and always have as from some ninety youth clubs, includ­ our main objective the development ing Settlement Houses and Catholic of the widest collaboration among the youth groups. Such councils need not youth, we will also help solve another be organized on the basis of a definite question-the specific tasks of the program but on the principle of com­ Y.C.L. branch in helping to unite the mon collaboration. If a program is ranks of the youth. adopted it should correspond to what Too few branches today know what the young people in the given com­ is going on in the Youth Congress and munity are ready to' work for. These in other youth movements. Often our councils should maint~in connections League below is not in a position to and cooperate with the A.Y.C., al­ extend further the excellent relations though in many places formal affilia­ we as an organization have established tion may not be advisable at once, as with the leadership of other national the young people may desire to keep youth organizations. But if the start­ the movement solely a community one ing point becomes the need for bring­ to start with. ing all youth together for collabora­ Chicago and California have taken tion, certainly this is an objective that the lead in establishing a new city and every branch can aim to realize in its state form of collaboration which we own community. Our approach in the believe has great potentialities. A Chi­ localities should be along this line: cago Youth Assembly was established "We are all young people living in a few weeks ago following a call issued one community. 'Ve face common by the Youth Congress. This assembly THE COMMUNIST draws in many youth groups but bases years the Youth Congress has tried to itself on no definite program. Like­ draw large numbers of young people wise in California has the Youth Con­ from the Y's, church youth organ­ gress taken the initiative in establish­ izations and trade unions to partici­ ing a state Youth Assembly sponsor­ pate in the peace demonstrations and ing a state youth bill. parades. However, in most cases no City or state Youth Assemblies large masses were gotten to participate should be organized elsewhere. In fact, in these demonstrations even though this may very well become the regional the repn•entatives of the various form of the American Youth Congress. youth organizations voted for the These can model themselves somewhat demonstrations. after the state legislative assemblies or I do not wish to leave the im­ the city aldermanic councils and be pression that I am opposed to youth delegated gat4erings of young people peace parades and demonstrations on from all organizations and of all po­ May 30. I do strongly believe, how­ litical and religious beliefs. Such as­ ever, that the parades and demon­ semblies or councils can interest youth strations should be organized in the in legislative affairs, can introduce spe­ name of the Y.C.L. and other youth cial legislation in their own names and organizations ready for such types of can: therefore become important fac­ actions but that the Youth Congress tors in communities, cities and states. should, for the time being at least, After all of the above, it should be find more suitable forms through dear that we as an organization de­ which to express its peace stand. sire the closest fraternal relations with For example, would it not be pos­ all other organizations of American sible for the coming May 30 to organ­ youth and wish to help them prosper ize week-end outdoor peace encamp­ and grow into powerful progressive ments or sport and cultural festivals organizations. As in the past, the with the aim of attracting large num­ Y.C.L. should not seek to impose its bers of young people to such gather­ views on these organizations or their ings? In some places the A.A.U. could members, but should work with them be gotten to help organize the athletic on the basis of joint understanding events. In this way the Youth Con­ and agreement. gress could reach and activize larger Now for a few words regarding numbers of young people. issues and demands selected and type This general approach must be of methods used. These should always borne in mind by those Y.C.L.'ers flow from the needs of the youth . who are cooperating in the work for themselves. They should be based on the Southern Negro Youth Confer­ the actual level of the movement and ence; the first gathering of its kind to the readiness of the youth to work be held in this country. This con­ for them: and for that reason they ference can become a rallying center must, of course, b~t practical and ef­ for the Negro youth of the entire fective. Southland. Let us take May 30 (Memorial Day) If it is to serve this purpose, the as an example. For two consecutive conference should select such key slo- THE CONVENTION OF THE Y.C.L.

gans and demands as can rally the (1) To help collect at least 1,ooo,ooo largest masses of Negro youth and can signatures to be presented to Congress; also make a first break among the and (2) to help bring a minimum of liberal sections of the Southern whites. 2,500 young people to Washington on Y.C.L.'ers, who are delegates to this February 19 to place their demands conference should therefore refrain before President Roosevelt and Con­ from pressing for the adoption of our gress. full program on the Negro question If America's youth • are to be suc­ and should cooperate with the other cessful in their fight for the Youth delegates in finding such slogans and Act, it is first of all necessary to stop demands as can at this moment be all W.P.A. and N.Y.A. layoffs. Every most effective in building a broad attack on the relief standards of the Negro youth movement throughout unemployed and the youth must be the South. defeated. For this purpose special While aiding the development of measures should be taken to organ­ a broad movement for Negro rights ize the N .Y.A. employees and to unite both in the South and North, the them with the W.P.A. unions and Y.C.L. should more boldly and ener­ Workers Alliance for joint struggle. getically come forward with its own position for full economic, social and WILL SUPPORT ALL PROGRESSIVE political equality for the Negro people YOUTH LEGISLATION and should educate large numbers of young white people in this spirit. Widespread sentiment exists at this The major issue at this time for time for a program of progressive so­ the entire youth movement is the cam-. cial legislation. The victory of liberal paign for the adoption of the Ameri­ forces in certain state legislatures and can Youth Act, which has received the election of a bloc of progressive wider support from the organizations congressmen place before the youth of youth and labor than any other movement the task of formulating a proposal. This is quite natural as this more complete legislative youth pro­ bill embodies the main economic de­ gram on both a state and national mands of young America: jobs, voca­ scale. While we are not prepared to do tional training and educational oppor­ this at the moment, we do urge the tunities. calling of special conferences for this Certain revisions have been made in purpose. The Y.C.L. is more than the new draft of the bill which im­ ready to support every progressive prove it from both the legal and prac­ measure introduced into either con­ tical point of view. Pressure upon gress or the state legislatures. At the Congress for its adoption is one of the moment, in addition to the Youth best means by which to make Roose­ Act, we urge support for the Fletcher­ velt live up to his election promises Harrison Education Appropriation and can win immediate concessions Bill and the Nye-Kvale Bill which for needy young people. Two imme­ aims at eliminating compulsory R.O. diate tasks face us in the campaign T .C. from the colleges. We will also for the adoption of the youth bill: endeavor to get legislation introduced THE COMMUNIST which will remove the army from the take up the immediate problems C.C.C. camps. facing young America, by their failure On a state scale, especially in Min­ to recognize what the masses of youth nesota, Washington, California and are ready and able to win today. Nor Wisconsin, we favor the introduction will their narrow policies deter us. of state Youth Bills. These should not, Our loyalty is to the masses of toilers however, model themselves after the -not to a few high-sounding phrase­ national act. Tiley should instead aim mongers. at extending the provisions of the Let us take the struggle for peace. N.Y.A. on a state scale in the form Certainly at a time like this, when of definite appropriations for con­ humanity is so close to the brink of crete projects such as: youth centers, another world war, unity of all who gymnasiums, school buildings, camps, desire peace is a prime necessity. But and playgrounds. We also favor the the Y.P.S.L., sad to say, does not think establishment of permanent demo­ so. As war is an inevitable product cratically composed State Youth Ad­ of capitalist society, there is nothing ministrations to administer such pro­ we can do about it anyway, they say. grams. Such bills have already been Exploitation is also an inevitable drafted in a number of states. product of capitalist society, comrades This movement for youth legisla­ of the Y.P.S.L., but who outside of the tion is the best answer and solution fossilized Socialist-Labor Party will say to the acute social problem which the that we can do nothing about that? growing crime wave has created. We Maybe it is unfair to say that the are ready to cooperate with all organ­ Y.P.S.L. gives no answer to this ques­ izations and agencies working to end tion. It does. It says: socialism will end crime but we are firmly convinced that war and when war comes we'll turn only the abolition of poverty, only the it into civil war. Socialism will also establishment of guarantees for se­ end exploitation, but who would give curity can finally solve this problem. that as an answer to sit-in strikers in Detroit who want to improve their HLEFT" PHRASES AND Y.P.S.L. LEADER­ lot now, yes, under capitalism? And SHIP HINDERS UNITY who could be so dogmatic as to fail to When proposing the above prac­ see that the practical fight against war tical steps and measures by which to and exploitation today will logically improve the immediate lot of our lead the masses to an understanding generation, we realize that there are of the need for socialism? certain people in the Young Peoples The Y.C.L. believes in the unity of Socialist League who, behind the cloak all peace forces because such unity of "Left" phrases, endeavor to hinder can hinder and stop fascist aggression, the development of the broad youth as also the war preparations of Amer­ movement. But we are proud to be ican imperialism. Cordell Hull, Sec­ different from these dogmatists who, retary of State, in his speech at Buenos speaking in the name of "Socialism", Aires, said the following: make more difficult the achievement "The workman at his bench, the farmer on of this great goal, by their refusal to his land, the shopkeeper by his shelves, the THE CONVENTION OF THE Y.C.L.

clerk at his books, the !a borer in factory, THE ISSUE OF COLLECTiVE SECURITY plantation, mine or construction camp, must realize that his work is the work of peace; While completely rejecting the neg­ that to interrupt it for ends of national or ative policy of the Y.P.S.L. toward personal rapacity is to drive him toward quick death by bayonets, or to slower but the peace issue, we want to say a not less grievous suffering through economic critical word in regard to those Social­ distress. ists who take a positive position to­ "In all our countries we have scholars who ward the peace movement, but who can demonstrate these facts; let them not be are somewhat confused over the ques­ silent. Our churches have direct contact with tion of collective security. These com­ all groups; may they remember that the peacemakers are the children of God. ·we rades say: We are for collective se­ have artists and poets who can distil their curity in principle, but we are op­ needed knowledge into trenchant phrase and posed to it for the United States under line; they have work to do. Our great jour­ any other conditions but that of a nals on both continents cover the world. Farmer-Labor govemment. Our women are awake; our youth sentient; our clubs and organizations make opinion In the present world situation the everywhere. There is strength here available danger of war comes first of all from greater than that of armies. We have but to the fascist powers. These are the main ask its aid; it will be swift to answer, not aggressors. Everything that can be only here, but in continents beyond the done to stop these fascist aggressors seas." will help maintain peace. Especially We are for answering this request is this so because of the growth of the of Mr. Hull by building a movement Soviet Union into a world power for peace such as will force the admin­ working unceasingly for world peace. istration which he represents to stop Therefore the principle of collective its policy of billion-dollar war budgets. security which calls for collective ac­ That is why the American Y.C.L. as tion against all aggressors is a con­ well as the Young Communist Inter­ ception we agree with. This holds true national were represented at the for the United States as well, despite World Youth Congress at Geneva and the fact that for generations the consider the outcome of that congress masses have been fed with isolationist of great importance to the youth of illusions. The slogan "Keep America the world. We are cooperating in the out of war by keeping war out of U.S. Continuations Committee of this the world" expresses the unity which congress and will do all in our power exists between the struggle to keep to bring together all peace move­ America out of war and the fight ments and organizations for joint col­ for peace throughout the world. laboration. \Ve also welcome the re­ But these Socialist comrades say: cent growth of Peace Youth Councils \Ve have no confidence in the present in various communities and especially govemment of the United States; the splendid work of the National therefore we cannot trust it and have Student Peace Committee which is no guarantees that it will apply the preparing to make the student strike principle of collective security. This this year an even mightier demonstra­ is correct, but what is the conclusion? tion than those held heretofore. Not to demand America's cooperation THE COMMUNIST for world peace? No, this would be plies into Franco's armies, while the wholly false. The logical answer is: government of the United States dis­ let us build so powerful a mass move­ criminates against a friendly peaceful ment as will make impossible the power, making it impossible for that negating of the will of the masses on government to purchase supplies in the part of the Administration. this country. To this, these Socialist comrades America's youth who stand for repiy: but the masses of people will peace and democracy must demand not understand this and will increase from the Roosevelt Administration their reliance and dependence upon the lifting of the embargo against the the government instead of upon their government of Spain; must insist that own organized strength. the foreign policies of this country Let us think over the argument of be directed against the fascist aggres­ this position.' Why does not the same sors and not against the legitimate principle apply to internal policies, democratic government of the Spanish say the question of social legislation? people. After all, do we have confidence in our This is of tremendous importance present government on this matter? if war and fascism are to be defeated Of course not. We know that pro­ on a world scale and in our country. gressive social legislation will only be If fascism wins in Spain, world war is won by the organized pressure of the inevitable and reaction will continue masses. On this question as well there to grow throughout the world, includ­ may be a danger of reliance on the ing the United States. If Spanish de­ government but we are inclined to­ mocracy wins this will mark the open­ ward the opposite view that the more ing of a new offensive of the toilers we press for progressive legislation on and will be the greatest setback to internal as well as foreign affairs, the the forces of fascism throughout the more of a militant mass movement we world. shall have fighting the reactionary pol­ It is for this reason that we must icies of the government and the closer completely reject the policy of the we shall approach the establishment leadership of the Y.P.S.L. toward of the Farmer-Labor government that Spain. The Y.P.S.L. refuses to recog­ these comrades and we both desire. nize the struggle in Spain as one be­ tween democracy and fascism. It ROOSEVELT's POLICY TOWARDS SPAIN wishes to narrow the issue to that of The practical result of the failure to socialism versus fascism. Whom does force the government to become a pos­ such a policy aid? Is it accidental that itive force working for world peace Hearst and the reactionaries through­ is to be seen on the question of Spain. out the world also endeavor to make Under the cloak of so-called "neutral­ the issue one of "communism"? The ity", Roosevelt has established an em­ reactionaries know that the American · bargo against the republican govern­ people stand for democracy but not ment of Spain. Whom does this aid, yet for socialism or communism. if not the fascist powers? Germany and Therefore, by making the issue "com­ Italy continue to pour troops and sup- munism" they hope to divide the THE CONVENTION OF THE Y.C.L. ranks of the toilers and paralyze the for America's youth and the first test movement for the support of the of internationalism for the Young Spanish people. Communist League. TROTSKYISTS ENDEAVOR TO KNIFE SPANISH PEOPLE III. BUILDING THE Y.C.L. AND THE But if we must reject the sectarian PERSPECTIVE FOR A FARMER-LABOR policy of the Y.P.S.L. on the Spanish YoUTH ORGANIZATION struggle, we must organize merciless warfare against the counter-revolu­ In this last section I am going to tionary Trotskyists in the Y.P.S.L. who deal with the special problems con­ are doing their best to knife the nected with the building and broaden­ Spanish masses in the back. The ing of the Y.C.L. and the perspectives Trotskyist Erber puts forth the coun­ for a united youth organization. I be­ ter-revolutionary slogan: "War at the lieve that the developments of the front and revolution at the rear." past months have proven conclusively How Left this slogan sounds! But is the correctness of the line we worked it not the very thing Franco would out at our July meeting. At that time like? Is not the call for revolution in we declared that the new type of youth the rear in a period of civil war tan­ organization called for by the Sixth tamount to preparing the Fifth Congress of the Young Communist Column within Madrid that Franco International would in the United boasts about? And that is its purpose. States grow out of the stream of the Once again we see an example of how :Farmer-Labor movement - the move­ Trotskyist "Left" phrases are used to ment for independent political action. cover up counter-revolutionary deeds. Certain steps have been taken in Is it any wonder that the Trotskyists this direction in the past months. In have been ousted from the Catalonian New York a youth division of the government and that the Spanish American Labor Party was established masses are treating them like the with participation of some of the most scum that they are? important trade union locals and Honest young Socialists throughout youth groups. In Minnesota, the Jun­ the country are beginning to fight ior Farmer-Labor Association has against the counter-revolutionary poi­ been moving forward, although at a son within their ranks. We must help snail's pace. The same is true of the them in this inner struggle, as the Youth Section of . the Washington existence of their organization itself Commonwealth Federation. is at stake. In most other states no real Farmer­ The enthusiastic response of the Labor movements have been estab­ youth to the campaign for aid to lished and thus no corresponding Spanish democracy is an indication of youth movements. This is true of the fact that large masses of youth many regions where some months understand the significance of the back there seemed to be the begin­ Spanish war. The defense of the nings of budding Farmer-Labor Par­ Spanish people is a matter of honor ties. Detroit is one such example. THE COMMUNIST

Thus, at this time we cannot say that faster pace in building Farmer-Labor any foundation has as yet been laid youth organizations where such parties for a broad nationwide Farmer-Labor exist in either permanent or em­ youth organization. bryonic form. This means, at the mo­ The results of the elections will un­ ment, Minnesota, \t\Tisconsin, Wash­ doubtedly help spur forward the in­ ington and New York, and in those dependent activities of the working localities where local parties exist or class, and thus also the movement for will be established in the coming independent political action. But it period, especially during the spring would, however, be foolish to believe municipal elections. that a Farmer-Labor Party can be 2. It is important to develop a sys formed on a national scale overnight. tematic campaign of education in the The exact process toward such a party ranks of the youth for independent is still extremely unclear, and depends political action. This can best be or­ on many unknown quantities, to be ganized around questions of social determined by the level and character legislation. In a section of Boston, for of the mass movement in the coming example, around the fight for a youth period. center, large numbers of youth were Therefore, the whole situation influenced and won for the need of places before us the following ques­ independent political action. This can tion: What are our immediate per­ certainly be accomplished in our work spectives? Without attempting to give for the American Youth Act, which any final or definite answer to this lends itself admirably for such use. question, let me indicate a few points. In developing this campaign we First, even though the tempo of devel­ should definitely orientate toward opment of the Labor Party movement winning sections of the large youth has not been as fast as we had hoped, organizations. These organizations this in no way can change our basic have traditionally been known as non­ analysis. political and non-partisan. However, Some comrades may be impatient around the issues of social legislation at the slow rate of progress toward more and more of these organizations a united organization. To these com­ will begin to face realistically the rades we say: we cannot pursue the problem of government as a matter of policy of acting in haste and repent­ vital concern to them. To hasten this ing at leisure. It is far better to pro­ process we must help give the Cham­ ceed at a slower pace and be sure of pion of Youth a mass circulation, as reaching our goal than to proceed at through this magazine we can win a rapid pace but not arrive there at youth for independent political all. We must not sacrifice the broad action. character of the Farmer-Labor youth 3· In this stage of the Farmer-Labor organization by haste and impatience. movement, it is necessary to find those What must be done to help develop intermediate forms through which to the movement for a Farmer-Labor develop the Farmer-Labor 'youth or­ Party among the youth? ganizations. I have already dealt with 1. It is necessary to proceed at a the matter of social legislation as of THE CONVENTION OF THE Y.C.L. 137 paramount importance. Is it not pos­ mainly because of the threat from the sible in certain regions to call special Right and the general swing of labor conferences of youth organizations on toward Roosevelt. Under the impact this question? I think it is. of the hopes for swift and new re­ Furthermore, in those parts of the alignments, certain sections of the country where progressive sentiment League felt that the main question is accumulating within the confines was to build new groups, while others of the old parties and is leading to the waited passively for the new organ­ formation of definite groupings, we ization to be created. The result of must be able to make use of such de­ this was that in some parts of the velopments. This is especially so in country the League was taken whole­ the South. In this section of the coun­ sale into the Party. In others the try progressive sentiment is beginning tempo of recruiting declined. to express itself within the Democratic In the past half year this trend has Party itself. Here we can aid in the been reversed. During the election establishment of intermed}ate youth campaign especially, the recruiting organizations such as Progressive into the League reached a high mark. Young Democrats, Modern Young This is first of all true of New York, Democrats, etc. vVe may find that such where some 1,8oo members were re­ intermediate forms will play an im­ cruited during the campaign. In the portant part in not only creating a rest of the country while there has Farmer-Labor youth organization, but been gradual improvement, there is in hastening the whole process of as yet no comparison with New York. political alignment among the masses. The above is not the only reason The second major conclusion we why the League has not grown more must draw from this situation is the rapidly. The others are to be found need for building and broadening the in examining the following two ques­ Y.C.L. as the conscious force working tions: How the League comes before for the unity of the youth and for the the masses of young people and at­ creation of the Farmer-Labor vouth tracts them; and what the League organization. gives to its members when it has re­ On this question of the building of cruited them. the Y.C.L. I want to be a bit more Before we proceed to do so, it may specific. A year ago, because we be advisable to remind the comrades thought the whole development in the of the formulation used by Lenin to country would be faster and deeper, define the specific character of the we placed before ourselves the task of Y.C.L. He said: developing the united organization within a year. Later, when we tied "The task of the youth generally, and of the Young Communist Leagues and all other this perspective up with that of the mganizations particularly. may be expressed Farmer-Labor movement, we also be­ in one sentence: The task is to acquire lieved that the election struggle would knowledge." bring about strong local Labor Party movements and the embryo of a na­ How is the Y.C.L. to acquire knowl­ tional party. This has not taken place, edge? Lenin answers this by saying: THE COMMUNIST

" ... only by linking up each state of its as a friend of the people; as a con­ studies, training and education with the un­ structive force. It is not enough for ceasing struggle of the proletariat and the the League to tell the youth to go out toilers against the old system of exploitation." and fight for this or that. It is neces· How should our League come be­ sary that the League show the masses fore the masses of youth? Let us take that it is concerned with their needs the present steel campaign as an ex­ not because this provides an oppor­ ample. Is it the task of the Y.C.L. to tunity for "a struggle", but because work out the general policy of the we are concerned with them as people. campaign? No! It is our task to mobil­ There are many little ways that this ize the youth for the campaign; to can be done. A few days before Christ­ educate them in its spirit; to prepare mas a Y.C.L. branch in Jamaica pro­ them for the coming struggle and to vided an example. A group of workers study and analyze the lessons of the who were in a sit-in strike could not movement as a whole. provide Christmas toys for their Our job is to help the labor move­ children. The Y.C.L. went into the ment in all its struggles; to come for­ neighborhood, collected $3o, and on ward as an energetic defender of labor Christmas morning delivered toys to and the toilers; as an organization the children of these workers. I can which educates young people, and assure you an act of this kind means which in every sense of the term is an more than many manifestoes. organization of the people. I am not proposing that the Y.C.L. should take over the function of a FRENCH Y.C.L. SHOWS THE WAY proletarian Santa Claus or Salvation An example from France: During Army. Not at all. One thing we should the height of the strike wave there, the remember, however, is that the largest French Y.C.L. undertook mainly the and most powerful mass organizations organization of aid to the strikers. in this country were built up as "ser­ The Y.C.L. helped organize food vice" organizations. This holds for kitchens; placed its membe"'rship at the the Boy Scouts, for the Y's, for the disposal of the strike committees; Settlement Houses, for the 4-H club~, raised relief; appealed to young work­ etc. We should not fail to learn from ers to join the strike, etc. By its unself­ their experiences. Our Y.C.L. is also ish aid to the strikers it achieved a a service organization; but one of a great name for itself in the ranks of special kind. We serve the masses of labor. People saw the Y.C.L. not as an toilers and their youth. organization only ready to give advice, AN ORGANIZATION OF THE PEOPLE but as one giving practical aid. This is one reason why the French Y.C;L. But if we are to become an organ­ grew in the last year from 2o,ooo to ization of the people we must really more than 1oo,ooo members. feel deeply concerning them. We are If our League only learned from not those who believe, as does the our French comrades it could link Y.P.S.L., in the theory "The worse for itself up with the lives of the people the people-the better for us". The in every community; be looked upon Y.C.L. must be known in every com- THE CONVENTION OF THE Y.C.L. munity, in every industry, in every while satisfying all of these diverse organization, as a League dedicated needs we must first of all educate our to the needs of the people. Young membership in Marxist - Leninist people will respect us for what we do theory. along these lines. In this way the This is not a new question. We League will become an organization have discussed these matters before, of the people; not a Left sect that but too little has been done to organ­ appears before the masses as being ize our work accordingly. What are concerned with their mfferings solely some of the problems we face in this to be able to prove the need for a new respect? social order. First, we must raise this problem before the whole League and en­ EDUCATING AND ENRICHING THE courage the greatest initiative from LIVES OF MEMBERS below in developing these diverse forms. In many places our comrades How about what we give to the are already working along these lines young people who join our ranks? with excellent results. A number of After all, as slow as is our recruiting, branches in New York City have or­ it nevertheless results in bringing ganized athletic teams, dramatic thousands of new members into our groups, choruses, classes in journal­ organization every year. And yet, the ism, Marxism, art, etc. majority of these we do not hold. In one or two instances the Why? Because we do not sufficiently branches have become so large that enrich their lives. We do not sufficient­ they are taking steps to divide them­ ly help educate them. Every young selves into clubs dealing with these person wants to excel in something or different types of activities. other. He may want to be a good But initiative from below is not speaker; he may want to know avia­ enough, as experience has shown. The tion; he may want to know how to second prerequisite is that of atten­ write-or even typewrite; he may want tion and leadership from above. When to study dramatics; or learn chess or a number of basketball teams exist in how to dance. Can our organization, different branches it is necessary to that wishes to enrich the life of our bring them together into a league. whole generation, ignore the problem This is a problem of leadership. If of beginning to enrich the personal they wish to excel at the game they lives of those whom we reach and need instruction, and this is a prob­ recruit? lem of leadership. In the last few months I have had When a dramatic group is first occasion to meet with many com­ formed, it can with its own forces rades in branches. I witnessed a hun­ organize a few skits. But when it be­ ger for knowledge and culture. The comes interested in more serious plots League must satisfy this hunger. The and plays it needs people who can League must become an organization write these plays and a dramatic in­ that answers most of the cultural and structor to help produce them. This recreational needs of the youth. And is also a problem of leadership. THE COMMUNIST

This is even more true when it fessional people of all types should be comes to organizing classes in Marx­ drawn around the League and util­ ism. ized to train the young people in and What does all this mean? It means around the League. that the leadership of the Y.C.L. must Some comrades may fear that if we be constructed so as to be able to give do the above we will forget the class guidance along these lines. In the struggle of the masses. If we work cor­ near future it may be just as impor­ rectly these activities will only help tant to have a full-time functionary draw youth into the struggle. in the center in charge of dramatic Of course, let me underline the activities as in charge of trade union phrase "if we work correctly", for work. And let no comrade smile at this will not take place spontaneously. this because dramatics can play no One of the best means of solving this small part even· in our trade union problem is by closely linking our work. educational and cultural activities Although our League has plenty with our mass work. An example of of talent along these fields, this is as how this can be done is the present yet untapped. We must find this tal­ basketball games for Spain being ent, because without it we will not played throughout New York. be able to develop the specialized It goes without saying that all of leadership we need. To help do so, the above cannot be mechanically and to encourage these forms of ac­ applied throughout the League. A tivity, we are organizing a national branch of eight members in Louis­ contest for the best play and will give ville, working in a small town, can­ a $100 prize as premium; furthermore not possibly work in the same manner we are going to organize a contest for as an organization of some 7,ooo in skits and songs. We shall also en­ New York. Nor can our League in courage the organization of baseball Minnesota and Washington, where teams and leagues this spring and will the main problem is that of building arrange for special trophies for win­ the Farmer-Labor youth organizations, ning teams. develop their own activities along the We want all this talent to come to same line as other sections of the the fore, and some day we hope to so League. Nor can a branch in a steel excel in these activities as to be able town function like one in a university to compete successfully with other town. In each case we must find the youth organizations, whether that be most suitable type and form of ac­ in dramatics, athletics or debating. tivity. To make this possible we must be­ This means that the membership gin by gathering around the leader­ must become the determining factor ship of the League specialists of one in deciding the character of the kind or another. These need not be League and its activity in every sphere young people but can be men and of work and in every section of the women of all ages. Teachers, profes­ country. The membership must be sors, artists, cartoonists, athletes, writ­ made to feel that the organization is ers, playwrites, journalists and pro- theirs; that they can make of it what THE CONVENTION OF THE Y.C.L. they want it to be; that they are the special problems and need special deciding force in determining policy forms of guidance. It is often ex­ and activity. tremely difficult for them to get this A year ago we raised the question through the present League structure. of setting up section and city com­ Would it thus be advisable to organ­ mittees with elected delegates from the ize a general student division of the branches. These committees were to Y.C.L., something like those in other be the leadership. Every elected dele­ youth organizations? I also pose this gate would have the task of reporting question for consideration. back to his branch; the branch in Many other questions pertaining to turn could instruct its delegate, could League structure and leadership are make proposals to the section or city in order. I do not want to go into committee. ·we would like to hear these here. I merely want to encourage from those places where such commit­ the widest experimentation on these tees were established as to how they matters until our convention. helped the functioning of the League. This whole section of my report, as As far as our knowledge goes this type you can see, comrades, is aimed at of leading committee has proven to broadening our whole conception of be of great value. the Y.C.L., of making the League an In preparing for our convention we organization that answers the needs should permit complete freedom for of the youth, that provides them with experimentation with organizational knowledge and comradeship; with forms and League structure. We face responsibility, education and recrea­ many problems along this line. Let tion; which offers them a life with a me mention two of them. purpose. First, the age problem. It is very The Eighth Convention of our difficult to get young people of work­ League will take place as we celebrate ing or college age to mix with young our fifteenth anniversary as an organ­ people of high school age. We tried ization. In the fifteen years of our to solve this in some cases by forming existence we have made great strides "Junior Y.C.L.'s". This did not solve forward in the direction of becoming the problem, as the younger-age mem­ an important factor in the lives of bers do not want to be considered as American youth, or' becoming an or­ "Juniors". Could this problem not be ganization of and for the young peo­ solved by forming a separate high ple of this country. We have found school section of the League, with the path to the masses of youth and separate dues payments, different re­ have grown in size and influence. w·e quirements and tasks and a completely are certain that as a result of the different educational system? I merely widest discussion throughout the pose the question as one which should ranks of our organization and on the not be answered now, but should be basis of the line presented here we thought over and experimented with will make this coming convention the up to our convention. most significant event in the life of Second, the student problem. The the American youth movement. student branches of the Y.C.L. face Forward to our Eighth Convention! THE STUDENT MOVEMENT IN THE UNITED STATES

BY CELESTE STRACK

I. THE RISE OF THE AMERICAN teenth century. Moreover, in the STUDENT' MOVEMENT period of American capitalist expan­ sion, industrialists and financiers HE growth of a mass progretsive themselves wanted to provide at least T student movement in the United a certain minimum of mass education States has been one of the most signifi­ in order to increase the efficiency of cant developments of the social and their own economic system. Conse­ economic crisis. At present in the quently, the nineteenth century wit­ United States there are roughly nessed a tremendous growth in public 6,ooo,ooo high school students and grammar and high school training. 1,ooo,ooo college and university stu­ The latter part of that period and the dents in a total youth population of early 19oo's saw the expansion of some 25,ooo,ooo. Although complete American colleges and universities universal public education clearly both through government grants and does not exist, education is by no private endowment. Their facilities means confined to the upper and mid­ were available to a limited group, but dle classes. A majority of American to a less select one than is true in high school students come from work­ many European countries. In other ing class and lower middle class words, the American schools have al­ homes; as high as 20 per cent of col­ vays been relatively close to the lege students in many institution are people; education in America has of working class background, the bulk been considered one of our basic of the remainder coming from middle democratic institutions. Of course, re­ class homes. Only in a handful of col­ actionaries have made repeated ef­ leges do the majority of the students forts to utilize the educational system come from America's ruling families. for their own ends, the propaganda The present status of American stu­ value of our schools in the last war dents is the result of the whole history being the most striking example. of American education. Universal free However, there is a contradiction be­ public education is one of the earliest tween the "educational" aims of the demands of a democratic people; it reactionaries and the broad· social was a central slogan of the trade base of the student body. For these union movement during the nine- reasons the American student body, THE STUDENT MOVEMENT IN THE U.S. in terms of size and class composition, employment in trades and professions. has the potentialities of a real pro· Like the rest of their generation, they gressive force in American life. faced the growing reality of war as a Special reference must be made at second mortgage on their future. this point to the position of Negro stu­ In the second place, students were dents. In the South Negro and white affected directly as students. The con­ students are segregated in separate tradictions between a sick economic educational systems, Negro schools mder and a supposedly economic providing the most meager and in­ democratic, expanding educational ferior facilities. In the North, discrim­ system came to head. Schools closed ination is rife and the number of down. Military training increased. As 1\·egro youth able to attend schools is students began to question and chal­ far below that of white youth. The lenge, academic freedom wore thin Negro students also face the additional and broke through under reactionary problems of a suppressed people. pressure. However, because even this limited In 1929 and 1930 countless local group has an opportunity to secure student groups responded to the crisis education and training withheld from about them. Social problems clubs, the bulk of their peoples, the role of discussion societies, and forums began ~egro students in the entire liberation to step from theory into action. Out movement is of particular importance. of these stirrings emerged a nation­ Their work lies not only among their wide student movement. By March, fellow students, but in the community 1932, the National Student League, generally among all sections of the in which Communist students played Negro people. In this respect, the im­ a large role, was established as an or­ portance of the Negro student move­ ganization to defend the immediate ment can be compared to that of the interests of the mass of students. The student movement in Cuba, China, or Student League for Industrial Democ­ ether colonial and semi-colonial coun­ racy, a Socialist group, began to deal tries. with the same problem. The foregoing historical factors set From the outset, the attitude of the stage for a mass progressive stu­ Communists toward the student move­ dent movement in the United States; ment was essentially correct. It was the curtain actually rose with the based on the understanding that stu­ crisis of 1929 which precipitated the dents, as part of society as a whole, student body into a series of imme­ faced immediate problems which they diate problems demanding some sort cculd organize to solve; that students of organized response. Students were could win certain immediate improve­ struck from two sides; first, like all ments through such action; and that young people, they were intimately through this experience, with the aid and personally affected. Parents lost of conscious education, they would jobs, received wage cuts, or faced develop a more comprehensive under­ bankruptcy. Attendance at school be· standing of the fundamental need for came increasingly difficult. Students a new social order and the steps neces­ looked out upon a dismal sea of un- sary to achieve it. This line was re- 144 THE COMMUNIST fleeted in the actual work of the stu­ League and Student League for In­ dent movement: the student strike dustrial Democracy, so that a focal '~hich took place at Columbia because point for all liberal forces in the of the expulsion of the school editor, school could be created, with a con­ the first student anti-war congress in sequent increase in power and effec­ December, 1932, and the anti-re­ tiveness. trenchment demonstration of 2o,ooo The basic political problem in­ Chicago high school students were a volved in the latter point was the dif­ few of a whole series of events in ference that existed between the which the National Student League approach of the N .S.L. and that of played a leading role, frequently in the S.L.I.D. with reference to mobiliz­ cooperation with the Student League ing the student body. The emphasis for Industrial Democracy. of the N.S.L. was correctly upon the Basically, the ·student movement of struggle around immediate issues. this period was that of a relatively The Socialist-led S.L.I.D., however, small militant minority. It played a was influenced by the Right oppor­ remarkable role in stimulating stu­ tunism of the Socialist leadership; it oent thought and in literally shocking l1ad originated as the Intercollegiate a slumbering student body into action. Socialist Society, a group devoted pri­ At the same time it must be acknowl­ marily to armchair philosophizing and edged that the movement suffered abstract debates about socialism. The from many sectarian difficulties based S.L.I.D. likewise devoted its major on its position as a minority "oppo­ work to an abstract approach to gen­ sition" movement. As it emerged from eral political and economic matters. its initial formative stage, the student Consequently, it underemphasized movement faced the problem of de­ and even totally neglected the strug­ veloping a real mass movement speak­ gle for immediate student demands ing for the majority of the American which alone could win large masses student body. of students and prepare them for higher political development. II. THE FIGHT FOR UNITY AND THE Finally, because of repeated joint ESTABLISHING OF THE AMERICAN activity of the N.S.L. and S.L.I.D., STUDENT UNION and because of pressure from liberal Communist students early pointed students who refused to join either out that unity was absolutely neces­ group because of their disunity, as sary for the realization of an effective well as the growing need for greater mass progressive movement. Students power in the schools, the S.L.I.D. went faced the question of unity on two on record in favor of amalgamation, fronts: ( 1) The need for a broad stu­ and in December, 1935, entered the dent united front linked up with the unity convention which established general progressive movement (which the American Student Union. point will be discussed later) and (2) The American Student Union based The immediate problem of unity be­ itself squarely on the immediate needs tween the two most advanced student of the student body and adopted a organizations, the National Student program setting forth the right to an THE STUDENT MOVEMENT IN THE U.S. 145 education and to economic security, terest to the student body, how to the desire of students for peace, equal­ come before the students in the most ity, and, freedom, and stated its soli­ positive manner, how to build a really darity with labor and other progres­ broad student movement. sive forces. It established unity not Let us take, for example, the prob­ only between Socialist and Commu­ lem of curriculum. Students are in nist students, but between these and school fundamentally to secure an a third bloc of previously unaffiliated education. Frequently they are dissa· liberals. It was therefore not a "van­ tisfied with the courses offered or in­ guard" organization in the sense that tolerably bored by the outworn meth­ it offers any ultimate solution to all ods employed. For some time there problems faced by students, but rather has been a movement in educational a rallying center for the progressive circles to meet these criticisms and to forces of the American student body. remodel the curriculum along pro­ The one year's existence of the gressive lines. Certainly the American American Student Union has fully Student Union has something to say justified its founding. During that about these matters. We cannot, to be year it led a student peace strike of sure, completely remake the curricu­ half a million students. It played an lum, but we can effect certain genuine important part in mobilizing student improvements along the lines of sex support for the American Youth Act, education, peace education, courses and in winning the continuation and on social change, student committee extension of the National Youth Ad­ on curriculum, student conferences ministration. It has begun serious with faculty and administration. work to organize high school students. Or a second example-student co­ It has interested itself increasingly in operatives. In the last few years there all phases of student life. Its member­ has been a rapid growth of coopera­ ship has grown to some twenty thou­ tives in American schools-housing, sand active members. eating, and book cooperatives being in The A.S.U. convention this Decem­ the forefront. These have arisen out ber recorded these facts. It established of attempts of students to adjust lim­ the A.S.U. as a "going concern". And ited pocketbooks to e~ucational needs. it indicated the central problem which While the A.S.U. basically attempts to that organization faces-that of trans­ secure government assistance for stu­ forming itself from a minority group, dents and the lowering of educational with traces of the old "opposition" expenses, there is no reason why it attitude, into a movement that will should not couple such campaigns come before the student body in the with participation in student cooper­ most positive and constructive man­ atives. Some twenty chapters have al­ ner. Today there is one unified pro­ ready recorded experiences in this gressive student organization. It has field, with the result that students saw

today. today. with- movement movement student student education education the the of of basic basic tasks tasks (1) (1) Increased Increased

the the with with coping coping of of months: months: point point the the to to raised raised

be be leadership leadership coming coming the the Communist Communist in in of of means means quantity quantity This This work. work.

and and quality quality the the mass mass can can their their methods methods strengthen strengthen to to such such and and problems problems

through through Only Only students. students. the the among among ideological ideological continual continual meet meet to to both both

work work educational educational theory theory of of basic basic in in quality quality higher higher training training maximum maximum

a a planning planning in in the the Party Party need need the the they they from from theory; theory; tance tance liberal liberal confused confused

assis­ Direct Direct and and (5) (5) reactionary reactionary convention. convention. of of fire fire Y.C.L. Y.C.L. constant constant the the

the the before before districts districts and and l,ranches l,ranches under under are are youth, youth, the the of of section section other other

all all in in discussed discussed thoroughly thoroughly be be should should any any than than more more perhaps perhaps btudents, btudents,

matter matter This This problems. problems. student student to to tion tion student. student. Communist Communist every every from from power power

atten­ specialized specialized more more give give to to able able be be striking striking and and clarity clarity ideological ideological greater greater

will will that that Y.C.L. Y.C.L. the the of of section section student student demand demand questions questions complex complex other other dred dred

a a from from arising arising problems problems and and for for need need hun­ a a and and action, action, political political <.l.ependent <.l.ependent

the the of of Consideration Consideration (4) (4) Y.C.L. Y.C.L. the the in­ of of development development Trotskyites, Trotskyites, the the of of

of of organs organs local local and and district, district, tional, tional, defeat defeat movement, movement, peace peace student student the the of of

na· na· the the by by way way organized organized an an in in up up Clarification Clarification work. work. our our of of aspects aspects tical tical

taken taken be be should should question question This This ment. ment. prac­ the the upon upon effect effect retarding retarding a a have have

develop­ and and education education his his planning planning inevitably inevitably will will this this and and theory, theory, ist ist

in in assist assist must must and and Y.C.L.er Y.C.L.er every every Marxist-Lenin­ with with armed armed sufficiently sufficiently

of of possibilities possibilities and and needs needs dividual dividual not not is is that that Y.C.L. Y.C.L. student student a a have have we we

in· in· the the to to attention attention careful careful give give must must time time same same the the at at point; point; strongest strongest its its

leadership leadership the the that that means means This This policy. policy. is is work-this work-this mass mass re'al re'al to to turn turn cisive cisive

personnel personnel collective collective and and conscious conscious a a of of de­ a a made made has has that that Y.C.L. Y.C.L. student student

development development The The (3) (3) work. work. cational cational a a have have we we Today Today students. students. munist munist

edu­ mass mass in in increase increase an an means means This This Com­ all all by by work work of of quality quality highest highest

problems. problems. their their of of solution solution final final a a the the developing developing of of that that is is question question

in in inherent inherent problems problems the the and and events, events, key key the the present, present, at at Here, Here, ership. ership.

world world of of significance significance full full the the body body lead­ Communist Communist better better and and more more for for

student student the the to to interpreting interpreting of of task task need need urgent urgent the the is is there there Secondly, Secondly,

the the have have We We etc. etc. publications, publications, dubs, dubs, classes. classes.

Communist Communist forums, forums, circles, circles, pus-study pus-study and and seminars seminars as as such such forms forms formal formal

cam· cam· the the on on work work open open through through ranks, ranks, in in as as well well as as liberals, liberals, with with together together ing ing

Communist Communist beyond beyond education education such such work­ in in leadership training, training, leadership tematic tematic

of of Extension Extension (2) (2) literature. literature. and and sions, sions, sys­ of of question question specific specific the the presents presents

discus­ Y.C.L.-classes, Y.C.L.-classes, student student the the in in it it time time same same the the at at but but movement, movement,

COMMUNIST COMMUNIST THE THE THE ECONOMIC SITUATION OF THE YOUTH

BY JAMES C. CLARK

OR a time it was very fashionable "Many unemployed, out of school young F to speak about the "youth prob­ people throughout the state of Iowa have re· cwtly had the opportunity to answer this lem". Now, in certain circles, it is question before assembled Rotarians.... becoming equally fashionable to deny " 'I would decrease working hours and the existence of a special youth prob­ give employment to more people,' answers a lem, or to say that it has been ade­ youth in Creston, Iowa, several months out quately solved. of high school and without employment.... Others believe that the older persons in busi­ Nevertheless, universal interest still ness and industry should be retired on pen­ centers on the problem of the young sions and the younger folk given an generation. In 1936, hundreds of opportunity to carve out careers for them­ magazine articles, innumerable news­ selves." paper stories, countless speeches and Has the economic upturn of recent governmental pronouncements sang months affected the young people? an endless chorus about the plight of What old problems remain and what youth, in this the richest country of new ones have been created? At the the world. Sixth World Congress, the Young Commenting editorially, The Amer­ Communist International showed that ican Magazine for September, 1936, an entire age group, those who com­ says, "No question is more widely dis­ prise the overwhelming majority of cussed than the problem of youth. young people, have been placed in the The American Magazine has received category of a specially oppressed and literally thousands of letters from exploited generation. Does the in­ people of all ages bearing on this crease in production which we are problem, asking questions, seeking now experiencing make necessary a advice, offering suggestions." change in this estimate of the Y.C.I.? Even the Rotarians began to stir. It is clear from an analysis of the Their magazine, The Rotarian, for conditions of youth that the problem September, 1936, carries an article by of the generation which was "locked Philip C. Lovejoy and Walter Panzar out" during the crisis remains, and which poses the question: has assumed an accentuated aspect "If you could remodel the world in ac­ precisely in contrast to increased pro­ cordance with your own views what changes duction and the skyrocketing of would you make?" profits. In order to present an ade- 154 THE COMMUNIST quate program of social legislation of employment status of young people. For this benefit to youth it is necessary to ~ssumption there is the low cost of employ­ examine the trends among youth, par­ mg young workers and against it the ten­ dency of employers first to hire back former ticularly in view of the changes in employes and persons whom they have been economic conditions. employing part-time." UNEMPLOYMENT AMONG YOUTH In other words, Mr. Harley is re­ The Committee on Youth Problems luctant to say that there has been a of the United States Office of Educa­ considerable change in the unemploy­ tion analyzed the status of youth in ment figure for youth and where 1935. At that time they estimated that young people have secured jobs, there 8,ooo,ooo young people between the has been the tendency to hire them at ages of 16 and 24 were employed. In wages lower than the general stan­ the same age group, 5,ooo,ooo were dard. unemployed, 4,ooo,ooo were in atten­ Mr. Harley also quotes some avail­ dance at school, and 3,ooo,ooo were able statistics which illuminate the housewives. The Works Progress Ad­ trend of employment in 1936. A sur­ ministration estimated that the total vey of high school graduates taken number of young people on the relief one year after graduation from Minne­ rolls in May, 1935, was 2,877,ooo. Of sota high schools reveals the follow­ those on relief there were 4 per cent ing: The percentages of unemployed more girls than young men; 6o per in this category was 6g per cent for cent lived in urban areas and 40 per 1933; 6o per cent in 1934; 54 per cent cent in open country or villages. In in 1935 and 50 per cent in 1936. Thus the urban areas, 29 per cent of all we can speak of an increase in the Negro youth were on relief and 14 number of young people who secure per cent of all the white youth were employment. But a very large percent· on relief. age remains unemployed. At the depths of the crisis Aubrey For schools such as Columbia and Williams said that there were between the Massachusetts Institute of Tech­ five and eight million young people nology, the graduating class of 1936 re­ between the ages of 16 and 25 who ports as high as go per cent receiving were totally unemployed. Conserva­ jobs. But in the same year a survey tive estimates for the total number of of 1,300 students attending the eve­ workers unemployed at this time were ning session of Brooklyn College re­ between fifteen and sixteen million. veals 29 per cent totally unemployed In reply to a query as to the status and only two-thirds with full-time of unemployment among young jobs. people in 1936, and the effects of in­ When asked what changes have oc­ creased business activity, D. L. Harley, curred in the number of unemployed research assistant of the American youth and those on relief, Aubrey Youth Commission, stated: Williams, director of the National Youth Administration wrote: "There are arguments for or against assum· ing that the recent increase in employment "The most accurate figure for youth un· ba' to any considerable extent affected the employment which the W.P.A.'s Division of THE ECONOMIC SITUATION OF THE YOUTH

Social Research has been able to obtain indi­ NEW PROBLEMS cate that between 3·750,000 and 4·250,000 16 to 25 were out of work ·young people from There is the problem of those in January, 1936." young people who have not even se­ Bearing in mind that the total cured their first job. The Connecticut number of workers employed in man­ State Employment Service reports that ufacturing and non-manufacturing in­ 20 per cent of the entire number of dustries increased about 1,ooo,ooo in young people applying for jobs have 1936; also taking into account the in­ never had a permanent job. A perma­ crease in the working population, nent job was considered as one which even a minimum estimate would place lasted one month or longer. the number of young people between There is the tendency on the part of the ages of 16 and 25 now unemployed many employers to hire young people at 4,ooo,ooo. graduating from school or coming of Due to the inadequacy of statistical age in the period of recovery, rather material it is impossible to say very than those who came of age during definitely whether the small re-em­ the depression. In a study made for ployment in industry has been more The American Magazine, Issac F. favorable to older or to younger work­ Marcasson tells of the employment ers. Mr. Harley, we recall, speaks very policy of one of the largest corpora­ reluctantly about a change in employ­ tions in America. In 1935 this firm· ment figures for young ·people. In a found it necessary to hire 200 new en­ survey made for The New York gineers. "Since 1930," Mr. Marcasson Times, its labor editor, Louis Stark, writes, "the colleges have been turn­ reports that, "The unions contend ing out block of men capable of fill­ that the employers . . . 'pick and ing these jobs. Thousands of applica­ choose the cream of young mechanics tions from older graduates were on and are reluctant to take on the file. But seniority of application cut older men until they have canvassed no ice. The corporation hired gradu­ every available young mechanic'." He ates of 1935 ...." says that W.P.A. reports show that in­ Figures supplied by the Junior Di­ dustry discriminates against workers vision of the New York State Employ­ 40 years and over. ment Service also bear out this situa­ At the time when Aubrey Williams' tion. About 35 per cent of the 3,886 pessimistic speeches were "in order", young men and women who applied he very correctly stressed the perma­ for jobs in June, 1936, had no previ­ nence of the ·youth problem which had ous work experience. But over 81 per been created. cent of those who actually got jobs through the Junior Division had "I feel strongly," he said in 1935, "that worked before. society as prese11tly organized is permanently Another fact which shows some of denying all opportunities to large groups of the permanent disabilities created by young people. . . . Those who have been the crisis is the present "marriage de­ unfortunate enough to come of age during the depression will be permanently handi­ ficit". Economic conditions have al­ capped." ways been correlated with the number

dent dent in in this this deficit. deficit. tion tion Journal Journal for for January, January, 1936, 1936, states: states:

from from sufficient sufficient to to make make much much of of a a of of health health defect. defect. The The National National Educa· Educa·

of of marriage marriage in in 1935 1935 and and 1936 1936 was was far far that that over over 75 75 per per cent cent have have some some sort sort

to to such such an an extent extent that that the the increase increase examination examination of of wo,ooo wo,ooo young young men) men)

while while the the "marriage "marriage deficit" deficit" had had risen risen to to the the Life Life Extension Extension Institute Institute in in their their

the the number number of of marriages. marriages. But But mean­ black black mark mark which which shows shows (according (according

duction duction there there was was also also an an increase increase in in tion tion has has not not been been able able to to erase erase that that

able able to to do do so. so. With With the the upturn upturn in in pro· pro· economic economic debacle. debacle. A A rise rise in in produc­

would would have have gotten gotten married married were were un­ youth youth have have declined declined as as a a result result of of the the

people people who who under under normal normal conditions conditions The The health health standards standards of of American American

hundreds hundreds of of thousands thousands with with of of young young 1933. 1933.

During During the the worst worst years years of of the the crisis, crisis, very very slight slight increase increase if if any, any, compared compared

or or higher higher than than in in 1935". 1935". 1935 1935 as as compared compared with with 1934 1934 and and a a

the the marriage marriage rate rate may may be be as as high high as as decline decline in in the the number number of of marriages marriages in in

first first six six months months of of 1936 1936 indicate indicate that that Florida, Florida, Mississippi, Mississippi, Virginia, Virginia, show show a a

ports ports from from scattered scattered sources sources for for the the 1935, 1935, Southern Southern states states such such as as Alabama, Alabama,

the the decade. decade. They They also also add add marked marked that that "re­ increases increases from from 1933 1933 to to 1934 1934 to to

biggest biggest marriage marriage and and divorce divorce year year in in California, California, Ohio, Ohio, Michigan Michigan show show

piled piled for for 1935 1935 show show that that it it was was the the Whereas Whereas states states such such as as New New York, York,

The The provisional provisional figures figures they they com­ uniform uniform for for the the entire entire country. country.

the the increase increase in in

marriages marriages has has not not been been

935 935

1

1,327,000 1,327,000

10-41 10-41

Again, Again, it it is is interesting interesting to to note note that that

1934 1934 1,302,000 1,302,000 10.28 10.28

unmarried. unmarried. 1933 1933 8.74 8.74 1,098,ooo 1,098,ooo

1925-1929 1925-1929 period, period, b'.lt b'.lt who who are are today today 1932 1932 981,903 981,903 ,.86 ,.86

1931 1931 8.55 8.55 1,060,554 1,060,554 conditions conditions which which prevailed prevailed in in the the

9·15 9·15

1930 1930

1,126,856 1,126,856

have have been been married married under under the the same same

1,232.559 1,232.559 1929 1929

10.14 10.14

of of a a million million young young people people who who would would

per per year year per per z,ooo z,ooo

in in America America

today today

about about

three-quarters three-quarters

Total Total

per per year year Year

Number Number

estimated estimated

tions tions created created by by the the crisis. crisis. There There are are

lation: lation: increase increase has has not not alleviated alleviated the the condi­

per per thousand thousand of of the the popu­ e~timated e~timated young young people people to to get get married. married. But But this this

seven seven years years and and the the number number per per year year Rising Rising production production has has enabled enabled some some

number number of of marriages marriages during during the the last last

vailed. vailed.

The The

following following table table shows shows the the total total

*If *If average average marriage marriage of of rate rate 1925-1929 1925-1929 had had pre· pre·

the the past past years. years.

935 935 748 748 31 31 1327 1327 1296 1296 1

tion tion on on the the trend trend of of marriages marriages during during 934 934 15 15 (surplus) (surplus) 779 779 1 1287 1287 1302 1302

794 794 933 933 brings brings to to light light a a good good deal deal 1 1098 1098 of of informa· informa· 1278 1278 180 180

1932 1932 614 614 982 982 1270 1270 288 288 Spencer Spencer of of the the University University of of Chicago Chicago

326 326 1931 1931

1262 1262

201 201

1061 1061

fessor fessor Samuel Samuel A. A. Stouffer Stouffer and and Lyle Lyle M. M.

125 125 125 125 1930 1930 1251 1251 1126 1126

people. people. A A recent recent study study made made by by Pro· Pro·

* * 1000s 1000s

1000s 1000s 1000s 1000s 1000s 1000s Year Year

riages, riages, particularly particularly among among young young

M M tnd tnd arricges arricges of of of of year year Marriages Marriages year year

deficit deficit Calculated Calculated Ob!

dented dented decline decline in in the the number number of of mar­ Accumulated Accumulated

the the depression depression is is crisis crisis as as follows: follows: years years witnessed witnessed an an unprece· unprece·

calculate calculate the the loss loss of of marriages marriages fore fore during during not not surprising surprising to to note note that that the the

Professor Professor Stouffer Stouffer of of marriages marriages and and Lyle Lyle and and Spencer Spencer divorces. divorces. is is there· there· It It

THE THE COMMUNIST COMMUNIST THE ECONOMIC SITUATION OF THE YOUTH 157

"According to the U.S. Office of Education, the young people on the farms are to approximately 22 per cent of the pupils now raise their standard above that of their in school are sufferin~ from physical handi­ parents, 50 per cent will have to be c.1ps, such as tuberculosis, undernourishment, impaired sight and hearing. . .. Of these dependent on non-agricultural pur­ about 1,ooo,ooo are high school students. suits, 25 per cent will live on farms The tragedy is that the majority of such where the resources on the farm will physical defects could be corrected or at least be so small that they will have to find aided, by medical care which these students a part-time non-agricultural job, and are unable to afford." only 25 per cent "will be on farms YOUTH ON THE J?ARMS where there are resources within the farm to maintain a fairly adequate The youth problem which flows living". from the oppression and exploitation of an entire age group obviously cuts VOCATIONAL TRAINING across class lines, affects farming, stu­ A problem that has now become dent and middle class youth as well more acute than ever before is the as working class youth. Even before lack of vocational training and an the 1929 crash, American agriculture adequate apprenticeship system both was in a critical condition. Eugene for unemployed and employed youth. Merritt, Senior Extension Economist Among the many thousands of young of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, people who have secured jobs in in­ writes: dustry the majority have not had the "In the 20 years prior to 1930, the total opportunity to perfect their skills and number of white farmers who were under 35 trammg. The Connecticut survey years of age decreased by over one-fourth. mentioned before shows that 7 5 per The number of share tenants showed a marked increase, the numbers of owners and cent of all young people who applied cash tenants a decrease. These data seem for jobs were untrained for any skilled to indicate that in these years it was in­ profession and 40 per cent were un­ c.reasingly difficult for a young man on the trained for any job at all. The actual farm to get a foothold on the agricultural shortage of skilled labor in a limited ladder, and that the time between steps was number of fields has been exaggerated lengthening." by employers who are anxious to pro­ In the same study ("What Is the mote a vocational training and ap­ Opportunity for the. Farm Boy") Mer­ prenticeship system 'which they can ritt says that there are 3,ooo,ooo more use to drive down union standards. people on farms than there would be Recently, Secretary of Labor under normal conditions. In general Frances Perkins told the Council for Merritt concludes that there can be Industrial Progress that the federal no future for the majority of young government has launched an intensive people now on the farms. No wonder drive to relieve reported shortages in that so many members of the Future skilled labor by an "apprentice train­ Farmers of America feel a bit dubious ing program". Many youth who secure about the name of their organization. jobs do so in blind alley trades. They Future farmer indeed, when the De­ get jobs where there is little perma­ partment of Agriculture says that if nency attached to the employment,

dren dren were were employed employed in in the the N N .R.A. .R.A. National National Youth Youth Administration. Administration. This This

house house work, work, tens tens of of thousands thousands of of chil­ issued issued his his executive executive order order creating creating the the

trades, trades, agriculture agriculture and and tenement tenement youth youth problem. problem. President President Roosevelt Roosevelt

eliminated eliminated by by the the N N .R.A. .R.A. In In street street tory tory gave gave official official recognition recognition to to the the

corded, corded, although although the the blight blight was was not not ernment ernment for for the the first first time time in in its its his­

number number of of child child laborers laborers On On was was June June re­ 26, 26, 1935, 1935, the the federal federal gov­

the the N.R.A. N.R.A. codes codes a a decline decline in in the the solve solve the the problem problem of of youth? youth?

younger younger gainfully gainfully employed. employed. Under Under measures measures are are necessary necessary begin begin to to to to

nearly nearly 1,ooo,ooo 1,ooo,ooo children children 15 15 years years and and to to cope cope with with the the situation? situation? What What

the the period period before before the the crisis crisis there there were were been been the the official official measures measures put put forward forward

the the sharp sharp increase increase in in child child labor. labor. In In is is apparent apparent to to all. all. What, What, then, then, have have

employment employment of of young young people people has has been been plight plight of of America's America's young young generation generation

One One of of the the ugliest ugliest aspects aspects of of the the re­ The The unprecedented unprecedented severity severity of of the the

its its ludicrous ludicrous inadequacy. inadequacy.

COPING COPING WITH WITH THE THE PROBLEM PROBLEM

Vocational Vocational Education) Education) appears appears in in all all

nual nual Report Report of of the the State State Boards Boards for for near near their their parents. parents.

apprentices apprentices in in the the entire entire country country (An­ charity, charity, enabling enabling the the children children to to be be

in in industry, industry, the the figure figure of of only only 5o,ooo 5o,ooo lawyer lawyer explains explains that that it it was was an an act act of of

lack lack of of skill skill and and training training among among those those steady steady work work and and then then the the companies' companies'

of of untrained, untrained, unemployed unemployed youth, youth, the the girls, girls, pay pay them them $4.93 $4.93 for for two two weeks weeks

students. students. Considering Considering the the vast vast number number Carolina Carolina which which employs employs 15-year-old 15-year-old

vide vide for for the the vocational vocational needs needs of of the the Kinston Kinston Shirt Shirt Company Company of of North North

mal mal education" education" and and inability inability to to pro­ Committee, Committee, cites cites a a typical typical case case of of the the

"schools "schools with with their their emphasis emphasis on on for­ organ organ of of the the National National Child Child Labor Labor

Council Council of of Education Education criticizes criticizes the the period period for for 1935. 1935. The The American American Child, Child,

effective effective instruction. instruction. The The Michigan Michigan 1936 1936 as as compared compared with with the the same same

the the working working experience experience necessary necessary for for year-olds, year-olds, in in the the first first five five months months of of

cational cational training training courses courses are are work work getting getting certificates certificates ls­ issued issued to to 14 14 and and

4,ooo 4,ooo high high school school students students taking taking vo­ there there was was a a 150 150 per per cent cent increase increase in in

This This same same report report says says that that less less than than D.C., D.C., and and 98 98 cities cities in in other other states, states,

ing ing that that in in ten ten states, states, Washington, Washington,

benefit benefit those those youth." youth."

mittee mittee has has released released information information show­

stores. stores. Apprentice Apprentice training training would would greatly greatly

The The

National National

Child Child Labor Labor

Com­

serving serving in in the the lower lower level level

positions positions in in retail retail

of of 1934. 1934.

youth youth in in the the country country as as 100,000 100,000 a a whole whole are are

above above the the total total for for the the twelve twelve months months in in distributive distributive occupations, occupations, and and at at least least

between between the the ages ages of of reau, reau, and and was was 18 18 24 24 are are about about employed employed 12,ooo, 12,ooo, or or 55 55 per per cent cent

larger larger cities cities one-sixth one-sixth

of of the the young young workers workers ported ported to to the the Federal Federal Children's Children's Bu­

the the field field of of commercial commercial education. education. In In our our

younger younger

leaving leaving school school

for for

work, work, re­

apprentice apprentice

training training is is particularly particularly urgent urgent in in

the the number number of of children children 16 16 years years and and

"The "The need need for for systematic systematic development development of of

During During the the last last seven seven months months of of 1935, 1935,

was was Education Education ended ended and and reports: reports: a a reverse reverse process process began. began.

trend trend of of the the toward toward State State reduction reduction Boards Boards for for of of child child Vocational Vocational labor labor

Supreme Supreme ment. ment. The The Court Court Digest Digest in in of of May, May, Annual Annual 1935, 1935, Reports Reports the the

covery covery practically practically Act Act was was no no chance chance invalidated invalidated for for by by advance­ the the

period. period. little little skill skill But But when when is is required, required, the the National National and and there there Re­ is is

THE THE COMMUNIST COMMUNIST THE ECONOMIC SITUATION OF THE YOUTH 159 was Without doubt a result of the in­ Considering the four to five million dependent pressure and organization jobless youth, it is clear that N.Y.A. of youth, especially the American did not go very far toward answering Youth Congress movement. But the the needs of these young people. inadequacy of the National Youth Another agency which was supposed Administration, its failure as consti­ to have grappled with unemployment tuted at present to come anywhere among youth presents even greater near providing jobs, vocational train­ dangers. We refer to the Civilian Con­ ing and student relief have been servation Corps. Recently, Robert pointed out so often, that it is hardly Fechner, director of the C.C.C. pro­ necessary to dwell too much on this gram, speaking in accordance with matter. But it is ironical that in tlie President Roosevelt's views on the W.P.A. report on the N.Y.A., put out matter, proposed that the C.C.C. be Oct. 15, figures on youth served by established as a permanent institution, N.Y.A. and relief obtained is prefaced "as long as there are young men eager by an explanation that the crisis hit to work, but idle through no fault of the youth harder than any other their own" and as long as there is a group. "The impact of the depres­ need for a program of reforestation sion," says the report, "was particu­ and conservation. larly hard on young people." And The enrollment in the C.C.C. then we learn that at the very height reached its peak of 505,782 on Aug­ of the program a total of 584,000 ust 31, 1935, and the figure at present workers and students received N.Y.A. is estimated at less than 35o,ooo. ilssistance (April, 1936), while less than President Roosevelt favors a perma­ 5oo,ooo received aid most of the time. nent C.C.C. But the dangers which The great majority of these were inhere in the C.C.C. program cannot high school students, receiving be­ be ignored. For a full eight-hour day tween $3 and $6 a month. The rate of arduous labor the C.C.C. boys re­ of pay for students doing N.Y.A. work ceive $30 a month. Twenty-five dollars is $15 monthly. Young people on the of this sum is deducted and sent home N.Y.A. work projects received one­ to their families who are on relief, third the W.P.A. scales, "with the ad­ and the amount is deducted from the ditional provision that the maximum relief allotment. Obviously, this tends shall be $25 a month". to drive down wage standards in the The number of persons on N.Y.A. work performed. projects, Jan. to Aug., 1936, was: Most ominous is the army control of the camps, which makes them a Month Total Male Female constant source of militarization. Sec· retary of War Woodring wrote an January 15,681 9·539 6,142 February .... 76,688 46·531 30,137 article for the magazine Liberty, in March ...... 165,347 99·18o 66,167 the issue of January 9, 1934, where he April ...... 180,353 105,229 75·124 let the cat out of the bag: May ...... 174·367 97·888 76>479 June ...... 182>477 99,823 82,654 "In two months last spring the army re­ July ...... 179,936 g6,61ll 8!J,!J24 cruited, equipped, and mobilized more men August ...... 154·241 81,918 7li,!Jll3 than we recruited in the Spanish-American 160 THE COMMUNIST

War and we did it so quietly and efficiently union jurisdiction over such a pro­ that few people in the country knew what gram. It calls for an appropnatwn was happening. This achievement, the mo· which will really meet the problem of bilization of over 300,000 men in more than 1,500 C.C.C. camps, was the first real test of setting up useful work projects for the the army's plans for war mobilization." unemployed youth. At the same time, any attempt to curtail the National Now that the proposal for a perma­ Youth Administration must not only nent C.C.C. is up before the nation we be opposed, but a positive program must be sure that it won't be a matter for its extension and democratization this time, of "few people in the coun­ put forward. Various State Youth Acts try" knowing "what was happening". which aim to achieve this have already been introduced in some states. The status of federal employees for The present dismissals of workers all C.C.C. men must be secured, trade from W.P.A. and curtailment of the union standards established in the National Youth Administration pro­ camps and every vestige of army con­ gram are not the policy for which the trol removed. A consistent drive to American people voted on Nov. 3· pass the Child Labor Amendment in No amount of optimistic state­ New York and a number of other ments about the disappearance of the states which have thus far balked its youth problem can deny the obvious enactment was never more in order fact that mass unemployment still than now. exists among youth. The plight of the In the course of the development of young generation has assumed new a movement for progressive youth aspects as a result of the very fact that legislation, the young men and women many young people have been drawn of America will be drawn towards the into industry. Child labor is on die Fanner-Labor Party movement and increase. Such programs as the C.C.C. will help in the formation of a united have been used to drive wage stand­ youth organization bound up with ards down and to militarize and regi­ such a party. Of vital importance is ment American youth. There is a the task of winning the youth for the great need for recreational and health trade union movement. centers throughout the country. Vo­ Those young people who have come cational training and an apprentice­ of age during the depression and those ship program are the need of the day. who are now coming of age refuse to Any legislative program of benefit be a "lost generation". Their organ­ to youth must place the American izad efforts for the passage of the Youth Act in the very first place. It American Youth Act and for similar will provide vocational training and legislation will place them on the establish guarantees that there is trade road to security and opportunity. HITLER AGAINST THE WORLD

BY WILHELM PIECK

ORLD public opinion has already The recent fourth congress of the Wdefined its attitude to the Nu­ National-Socialists held in Nuremberg remberg Congress of the German summed up the meager results of the fascists: as an extraordinary demon­ fascists' "Four-Year Plan". Fascism is stration of hatred and hysteria, of a compelled to seek a way out of its dif­ gamble on war and imperialism un­ ficulties in aggression abroad. disguised. We a pons brandished At this congress, however, Hitler against the Soviet Union and against had to face an international situation European democracy, counter-revolu­ that had undergone a complete tionaries howling wildly and hoping change. He had declared democracy to drown their own fears in the noise to be dead. He had thought that he they make-this was the sum and sub­ would be able to subdue the demo­ stance of the Nuremberg Congress. cratic forces of the world without a Why did the German fascists need struggle, just as he had throttled the such a congress as this, a congress force of democracy in Germany. He which in form and content was so un­ had thought that the people were usual as to alarm the world? powerless to repel the offensive of Four National-Socialist Party Con­ fascism. gresses have been held since the be­ But events turned out quite differ­ ginning of the fascist dictatorship in ently from what he had expected. The Germany. final and irrevocable victory of social­ The first congress, convened after ism in the U.S.S.R. not only increased the fascists had taken power, was a the sympathy with the Soviet Union congress of promises and expectations but strengthened the forces of the held out to the German people. laboring people throughout the whole The second congress summed up the world. Throughout the world the pro­ first "realization" of these promises­ letariat had learned from the defeat iri the bloody repression of Storm of the German proletariat. In France, Troopers who reflected the discontent and in Spain there arose a People's in the country. I< rant, there developed a broad, demo­ The third congress tried to make cratic, popular movement against war use of the results of the Saar plebiscite and fascism. The successes of the in order to conceal the country's grow­ People's Front in France, the heroic ing difficulties, the famine knocking struggle of the People's Front in at the door of German homes. Spain have stirred the nations, have THE COMMUNIST radically affected the masses. Democ­ the Popular Front in France, with racy has been infused with new energy those fighting in freedom's cause in in its fight against fascism. Spain. Their oppression, the odious, Fascism, which had entertained virtually foreign yoke of rogues and hopes of a speedy victory, found itself vagabonds, becomes all the harder to face to face with a counter-attack bear. launched by militant democracy. This They have been seized with a pro­ new type of militant democracy was found dissatisfaction: the growing electrifying. New perspectives opened profits of the war industry and the up before the masses of the people; a declining standard of living of the new wave of freedom and progress working people; the growing intensity swept forward to meet the forces of of exploitation; the scarcity of food­ reaction. Everywhere the tendency for stuffs, which is being felt more and all democratic forces to unite is gain­ more; the brazen corruption of the ing in strength. Not only does the ruling circles; the deprivation of world proletariat support the Spanish nghts and the lack of liberty; the fighters for liberty with a unanimity barbarity, unworthy of a civilized na­ never witnessed heretofore, but also tion, and political and cultural isola­ the masses of the democratic lower tion-all this creates in Germany a middle class, the bourgeois democrats political and social tension that is in every country openly show their growing more and more serious. This sympathy with and admiration for development at home and abroad is Spain's embattled democracy. It is true filling Hitler fascism with increasing that the forces of fascism are centered uneasiness. And through fear, there on the Spanish counter-revolution, bursts out these roars of rage; this but never has democracy stood in such clashing of weapons fortissimo. Be­ serried ranks, nor have its forces been hind the shrill whooping and invec­ so concentrated against the universal tive of the fascist leaders, behind thei~ danger of fascism. The giant land of martial demonstrations, can be sensed socialism victorious has become the their increasing fear of the more and puissant defender of European democ­ more vigorous onset of the anti-fascist racy. movement. But the great German people is un­ This explains the rhetorical ex­ able to take part in this creative travagances of the National-Socialist movement. It is shut in behind prison leaders in Nuremberg. For, after three bars and shut out from participation and a half years of fascist rule, the in the development of democracy burning question rises more and more whose language was spoken by the imperiously in the minds of the young Schiller, whose rhythm was masses: whither has Hitler led Ger· sounded by Beethoven in his Eroica. many? The great German people, which be. The National-Socialist leaders fore the days of Hitler had stood for promised the German people much, a high culture, is today the victim of very much, What has happened to darkest reaction. The masses of the these promises? German people are in sympathy with Hitler made use of the anti-capital- HITLER AGAINST THE WORLD

ist feelings of the masses and promised 1935 to fight against finance capital. "The Payroll ...... 31 ,Soo,ooo,ooo banks must be nationalized, the Deductions ...... 20% monopolies dissolved, the joint stock Nominal Income (Marks) ..... 25,4oo,ooo,ooo Total No. of Workers...... 16,ooo,ooo companies put under government con­ Income Per Head (Marks). . . . . 1,590 trol." This is what is said in the "im­ mediate program" of 1932, which out­ Thus, from 1932 to 1935 the cash lined the measures to be taken by the income per head has decreased by 185 future National-Socialist government. marks. In consequence of the high cost And actually? In Germany "out of 20 of living, there has been an additional billion shares, no less than 18.8 bil­ decrease in real wages of 4 per cent. lion, or 84 per cent, are owned at the The wage cuts are accompanied by present time by big business". A re­ an incredible increase in the intensi­ port in the National-Socialist fication of labor. In the first half of Deutsche Volkswirtschaft bears wit­ 1936 the output of industry was as ness to this. great as during the first half of 1929, "In the time of need the sacrifices but one million fewer factory and should be made by the rich," declared office workers were employed, while the National-Socialist leaders at one the total wages and salaries paid were time. And actually? The profits of 3.8 billion marks less. capitalist financial houses have grown "The salvation of the German peas­ enormously. In 1933 the balance ants for the purpose of preserving the sheets of 2,200 joint stock companies food basis of the nation, and thus of showed profits equal to zero; by 1934, the basis of its life/' was promised by this profit had risen to 7oo,ooo,ooo the National-Socialist leaders in their marks and by 1935, the corresponding first "Four-Year Plan". The German figure, deliberately underestimated, peasant was promised "a reduction in was given as 1.2 billion marks. This is the rate of interest by half, aid against the direct result of the policy of ex­ forced sales, enormous credits, gen­ ploiting labor to the uttermost. erous allotments of land for resettle­ The National-Socialist leaders ment, lower taxes and fair prices". promised the German workers "a fair However, reality has shown that, wage". "Let's now tackle wages!" was under National-Socialism, the expro­ the demagogue's slogan in May, priation of peasant lands in favor of 1935, of Ley, Labor Front leader. the Junkers and rich peasants has What are the actual results? Even grown considerably in extent. The official fascist statistics, falsified and number of forced sales has increased censored by Goebbels as they are, from year to year. According to the show the following: Landwirtschaftliche Wochenschau, a total of no less than 75,229 acres was 1932 forcibly transferred in 1935, as com­ Payroll ...... 26,ooo,ooo,ooo pared with 50,561 acres in 1934. The Deductions ...... 14% Nominal Income (Marks) ...... 22,4oo,ooo,ooo number of forced sales of peasant Total No. of Workers...... 12,600,000 farms shows a still greater percentage II!come Per Head (Marks)..... 1,775 increase (almost 50 per cent). Most of THE COMMUNIST the forced sales were of farms under "German economic life is constantly 1.3 acres in size. on the upgrade," Hitler declared. Is At the Nuremberg Congress, Meyen­ this true? On what is this "upgrade" berg, the leader of "Pea~ant Home based? Rule", declared Production is increasing all over the world, but Herr Hitler takes all "We will find legal possibilities for utiliz­ the credit to himself for the increase ing the last square meter of land, we will find ways and means of getting rid of those in German production. True enough, who are unworthy to till and own German industrial output has passed beyond soiL" the pre-crisis level, but this is solely due to the increased production of In pursuanc~ of this anti-peasant war supplies. On the other hand the program a new land law is to be passed manufacture of consumers' goods has by which any farmer can be evicted dropped 7 per cent below its former from house and land on the pretext peak, though in the meantime there of mismanagement. has been an increase of 2,6oo,ooo in The dissatisfaction of the peasantry the population and imports from with the fascist "Zwangswirtschaft"* abroad have been greatly curtailed. is growing in proportion to the grow· German firms turning out articles for ing burden of taxes for financing general consumption are still working Hitler's armaments. The indebtedness at only 55 per _cent of capacity, while of the municipalities is exceptionally the home consumption of iron, in great, despite the "debt adjustment" 1935, had already reached 13,90o,ooo and reduction in the expenditure on tons as against I2,4oo,ooo in 1928. social insurance. To this must be Hitler promised that his policy of added the host of taxes collected di­ "autarchy" would achieve Germany's rectly from the sale of foodstuffs as, economic independence and the wel­ for instance, for licenses to sell milk fare of her people. or send livestock to the nearest mar­ But what have actually been the ket for slaughter. Special monopoly results of this policy? taxes have been introduced which Hitler is silent about the immense more than double the price of fodder. loss inflicted on Germany's economic The peasants have to participate in life by his policy of "autarchy". Ger­ the "Winter Aid" through special taxation imposed by the Reich Food man exports are still at a very low Committee. At the same time, to level in spite of dumping. Germany compensate the Junkers and rich peas­ has no share in the slight revival in ants for the higher taxes and imposts, international trade. In the most im­ the fascists put cheap labor power at portant branches of export Germany their disf>osal, primarily by introduc­ is losing even her old positions. In ing the convict-like system of labor 1935 the export of machinery shrank service. by 18 per cent compared with 1933,

• The stringent regulation of the produc­ while Great Britain's exports of ma­ tion and sale of agricultural products en­ chinery increased by 43 per cent and forced by all the means at the disposal of the dictatorial fascist state.-Tr. those of the U.S.A. by 120 per cent. HITLER AGAINST THE WORLD

And at home prices keep going up. being of the peoples of the U.S.S.R. In Germany the price of petrol is al­ would have a "demoralizing" influ­ ready four to six times as high as in ence on the German masses. It was dic­ the competitor countries, for the fas­ tated by the historic achievements of cists impose high customs duties to the working people of France as a re­ make it profitable to produce oil from sult of the victory of the People's coal. Already each ton of low-grade Front. These achievements were ac­ ore entails large state subsidies. cemplished under economic condi­ Fascism's "successes" in agriculture tions which were much less favorable are of the same kidney. than in Germany: while in France the German agriculture, despite the crisis was not yet ended, under a gov­ catastrophic fall in the consumption ernment supported by the parties of of food and fodder, is entering upon the People's Front, wages were in­ the new economic year of 1936-37 al­ creased, and social insurance, the most without reserves. The govern­ 4o-hour week, and holidays with pay ment is reckoning on securing the re­ were introduced. In fascist Germany quired minimum of grain by raising where business, as Hitler boasts, is grain delivery quotas. But then, ac­ booming, the standard of living is cording to the Frankfurter Zeitung of falling. August 30, 1936, there has been this Such are the economic "successes" year "an unbelievably small quantity" of German fascism. of fodder rye and fodder wheat. The After having been at the helm for chronic scarcity of forage and specu­ three and a half years, Hitler declared lation in it have brought about a at Nuremberg: "According to Na­ frightful decline in peasant farming. tional-Socialist economic principles, it Hitler shouts about "food scarcity" would be madness to raise wages." in the Soviet Union. He must, in or­ "Guns are more important than der to outshout the crying hunger of butter," Goering tries to persuade the the German masses. German people. The food crisis of last winter, when "It doesn't matter if Germany does at one time the number of pigs on not grow fat, as long as she is strong," the big markets of Germany fell more preaches Darre, the Minister of Food than 6o per cent below normal, is by Supply. no means "transient". In August, the "I am deliberately militarizing the meat scarcity again became acute. The factories," says Dr. Ley, who poses as government once again lowered the a labor leader. quota of pigs for slaughter. "Formerly it was thought that At the Nuremberg Congress Hitler knowledge was necessary to the up­ boastfully recounted the "successes" bringing of youth. National-Socialist o£ the National-Socialists. He claimed society is living proof to the contrary." that life was better in Germany than These words come from the mouth of in any other country in Europe. This Baldur von Schirach, the pederast to statement was dictated by the fear that whom has been given the "education" the tremendous increase in the well- of the German youth. 166 THE COMMUNIST

What is the essence of fascist eco­ more or less closely to him are begin­ nomics? ning to have doubts as to whether It is the economics of headlong they are going in the right direction. preparation for war. It is the econom­ Every country linked up with Hitler ics of starvation rations. It ignores the is faced with the prospect of being interests of the masses of the people. drawn into a catastrophe, into the san­ It dooms the German people to grow­ guinary consequence of Hitler's plans ing privation and want. It produces of world domination. As a result of among the masses a mood of despair. the growil}g aggressiveness of Hitler Fascism calculates that it will be able fascism, a situation has arisen in to exploit this prospect, that there is which German fascism is always ready no way out, for the very purpose of to go further and goes further than fanning war psychology. German fas­ even its "best" allies. cism leads the German people to war. Hitler's clamor for colonies has Catastrophe follows in its wake. everywhere evoked the liveliest anx­ At the Nuremberg Congress, Hitler iety. It is a well-known fact that lately boasted of the successes he had the propaganda for colonies in Ger­ achieved in foreign policy. In actual many itself has grown more and more fact, what are these "successes"? in intensity. German cities and vil­ Hitler breaks all treaties. Hitler lages are being plastered with bill­ whose entire political career is strewn boards bearing the dictum of Epp, with broken promises, is trying, in Bavaria's Imperialist Vice-Regent, foreign policy, to use the methods he who gives as the "reasons for our na­ employs at home. After his advent to tional poverty" the fact that "we have power he hastened (in his Reichstag too little land". The National-Social­ speech on May 17, 1933) to deceive ist Party published a broadsheet en­ the whole world as to his real plam titled "We Mourn for Thee, German by juggling with "peaceful inten­ Africa." In this broadsheet the British tions". Today, the fascist leaders them­ are called scoundrels, and the French selves cynically say that, from the first blackguards. Its authors are Lettow­ day they came to power, they un­ Vorbeck, the notorious leader of the scrupulously built their entire policy German colonial troops during the on disregard for treaties and viola­ 'Vorld War, and Hans Grimm, who tion of the rules of international law. wrote A People Without Elbow Even Hitler's allies begin fearfully Room. The introduction to this pam­ to ask themselves: to what will their phlet, which is being distributed in alliance with Hitler finally lead them? hundreds of thousands of copies, From the day of his accession to power states in all seriousness: "Today the Hitler has been feverishly seeking al­ natives are continually clamoring for lies. True to his prescription for home the return of the German rule that policy, he has been ready to promise they loved so well." each one of them anything and every­ To Hitler, colonies are not a pros· thing without keeping a single one pect of the far distant future; he has of his promises. Today even those included them in his program of im­ allies whom Hitler managed to bind mediate demands. Behind the entire HITLER AGAINST THE WORLD ptogram of the new "Four-'Ytar Plan", and leading her towards a war, a war which is based on the self-sufficiency that is lost in advance. of German economy, lies the uncon­ By his policy Hitler has brought the cealed hop~ of obtaining colonies. German people, Europe and all man­ This will inevitably lead Germany to kind to the brink of a war catastrophe a clash with Great Britain, for whose of the most frightful kind. Each step colonial wealth Hitler is stretching in the direction that Hitler calls the out his hand. cause of national liberation was a Hitler asserted at Nuremberg that blow struck at universal peace, was he has given the German people na­ provocation on an international scale. tional liberation, equality, release Each step made fascist Germany still from the burden of reparations pay­ more hated by the whole world. ments. What Hitler trumpets as Hitler has not given the German achievements, wliich only fascism was people national freedom and indepen­ able to accomplish, could have been dence; by his home policy he has en­ gained by peaceful agreement by any slaved it and oppressed it. Instead of other state, by any regime. allowing the German people to live Hitler boasts of having tom up the peacefully with its neighbors and the Versailles Treaty and restored the rest of the world, Hitler compels them sovereignty of the German empire to help to create a war machine which over the Rhineland and the Saar. Any more and more openly threatens the democratic government would have peace of Europe and the safety and attained the same end without the independence of the peoples. unexampled burdens and sacrifices im­ Can the masses of the people be posed by Hitler on the German s<1tisfied with such a regime and such people. Does anyone really think that ~·- government? the France of the People's Front, who The mouthpieces of the fascist dic­ herself granted autonomy to the tatorship were compelled, more than Syrians, would have denied the Ger­ one could speak openly of the real of these women. needs and anxieties of the German The oppressors of the German people. Not a single worker, peasant masses are stirring up strife against or member of the lower middle class, the Spanish people, who are fighting not a single one of the old National­ for their freedom. But in the mines Socialist rank-and-filers who once be­ of Upper Silesia and the Ruhr district, lieved in "National-Socialism" was in the munition works of Central given an opportunity to voice his dis­ Germany, collections are sen·etly be­ appointment. ing taken up for the fighteTS of Spain. No! The Nuremberg Congress of Immediately before the fascist con­ the National-Socialists was by no gt ess, part of the workers of the Oppel means a congress of "honor" and War Munitions Works came out on "German glory". It was a congress of strike. The workers of the Walden­ the further suppression of the German burg mining district, following the people. It was a congress of national example of the workers in the Blohm disgrace. It was a congress of war. It & Voss dockyards last March, organ­ was a congress of struggle against ized a real mass boycott of anti-Soviet European democracy and European meetings staged by the Nazis. liberty. But the factory workers are not the Hitler, Goebbels and Rosenberg only ones who are discontented. In aimed their poison darts not only at 1936 the authorities imposed an aver­ the Soviet Union but at democracy age of 14,ooo money fines a month on in general. The attack was launched peasants for opposing the fascist primarily against democracy. Hitler ''Zwangswirtschaft" system. This does and Goebbels traduced the Spanish not indicate enthusiasm. and French People's Front as undis­ Discontent is also growing among guised Bolshevism, and Azana, the the artisans and small tradesmen, that President of the Spanish republic, a section of the population on whom democrat, as an agent of Moscow. the fascist leaders at one time lavished What arouses the ire of the German most of their promises. The official fascists IS the support given by reports of the guild masters to the Soviet Union and Communism Artisans' Chambers of Trade frankly to European democracy in its express this. "We haven't a single struggle against barbarous fascism. worker who earns more than 18 marks Neither in France nor Spain a week; how is an artisan to live on is there proletarian rule or Soviet that?" we read in a report from Silesia. power. Democracy is being renamed HITLER AGAINST THE WORLD 169

''Bolshevism" solely in order to deal France-for democratic France, the a harder blow at bourgeois democracy. France of the People's Front, through Hitler and Rosenberg hate democracy the anti-fascist enthusiasm of the and hate Bolshevism, which defends masses, will defeat the new Schlieffen this democracy against them. The plan of the German General Staff in Communists are the most self-sacrific­ a new battle of the Marne. Down with ing and most energetic soldiers in the democracy in Spain-for fascist Spain struggle against fascism and in defense would be brutal and ruthless to its of Spanish and French democracy, own people so as to be weak and ten­ and in these countries they stand in tier to Hitler. the thick of the struggle of the masses Were not Pitt and Metternich also of the people. opponents of revolutionary-democra­ At this moment Spanish democracy tic France? Did not the leaders of the incurs the particular hatred of the Holy Alliance declare that they were Hiders and Rosenbergs. That is to fighting against "anarchy"? Did they be understood. The Spanish People's not claim even then that they Front, which has been basely attacked were fighting for "Christian civiliza­ by Hitler's allies, is defending not tion"? And yet in reality they were only Spanish democracy, but the fighting to weaken France, to perpetu­ whole of the European democracy. ate the national division of Italy, to The victory of democracy in Spain keep alive the national humiliation of would be a direct blow at National­ the German people. And Hitler, too, Socialist Germany. Hitler is afraid ~tated at Nuremberg, at the session that the triumph of democracy in d the congress devoted to cultural Spain might arouse the suppressed problems, that "the ideological basis forces of Germany democracy and stir of all anarchy is democracy", that "no them up against the fascist oppressors state has arisen through present-day d the German people. democracy but all great empires have If Spanish democracy were defeated, been destroyed by this kind of democ­ if the young liberties of the Spanish racy" people were to fall under the military What do people think in France, jackboot of the Foreign Legion, of Great Britain and the United States Mola and Franco, Hitler fascism of this cynical assertion by Hitler, would not only demand territorial which is tantamount to interference concessions in the Balearic Islands in their internal affairs? The French and Spanish Morocco from the Span­ people know that France became i5h militarists in payment for service great and powerful as a result of the rendered but would force Spain, faint democratic revolution of the eigh­ and enfeebled by the defeat of democ­ teenth century, hated by Hitler as the racy, to become a vassal of Hitler Ger­ source of all evil, and that Spain, for many. Democracy strengthens the instance, owes its decline to "the countries which Nazi imperial­ authoritarian state-will" of its Haps­ ism seeks to devour, and enhances burg and Bourbon kings. The aboli­ their power of resistance to foreign tion of bourgeois democracy in Great aggressors. Down with democracy in Britain and the establishment of fas-

that that "unrestricted "unrestricted individual individual liberty liberty as as for for instance instance in in the the famous famous Dreyfus Dreyfus

style style peculiar peculiar to to half-baked half-baked scholars scholars ways ways poured poured contempt contempt on on people people who, who,

c.laimed c.laimed there there in in the the grandiloquent grandiloquent Jew-baiting, Jew-baiting, in in France France which which has has al­

of of a a "philosopher "philosopher of of state". state". He He pro­ What What will will they they say say in in France France to to this this

Hitler Hitler in in Nuremberg Nuremberg assumed assumed the the role role the the barbarous barbarous "culture" "culture" of of tsarism! tsarism!

In In his his struggle struggle against against democracy democracy berg berg "ennobles" "ennobles" German German culture culture with with

perialism. perialism. of of Germany. Germany. The The tsarist tsarist baron baron Rosen­

the the greater greater glory glory of of German German im­ pogrom pogrom spirit spirit of of tsarism tsarism as as the the spirit spirit

mends mends to to them them a a policy policy of of suicide suicide for for of of European European culture, culture, proclaims proclaims the the

over over to to the the side side of of fascism. fascism. He He com­ country, country, which which once once stood stood at at the the head head

aced aced by by him him and and adjures adjures them them to to come come the the clique clique which which today today rules rules that that

reason reason he he turns turns to to the the countries countries men­ ilege" ilege" of of the the most most backward backward countries; countries;

knows knows perfectly perfectly well well and and for for that that very very Formerly Formerly anti-Semitism anti-Semitism was was the the "priv­

vakia vakia for for his his booty. booty. All All this this Hitler Hitler master master caste caste an an eternal eternal right right to to rule. rule.

loot loot while while Horthy Horthy would would have have Slo­ serves serves to to give give even even the the most most rotten rotten

ravia ravia becoming becoming conditioned" conditioned" Hitler's Hitler's share share Race Race in in the the ideology ideology only only I I

lapse lapse of of that that state, state, Bohemia Bohemia and and Mo­ rule rule in in Spain Spain is is claimed claimed to to be be "blood­

would would bring bring about about the the immediate immediate col­ gion gion represents represents a a higher higher "race", "race", whose whose

contradictions contradictions sian sian in in people, people, Czechoslovakia, Czechoslovakia, and and Franco's Franco's foreign foreign le­

accentuate accentuate enormously enormously was was the the organic organic the the national national leadership leadership of of the the Rus­

fascism fascism of of Gayda Gayda or or Stribrny Stribrny would would and and mentally mentally rotten rotten tsarist tsarist aristocracy aristocracy

the the regime regime of of the the Czech Czech nationalist nationalist follows follows that that the the degenerate, degenerate, morally morally

Czechoslovakia, Czechoslovakia, element". element". the the establishment establishment According According to to of of Rosenberg Rosenberg it it

And And the the abolition abolition of of democracy democracy in in replacing replacing them them by by "a "a foreign, foreign, Jewish Jewish

over over Bagdad Bagdad organic organic and and the the leadership leadership oil oil fields fields of of of of Iraq. Iraq. the the peoples", peoples",

Africa Africa and and possibly possibly also also dominion dominion berg berg say, say, it it exterminates exterminates the the "innate, "innate,

him him Germany's Germany's anarchy anarchy former former because, because, colonies colonies as as Hitler Hitler in in and and Rosen­

Belgian Belgian Congo, Congo, Democracy Democracy Mosley Mosley would would is is the the bring bring foundation foundation of of

bring bring him him Eupen-Malmedy Eupen-Malmedy society society collapse. collapse. and and the the

into into Hitler Hitler Germany. Germany. to to Hitler, Hitler, Degrelle Degrelle "anarchy" "anarchy" would would must must spread spread and and

would would bring bring ciple, ciple, Strassburg Strassburg there there sooner sooner and and Metz Metz or or later, later, according according

de de la la Rocque Rocque and and a a Doriot, Doriot, for for that that tration tration camps camps and and the the "leader" "leader" prin­

other other nations: nations: "restricted" "restricted" for for France France he he by by wants wants the the Gestapo, Gestapo, a a concen­

Hitler Hitler knows knows try. try. what what Where Where he he individual individual wants wants for for liberty liberty is is not not

Hitler Hitler for for this this contempt contempt fenseless fenseless before before of of their their Nazi Nazi coun­ imperialism. imperialism.

conservatives conservatives ought ought ened, ened, to to torn torn be be asunder, asunder, thankful thankful and and to to therefore therefore de­

therefore therefore is is not not and and a a state. state. Great Great The The Britain Britain English English would would be be weak­

he he knows knows that that only only in in where where consequence consequence there there is is France France slavery. slavery. England England

there there is is no no state, state, and and rather rather the the a a Mosleys, Mosleys, state state exists exists come come to to power, power, for for

cording cording to to him him like like where where to to there there see see his his is is bedfellows, bedfellows, freedom freedom the the Doriots Doriots

What What does does Hitler Hitler "authoritarian" "authoritarian" mean mean by by this? this? knout. knout. Ac­ Hitler Hitler would would

ions ions would would also also rise rise against against Mosley's Mosley's ;;, ;;, larger larger community community leads leads to to a a state". state".

Accustomed Accustomed for for to to freedom, freedom, the the benefit benefit the the of of Domin­ the the organization organization of of

to to a a break-up break-up of of the the British British Empire. Empire. tion tion of of the the freedom freedom of of the the individual individual

cist cist power power there there would would inevitably inevitably lead lead leads leads to to anarchy", anarchy", that that "the "the limita­

THE THE COMMUNIST COMMUNIST HITLER AGAINST THE WORLD case, spread race hatred and anti­ try, are in possession of a great state humanitarian sentiments? machine, and of immense quantities of Democracy is hateful to German arms and ammunition, thereby one f

BY MORRIS RAPORT

ANGIBLE proof of the correctness They attached themselves to the T of the Seventh World Congress Democratic Party machinery but had decisions and the resolutions of the no means of controlling it. The politi­ Ninth Convention of our Party comes cians took the labels for election pur­ from the elections in the State of poses and then very quickly formed Washington. These elections mark a more profitable alliances as soon as definite advance on the road to a elected. The climax came when these Farmer-Labor Party and the history of legislators were maneuvered into this advance illuminates the oppor­ voting for the sales tax as a means of tunities and dangers which beset its financing the very meager unemploy­ path in the United States. ment relief, and 45 out of 47 of them During the period 1932-1934 there voted for the Ott Bill which would was an upsurge in working class mili­ bar the Communist Party and other tancy in the Northwest. The unem­ progressive organizations from the ployed captured the county and city ballot. building in Seattle in 1933 and held it As a result of these failures, and the for three days; there were hundreds of increased militancy on the part of la­ struggles against evictions and farm bor which culminated in the lumber foreclosures; innumerable strikes in strike, the rank and file of the Com­ the lumber camps, and finally the monwealth Builders and other organ­ great maritime strike of 1934. In all izations saw that they needed a wider these struggles, the politicians who mass organization. , The Common­ came into office, through demagogic wealth Federation was formed. New promises to the masses, exposed them­ elements were added from Techno­ selves. The workers, betrayed and dis­ crats who split off from those who appointed, built a new organization refused to take part in political known as the "Commonwealth Build­ action; some labor unions affiliated ers", which succeeded in electing some and various progressive democratic 47 members to the state legislature in Washington. groups joined, although most of the The results obtained from the legis­ latter were paper organizations cre­ lature were small and the weakness of ated by the politicians who wanted to the movement became obvious. Most capture the Federation. of the legislatures were Common­ The Communist Party was denied wealth Builders by courtesy only. affiliation as were some unemployed

the the On On democracy". democracy". defend defend and and tion tion who who Federation Federation the the in in leaders leaders the the of of

reac­ "Defeat "Defeat issue issue the the on on Party, Party, cratic cratic Some Some delegates. delegates. sent sent Councils Councils Labor Labor

Demo­ the the within within reactionaries reactionaries the the but but Central Central four four and and unions unions labor labor over over 40 40

Party Party Republican Republican reactionary reactionary the the feat feat participate, participate, to to not not unions unions the the ordered ordered

de­ to to only only not not utilized utilized be be must must maries maries Labor Labor of of Federation Federation State State the the through through

pri­ the the that that and and primaries primaries September September leaders leaders labor labor reactionary reactionary the the While While

the the in in participate participate must must Federation Federation the the present. present. were were delegates delegates where where 400 400

that that decided decided issue issue main main the the as as reaction reaction 1936, 1936, March, March, in in Convention Convention its its at at

seeing seeing Party Party the the of of leadership leadership the the der der shown shown was was Federation Federation Commonwealth Commonwealth

un­ forces forces progressive progressive The The elections? elections? the the of of importance importance growing growing The The

forthcoming forthcoming the the in in problems problems burning burning Federation. Federation. monwealth monwealth

the the all all answer answer to to How How task. task. herculean herculean Com­ the the within within work work correct correct its its of of

a a with with faced faced was was movement movement rienced rienced because because Party Party the the for for voted voted labor, labor, ized ized

inexpe­ and and confused confused young, young, This This organ­ and and unemployed unemployed the the amongst amongst

ballot. ballot. the the on on Bill Bill Use Use For For duction duction particularly particularly Federation, Federation, the the of of

Pro­ its its put put to to signatures signatures 74,ooo 74,ooo lected lected members members many many that that clear clear was was It It dates. dates.

col­ it it when when evident evident was was Federation Federation candi­ Party Party Communist Communist previous previous

the the of of strength strength growing growing The The lation. lation. the the by by carried carried that that than than greater greater times times

legis­ farmer farmer and and labor labor for for and and sions, sions, many many were were votes votes His His Council. Council. 6,700 6,700

pen­ age age old old insurance, insurance, unemployment unemployment City City the the for for candidate candidate Communist Communist

peace, peace, for for fascism, fascism, and and war war against against the the for for vote vote the the was was significant significant more more

struggle struggle for for out out came came which which form form Even Even Council. Council. Labor Labor Central Central the the in in

plat­ a a adopted adopted Convention Convention The The leaders leaders labor labor reactionary reactionary the the and and tion tion

amalgamation. amalgamation. heterogeneous heterogeneous this this in in Federa­ Commonwealth Commonwealth the the in in leaders leaders

clarify clarify to to helped helped some some of of position position opposition opposition clearcut clearcut the the its its for for been been not not

with with Party Party the the which which ideas ideas confused confused it it had had finals finals the the in in placed placed been been have have

the the of of some some would would were were He He Party, Party, third. third. close close a a Democratic Democratic ran ran mayor, mayor, for for

the the within within working working candidate candidate and and Federation Federation action, action, the the ical ical Smith, Smith, Tom Tom

polit­ independent independent cooperatives, cooperatives, all, all, elections. elections. city city Seattle Seattle the the in in participate participate

for for plenty plenty to to use, use, for for Federation Federation the the Production Production dent. dent. forced forced and and grew, grew,

evi­ very very was was Federation Federation Convention Convention the the the the at at within within existed existed action action litical litical

po­ independent independent that that for for struggle struggle confusion confusion The The The The position. position. Party's Party's

the the accepted accepted delegates delegates the the of of third third action. action.

a a than than More More political political Party. Party. independent independent Farmer-Labor Farmer-Labor of of position position a a to to

all-inclusive all-inclusive an an of of Federation Federation means means the the by by win win to to tion tion directed directed was was

ac­ political political it it and and independent independent unions unions for for labor labor position position through through chiefly chiefly

its its Convention Convention the the at at expressed expressed read read was was letter letter open open influence influence ideological ideological

an an in in re-emphasized re-emphasized Communist Communist but but Party. Party. affiliation affiliation Farmer-Labor Farmer-Labor mass mass

for for itself itself present present not not did did Party Party munist munist real real a a for for basis basis possible possible a a was was it it that that

Com­ the the unity unity of of realizing realizing interest interest the the Federation, Federation, In In the the of of mation mation

Convention. Convention. the the fore fore for­ the the supported supported Party Party Communist Communist

be­ days days two two position position their their retract retract t& t& the the Nevertheless, Nevertheless, leaders. leaders. the the of of most most

had had Party Party of of Democratic Democratic the the stock-in-trade stock-in-trade and and main main labor labor of of the the was was baiting baiting

leaders leaders Red­ conservative conservative the the of of graces graces good good Communist-controlled. Communist-controlled. were were

the the win win to to scare scare Red Red the the through through tried tried they they that that grounds grounds the the on on organizations organizations

COMMUNIST COMMUNIST THE THE THE WASHINGTON STATE ELECTIONS other hand the "puritans" in ,the venson made the fatal mistake of try­ Commonwealth Federation who re­ ing to run away from the issues. His fused to see the danger of reaction entire strength was in the support of maintained that the Production for organized labor and the progressive Use Bill was the only issue in the elec­ policies of the Federation. But he cam­ tion campaign and insisted on boy­ paigned by trying to hide this pro­ cotting the primaries, thus leaving the gram in the hopes of winning the masses without any progressive leader­ middle-of-the-road votes. Even so he ship, which would have meant a death would have won if it had not beerl warrant for the Federation. for the splitting tactics used by the However, another Federation Con­ reactionaries in putting a Washington vention held on July 25 and 26 de­ Lemke in the field-Otto Case. And cided to participate in the primaries. almost 8o per cent of the Republicans It proved to be a critical point in the deserted their own candidate in the history of the movement. The over­ primary to vote for Martin. Despite whelming majority accepted the anal­ all the falsehoods, the Red scare, the ysis that the coming elections pre­ state legislative candidates of the Fede­ sented the issue of democracy versus ration were successful in the prima­ reaction. They saw that the struggle ries. Some thirty won nominations on for their democratic rights was neces­ the Democratic Party slate. For the sary if they hoped to obtain any of congressional candidates-out of a their objectives. A split in the organ­ possible six, four were nominated. · ization was avoided and it was decided The lieutenant governor, state super­ to enter with a complete slate. John intendent of schools, and King County C. Stevenson, candidate for governor, commissioner-all were nominated by was endorsed by the Federation after the Federation on the Democratic he had agreed to campaign on its pro­ Party ticket. This success in the prima­ gram. ries. outraged the reactionaries in both The political importance of the parties and they spread the slogan over Commonwealth Federation was shown the length and breadth of the United by the primary campaign. The issues States that there are 4 7 states and a between Stevenson, Federation can­ "Soviet 'Vashington". didate for governor, and the incum­ A nominating convention was held bant, Governor Martin, who sought on primary day in accordance with the re-election, broke down the traditional state election laws, if the Federation party lines. Martin, a conservative, wanted to enter the final elections as closely allied with reactionary business a third minority party in order to fill men who used state police and militia in the defeated positions. However. against striking lumber workers, used their candidates were withdrawn be­ every device of the Red scare. Steven­ cause the Federation didn't think it son was attacked for his Federation feasible to run both on the Demo­ endorsement. He was called a Commu­ cratic Party and on independent party nist. Spurious handbills purporting tickets. It would have enhanced the the Communist endorsement of him chances of defeating the Federation were circulated all over the state. Ste- candidates on the Democratic Party THE COMMUNIST

ticket. It would have created a greater on the Commonwealth Federation. rift between the Federation and sec­ The Republican Party, the reaction­ tions of organized labor, and it would aries in the Democratic Party, the have strengthened the reactionaries Farmer-Labor Commonwealth, the and the Republican Party. liberal coalition, etc., all were singing At the same time the Federation the song, the "Commonwealth Federa­ made it clear that they were not re­ tion is for Soviets, it's Communistic". sponsible for the reactionary Demo­ The Production For Use Bill wa:; cratic candidate for governor. The labeled Communistic. All newspapers Federation wished a unified policy carried full pages of advertisemenh between the Federation and organ­ attacking the bill and the candidate ized labor and farmers as a whole. Un­ who supported it. Radio flashes were fortunately the State Federation of paid for all over the state warning Labor did not forward this cause. The against the Communistic Production State Federation of Labor gave a For Use Bill, and a Soviet of Wash­ blanket endorsement of Governor ington. An article in The Nation on Martin. This blanket endorsement ''Circus Politics in Washington State" by organized labor for Governor was quoted at length to support the Martin was interpreted by the "puri­ contentions of the Republicans that tans" headed by Cyrus Woodward, the Commonwealth Federation was President of the Commonwealth Communistic, crack-brained, and cor­ Federation, as a sign that the Federa­ rupt. A strenuous effort was made to tion was betraying its aims, and he isolate the Washington Common­ resigned from the Federation; aligned wealth Federation candidates on the · himself with a back closet party called Democratic ticket so the Democratic "Farmer Labor Commonwealth Par­ voters, confused and alarmed by the ty". These renegades became the ban­ Red scare, would switch their votes to }1er carrier of the so-called "Farmer the Republican candidates. Labor Party". Their main issue was The Democratic lanjslide of a two Red-baiting, calling the Federation to one majority demonstrated that the Communist-controlled. They called voters were not confused on the issues their organization a "Labor Party of fascism versus democracy. They re­ without a Communist". The split did jected Red-baiting. With the excep­ not prove very serious since it took tion of the race for State Superinten­ place from a top leadership with no dent of Public Instruction, all of the mass following. It consisted largely of Federation candidates received major­ some Technocrat leaders, Christian ities equal to those of non-Federation Socialists, and even Silver Shirts. candidates on the Democratic ticket. Nevertheless the capitalist press played It was clear that the moGt intense Red­ • up this split and accentuated the Red­ baiting campaign ever carried on in baiting that these splitters tried to usc the state was rejected by the voters as a means of frightening some of the and that they have approved of the Federation members into their arms. Communist Party's support of the The election campaign saw an in­ Commonwealth Federation. tensification of the reactionary attack The State Superintendent of Public THE WASHINGTON STATE ELECTIONS 177 Instruction was a special case. Since program. A clarification on this point the incumbent was a Republican who is a vital necessity. had survived the 1932 landslide, he One of the most promising signs of has built up a political machine the Commonwealth Federation's fu­ superior to that of the Republican ture is its participation in the realities Party of the state and had the support of day-to-day struggles. It helped the of both the Democrats and Repub­ Guild Strikers on the Hearst Post-In­ lican candidates for governor. Never­ telligencer picket line in arranging theless the Federation candidate won mass meetings to inform the public, in by a substantial majority. The 30 sending delegates to Governor Martin. Federation members elected to the It exposed the armed guards and the legislature, although a minority, con­ plaeing of secret arsenals in Seattle in stitute a powerful bloc to initiate a the employers' preparations for the proper progressive legislative program. maritime strike. It has placed its radio They can become a powerful weapon time at the disposal of organized la­ in defense of civil liberties and sup­ bor, actively participates in all strug­ port of organized labor. Both the King gles against war, and champions the County Commissioner and Superin­ support of the Spanish people's gov­ tendent of Public Instruction are of ernment. Such actions as these are con­ great political power. The Common­ vincing organized labor that the Com­ wealth Federation for the first time monwealth Federation is a political becomes an important factor in the organization which serves their in­ state and county government. terests. Even the Right wing of labor The great problem remaining for is being won over. the Commonwealth Federation is of The victory of the election cam­ consolidating its gains. The victory paign is an instruction to the Federa­ of the Federation is a living proof of tion leadership rapidly to expand it­ the value of a People's Front. The self to the areas outside of Seattle, and reactionaries and the Red-baiters with­ begin to make preparations for the in the Federation were defeated. Or­ city elections in the spring. In Seattle, ganized labor and the farmers' state where the Federation strength is the Grange have been impressed with the greatest, the Federation will have -to performance of the Federation and are enter its own candidates and carry increasingly looking toward the Fed­ through independent political action. eration as an official instrument to With the campaign properly carried carry out their program. The con­ out, and backed by labor, the Federa­ tion will be one step nearer solidation of the gains of the election to the reality of a Farmer-Labor Party. The must come through independent po­ result of this election proved that the litical action and building an all-in­ people have approved the action of clusive Farmer-Labor Party. the Federation leadership of support­ The Production For Use initiative ing the Chicago Conference last May which was defeated has fortunately for a Farmer-Labor Party. The Federa­ served to create some political think­ tion will have to be a driving force ing on the whole Production For Use in the building of a broad, ail-in- THE COMMUNIST elusive national Farmer-Labor Party. analysis of the issues in this campaign The role of the Socialist Party in has gained tremendously in influence the election has been an increasingly over the people. The issue of democ­ minor one. In the first place the party racy versus reaction was accepted by was very small in numbers, and this people. This is shown by the election has been aggravated by a split. The returns. Left wing, which was the only active It is true that the Communist Party part of the party, was expelled after did not gain any votes in the election. the Cleveland Convention. The Old But as a result of the election policies Guard which retains control is a paper and the influence of our Party, the organization. It sabotaged the election Lemke Union Party received only campaign of Norman Thomas. 3,ooo votes in our state, and the split­ In 1932 Norman Thomas spoke in ting "Farmer-Labor Commonwealth" the Civic AuditQrium to about 6,ooo. candidates received an even smaller This year he spoke to about 300, vote. The Communist Party devoted amongst whom were 75 to 100 Com­ all its energy to building the Federa­ munist Party sympathizers. In 1932 tion and defeating the reactionary he got about 18,ooo votes, this year he forces. The Communist Party cam­ will probably get 15 per cent of this. paign has strengthened and unified McKay, the Socialist leader and can­ the new political realignments that didate for governor, made an align­ are taking place. The Commonwealth ment with the Republican Party in Federation presented the beginning the primary campaign. He viciously of a real mass movement for inde­ attacked the Democrats and the Wash­ pendent political action which the ington Commonwealth Federation as Communist Party helped to develop Communists. In the final campaign as proved by its election successes. In he spoke with the liberal coalition order to prevent a serious labor split which was a tool in the hands of the the Communist Party threw its influ­ reactionary Republicans, who were ence in the Federation to withdrawing fighting the Federation. This is the all Federation candidates on an in­ result of the false Socialist position dependent ticket. We made clear, how­ that the issue was socialism versus ever, that such action was not an en­ capitalism. Thus it was forced to stay dorsement of Governor Martin, the aloof from the Washington Common­ reactionary Democrat. The Commu­ wealth Federation and the progressive nist Party ran its own candidate for movement as a whole. Isolated from governor and this was a vital factor the Leftward-moving masses the party in keeping the Party's position clear. became a political nonentity. Then This is the difference between the it moved by a logical progression into Communist Party and the Socialist the corruption that goes along with Party. Our position is to participate decay and found itself playing a role with tlie masses in the struggle against of partner with the most reactionary reaction and fascism, to organize, elements of the Republican and Dem­ unite and lead. The position of the ocratic Parties. On the other hand, Socialist Party is isolation and sec­ the Communist Party by its correct tarianism, which objectively work THE WASHINGTON STATE ELECTIONS against the interests of the masses. trade union progress. The "produc­ As a result of the election campaign tionists" and the "puritans" have been the Communist Party in the State of defeated and their influence in the Washington has broadened its influ­ Commonwealth Federation has been ence in the labor movement. Not only eliminated. Red-baiting has been ex­ is this true, but the political cam­ posed. The Federation is rapidly be­ paign itself was an important factor coming an all inclusive political in stimulating a rapid and tremen­ movement. The Communist Party, dous growth in unionization. There which greatly contributed and is part is a growing unity in labor which is of the victory of the progressive forces pushing the Right wing forward by its in the state, while not affiliated yet, militancy, and its victories on the path is an integral part of the Common­ of independent political action and wealth Federation. THE ROAD TO VICTORY

MANIFESTO OF THE COMMUNIST PARTY OF SPAIN

IVE months have gone by since the transformed into a national war, into F outbreak of the fascist military a war for the independence of Spain, revolt. During these five months the thanks to the insolent support given war has undergone a profound change. to the rebels by the German, Italian It has been transformed into a na­ and Portuguese fascists. This support, tional war, into a war of organized given by international fascism to those armies, into a war in which foreign who rose against the lawful govern­ armed forces are intervening side by ment of Spain, has deepened and side with the mutineers against our widened the struggle and compels us people. now to fight not only the Spanish At the end of these five months of rebels but the foreign fascist hangmen. war all parties, all organizations are Today the Spanish people is fighting raising the question of how this war not only the monarchists, the Moors, can be won. All anti-fascist forces are the bandits of the Foreign Legion, the at present directing their thoughts to­ gangs of fascists and Requetes armed wards the best way of waging this by international fascism; today we are war, of mobilizing all our forces, of fighting forces of greater amplitude rapidly leading our people to victory. a,nd graver significance. Thanks to The Communist Party, which at every foreign support, the rebel groups stage of the movement showed pre­ could even at the outset obtain a cer­ cisely what were the means of rapidly tain measure of success; but little by achieving the victory, will once again little they were destroyed by our brave today point out the road to be fol­ loyalist troops and militiamen in glo­ lowed in order to win the war and rious battles. The end of the war ap­ strengthen the lawful sovereignty of proached and the defeat of the mu­ the people against which the traitor tineers seemed near when they, seeing generals and the fascist criminals have their forces exhausted, appealed to risen in arms. Hitler and Mussolini to send them not only fresh war materials but armed THE NEW CHARACTER OF THE WAR contingents of their own military UNLEASHED AGAINST THE PEOPLE forces The German and Italian gov­ The struggle of the lawfully con-· ernments hearkened to the cry of stituted government against a group distress of the traitor generals; they of traitors, a struggle which might have already sent the first units of have been rapidly ended, has been fascist troops to Spain and are pre-

180 THE ROAD TO VICTORY

paring to land further contingents in der to defeat such an army we also our Peninsula. must have a regular army, an army superior to that of the enemy in arma· A GREAT POPULAR ARMY MUST ments, discipline, morale and fighting BE CREATED spirit.

In this situation, if we want to win IRON DISCIPLINE AND OBEDIENCE the war, the improvised militia and TO ORDERS the heroism our armed forces have In the great popular army which is shown in so many battles are no now in the making, we must have iron longer sufficient. vVe must transform discipline, an absolute obedience to them into a great popular army en­ orders so that strategic and tactical dowed with the discipline and the action may be accomplished without technical resources demanded by a discussion. This is the only way to war such as the war forces upon us, a avoid that agents provocateurs, sent war against imperialist armies well into our ranks by the enemy, be en­ trained by their respective countries. abled to disrupt our operations by For this purpose it is an imperative orders and counter-orders; this is the necessity to put into practice the slo­ only way to avoid positions being gan of creating a popular army with abandoned through imprudence or iron discipline, an army obeying or­ provocation, positions which must ders and built on a solid foundation. later be retaken at the price of enor­ This slogan was put forward by our mous sacrifices. Party from the very beginning and we In order to win the war it is indis­ must now realize it if we want to win pensable that all acts of insubordina­ the war quickly. We must immediately tion, sabotage or treason should be undertake the reorganization of all punished in summary and exemplary our armed forces by forming compa­ fashion. War is a hard business and nies, battalions and brigades with the we must wage it hardly. The same appertaining commanding staff. We rigor we use against the enemy on the must create a sole general staff to de­ battle front must be used against his cide and direct operations on all agents and spies who work in the rear fronts. We must immediately put an or in army circles. Up to now there end to the scattering of forces, to the has been an impermissible laxity in trade union, party and regional mi­ this respect and the discipline of our litias, etc., who, though in the begin­ army has more than once broken ning of the struggle were the form down in consequence. suitable for the rapid enlistment

of the armed forces we had to im­ A GENERAL PLAN OF OPERATIONS provise in order to defeat fascism, are AND UNITED COMMAND no longer adequate now when we are facing not only Moors, legionnaires, During these five months the course Requetes and phalangists, but an of events has shown us that the organized army consisting of German, enemy operates according to a general Italian and Portuguese troops. In or- plan and mobilizes his forces on the THE COMMUNIST various fronts in conformity with this tion emigrate in masses from the re­ preconceived plan. The fact that some gions occupied by them. By employ­ region of the national territory is more ing terroristic methods they recently directly menaced by the enemy does succeeded in rounding up a few thous­ not mean that if the enemy succeeds in and young recruits who at the bottom conquering that territory he will desist of their hearts are hostile to them. In from trying to conquer the entire the regions dominated by the fascists country. On the contrary, this strategy agricultural production is manifestly conforms to the needs of the enemy, inferior to that in the loyal regions, to imperative necessity of stimulating and the German, Italian and Portu­ foreign assistance by the perspective guese masters of the rebels cannot sup­ of conquering the industrial areas and ply them with foodstuffs in sufficient positions which would subsequently quantity because they themselves lack permit internatipnal fascism to plunge the food necessary to feed their own Europe into the inferno of war and peoples. The main industrial districts fascist savagery. of the country are in the hands of the The unity of command and opera­ lawful government of the republic tions in our army must be realized which can produce there all it needs in accordance with this viewpoint. for the war and for the normal life of The alleged "independence" of the the population, while the rebels for various regions (Catalonia, the Basque their part must import from the fas­ country, Asturias, the Center, the cist countries all that they need in South, etc.) must disappear and the order to continue the war. While the centralization of our plans of opera­ reserves of the enemy are giving out tion by one general staff enable us to and in order to continue the war they make the most of our resources in must have recourse to foreign troops, arms and men. the lawful government in the loyalist Up to the present the great ad­ territory disposes over tens of thous­ vantage of the enemy consisted pre­ ands of men ready to go to the fighting cisely in the fact that they possessed front. Hundreds of thousands who such a general plan and could direct form a powerful reserve are being and move their forces in accordance trained in military discipline. with the directives of the one and only Moreover, international solidarity general staff. If we want to win the with our people is increasing from war we must do the same. day to day and thousands of anti-fas­ cists are offering themselves to fight LET US MOBILIZE OUR NATIONAL in the ranks of our army with the RESOURCES AND MAKE BETTER loyalty and courage proper to men USE OF THEM who, following their ideological con­ victions and their feeling of solidarity, It is fully proven that the national freely enroll themselves in the army resources of the enemy are very re­ defending democracy, liberty and stricted. The rebels cannot levy con­ peace. In the van of the international siderable military reserves because the movement of solidarity with our strug­ young men and the working popula- gle marches the Soviet Union whose THE ROAD TO VICTORY voice resounds with mighty authority tion defending itself against the ag­ throughout the world as the herald of gression of the military caste of the world peace and national liberty. past, supported by the most reaction­ Thus the whole problem is centered ary and privileged social forces, and around the mobilization, the organiza­ by gangs of fascist assassins. tion and rational utilization of the tre­ In creating this general staff, these mendous resources which we control. posts of command in general and this This is not yet being carried out with uniform command, one cannot pro­ the requisite intensity. ceed as one would in the event of a "normal" war, but regard the war as WE MUST HAVE COMPULSORY a social struggle, for in order to win a MILITARY SERVICE war of this description the people must see in the commanders of the In order to distribute the burdens anny the representatives of the organ­ of war uniformly among the popula­ izations and of the parties to which tion, it is necessary to introduce com­ it has given its confidence. In the de­ pulsory military service; it being given cisive posts we must place civilians that it is an honor for the citizens of true to the cause of the people, who, the republic to serve in the army of in close cooperation with the military the people and all will certainly re­ commanders loyal to the Republic and gard it as such. If this is not done, we with the people, will be in a position shall sacrifice in the struggle the best to give the military struggle a political elements of the people, those who direction, which is the only way should serve as cadres for the mass of to inspire the soldiers of the popular combatants and the army will lack army with complete confidence and a steady commanding staff able to lead obtain victory. The steps taken in this it in its battles and lead it to victory. direction have up to the present been Compulsory military service will very feeble, and if we want to win the permit the mobilization of all human war we must remove from the posts resources of the country, the control of command those officers who have of their abilities and their utilization no sympathy with the cause of the according to the needs of the war, people and quickly substitute for both at the front and in the war in­ them military men 'or civilians who dustries. In order to achieve this the understand the justice and enthusiasm government must issue without delay of our cause and are prepared to give a decree creating this great popular their lives to ensure its victory. army based on compulsory military We must reorganize our industries service. and enable them to supply everything

ENSURE THE POLITICAL AND MILITARY we requi1·e at the front and in the LEADERSHIP OF THE WAR hinterland. The war will be won by the side The creation of a united command which will control an industry cap­ and of a uniform general staff should able of supplying the front and the take into account the character of our hinterland with all they need. This civil war, i.e., of a war of a whole na- fact is admitted by all, but there is THE COMMUNIST too much delay in drawing the prac­ tion council which will, in coopera­ tical conclusions. Some steps have al­ tion with the competent minister, dis­ ready been taken towards the creation tribute the available raw materials of a war industry. We are beginning and regulate production according to ourselves to produce a considerable the requirements of the various fronts proportion of the things we require and the general development of the at the front. But what has been war. achieved up to now is only a fraction It is impossible to continue such of our potential production. The arbitrary autonomy which allows each great factories of Catalonia, the trade union or each group to direct Basque country and the East-to quote independently a factory, a workshop only a few-could be rapidly converted or a center of production, determining into a large-scale war industry sup­ the activities of such a center with­ plying the requirements of the front out consideration for the other fac­ and of the reserves now in formation. tories of the country. To produce thus But a task of such magnitude cannot is to produce chaotically and to pre­ be achieved unless we have a coor­ vent a rational distribution of raw dinate5 scheme capable of mobilizing materials, rendering impossible in the immense volume of resources rep­ consequence the necessary rational resented by these factories. We must production. If we continue in this way make use in this sense of all now exist­ the time will come-and in some lo­ ing initiatives in order to transform calities has already come-when the these factories into a war industry factories must close down for lack of under a uniform leadership. We must raw materials, while such materials put a stop to isolated requisitions of lie unused in other localities, or be­ individual factories, works and other cause of the over-production of cer­ establishments. We must put a stop to tain articles not required locally the chaotic dispersion of production though they are lacking in other dis­ which leads to a situation in which tricts. The coordination council, sug­ everyone is producing at his own sweet gested by us, would have to rationalize will whatever he thinks most useful production and see to it that more is for the war or for the provisioning produced at less cost, this being the of the nearest sector of the front. In only way to avoid a serious crisis of consequence of this state of affairs we our entire national economy. In this find ourselves today facing a situation task of achieving increased and im­ in which some factories have too much proved production through a more ra­ raw materials while others are at a tional use of the available human and standstill for the lack of them. The material resources, the trade unions government must therefore decide to will play a part of fundamental im­ apply a uniform principle. The gov­ portance which will be even greater ernment must nationalize the key in­ if, as our Party ceaselessly advocates, dustries of the country with a view we achieve trade union unity by form­ to war production and these industries ing a united trade union cent.er. must work according to a schedule The need for a coordinating coun­ established by a national coordina- cil of the nationalized industry shows THE ROAD TO VICTORY up even clearer if, in coordinating the tural products should be cultivated in distribution of raw materials, we re­ preference to others, which are the member that many of these must be branches of production to be intensi­ imported from abroad. fied and what should be the changes to be effected to this end in the LET US INTENSIFY AND COORDINATE methods of this or that district. AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION THE PROPERTY OF THE PEASANTS What we have said about industrial MUST BE RESPECTED production can be applied to agri­ culture as well. Having once estab­ An indispensable condition of the lished the principle of the nationaliza­ realization of this plan is that the tion of the land and the granting of peasants must be guaranteed their this land to agricultural laborers and produce. They must know that their poor peasants for cultivation as in­ labor will be recompensed by the pur­ dividuals or as a collective according chase of their products at a fixed price. to their own decisions taken in meet­ Although thct Communist Party favors ings called on a democratic basis, we the collectivization of agriculture, must intensify agricultural production wishes the differences between town in order to satisfy the requirements of and country to be effaced and stands the front and the hinterland. But in for the disappearance of capitalist order to satisfy these requirements we forms of production in favor of social­ must create for agriculture as well as ist forms in a society of free indmtriai for industry a council of coordination, and agricultural producers, the P.trty, subordinate to the Minister of Agri­ basing itself on the realities of the culture, in order that agricultural pro­ moment and on scientific doctrines in­ duction may develop, if not according stead of chimeras or unrealizable to a strict schedule as in the national­ utopias, openly declares that today, ized industry, at least with the object­ if we are to win the war, we must ive of producing the raw materials and stimulate by every means at our com­ foodstuffs most urgently required for mand the increase of agricultural the front and the hinterland. This production. This is ,the only way to rational regimentation of agricultural ensure that the front and hinterland production is all the more necessary as get the food th~y need to gain the a part of our territory is separated victory. from the sovereignty of the republic. Our Party declares that it is urgent­ Even before the civil war our pro­ ly necessary to continue the campaign duction was not sufficient to supply for the organization of the peasants in our markets with grain, maize, etc., cooperative production and marketing although all these products might be societies in order to increase the pro­ grown on our soil. If this anomaly is ductivity of individual effort on small not to be increased even more, we holdings. At the same time the Party must create some organization to stim­ declares that the peasant cooperatives ulate production by worthwhile must be closely linked up through co­ prices and to indicate which agricul- ordinating committees with the col- 186 THE COMMUNIST lectivized production of the estates menting agricultural production and managed by the trade unions of agri­ guarantee the workers of the country­ cultural laborers. But the Party also side markets, prices and credit facili­ declares that this operation should be ties. effected by persuading and attracting Republican order, revolutionary the peasants. The Party will resist orde1· in the Spain of peace, labor and with all the means at its command all well-being must be assured. measures tending to rob the small If we want to win the war we must agricultural producer of his property see to it that republican order is main­ on the pretext of a cooperation and tained. To maintain republican order collectivization imposed by force. means to enforce respect of the legally The experience of all wars and all constituted authorities on the part of revolutions shows that if a policy con­ all citizens in a democratic and popu­ trary to the interests of the peasants lar system. This means that we must is pursued, the peasants cease to co­ put a stop to the practice of formal operate with the industrial proletariat submission to the or~ans of govern· and the constituted authorities and ment while at the samt. time hamper demonstrate their discontent by re­ ing their work or superseding them in stricting agricultural production and fact through party or trade union satisfying only their own needs with­ committees or other groups which do out supplying the rest of the popula­ as they please. tion. This road leads only to defeat. In a republican legality the govern­ Consequently our Party maintains ment and the constituted authorities that agricultural production must be must dispose of means of coercion stimulated by all methods. We must needed to enforce order and the re­ tell the peasants what sort of crops spect of the democratic laws the they should cultivate and guarantee people has given itself of its own will them a fixed and worthwhile price against all who transgress those laws. and a market for their produce. Fur­ \Ve must abolish the abusive practice ther, the state must guarantee the of playing with justice instead of ap­ peasants and agricultural producers plying the democratic revolutionary credits and seeds, instruments of la­ law through organs established by law bor, everything they need to intensify or coming into being in the course of their production. This would be the the civil war. best way to link up the towns with the countryside and also to win the THE CHARACTER OF OUR STRUGGLE MUST war as quickly as possible. BE DEFINED WITH ALL CLARITY The government of the People's Front and the Minister of Agriculture There is no need for anyone to re­ are already pursuing such a course, pudiate his principles and the aspira­ but the exigencies of the war indicate tions of his program-a thing our that the present procedure must be Party has never done and will never speeded up by the creation of an or­ do-but these aspirations mtist assert ganizing council of agrarian economy themselves by way of a loyal campaign which would be charged with regi- of persuasion, based on the freely ex- THE ROAD TO VICTORY pressed will of the masses and not be the victory of the Spanish People's Re­ imposed by force. The accusation public would gain for the Moroccan sometimes brought against us that we people their democratic liberty and are sacrificing the interests of the revo­ bread and land for their sons. lution in order to win the war are not In order to win the war we must only perfidious but childish. The do away with the revolutionary struggle to win the war is inseparable phrasemongering of those who want from the development of the revolu­ to be "more revolutionary than any· tion. If we do not win the war the one else", with that clever quackery development of the revolution would of the Trotskyites who talk a lot of be checked. This idea must sink down proletarian revolution, boast with into the mind of the masses if we are contempt for the petty bourgeoisie not to weaken the struggle we wage and scheme to sow discord among the to win the war. We are fighting to forces who wish to march in united create a better society in which there ranks to destroy the faster the enemies shall be no possible repetition of such of Spain, of progress, peace and monstrous and criminal acts as this liberty. rebellion. But we must explain to all Our Party, a consistently revolu­ those who deceive themselves or ir­ tionary party, does not play with the responsibly attempt to make in their interests of the laboring masses but province or village experiments in is untiringly working to unite the "socialism", "libertarian communism" struggling masses. It does not want to or any other communism, that all make fruitless sacrifices, it does not these experiments will collapse like want to make premature revolution­ a house of cards if we do not win the ary experiments at the expense of the war, if we do not crush the traitors, if workers, but to forge the conditions we do not annihilate the fascists, these required for the victory. And today butchers of our country, and if we do the conditions required for a victory not drive from our soil the invading can be summed up in one thing: to troops of German, Italian and Portu­ unite all efforts toward a single ob­ guese fascism. jective: to win the war. We shall win the war only if we WHAT ARE THE CONDITIONS OF succeed in maintaining and consoli­ WINNING THE WAR? dating the People's Front and if we respect the interests of all social In conclusion, what are the indis­ groups participating in the struggle pensable conditions of winning the against the rebel officers and the fero­ war? cious reactionaries; if we recognize 1. That a government such as the and respect the national liberty of the present, in which all the forces con­ peoples, but yet weld them into an trolling the masses are represented, indestructible unity of a popular anti­ have complete authority and that all fascist Spain; if we make the people people and organizations respect, obey of Morocco understand that Franco, and apply the decisions taken by this chief of slave-drivers, is leading them government and its organs. by lies into slavery and death, while 2. That compulsory military service 188 THE COMMUNIST be introduced without delay as the 5· We must create a coordinating sole means of rapidly creating a great council for industry and economy in army of the people with an organiza­ general in which ali technicians and tion and a discipline guaranteeing its specialists of the People's Front must military efficiency- be represented. This important state This army must be given com­ organ would direct production and all manders, both civilian and military, would have to respect and obey its who are faithful to the republic

I

added added interest, interest, associate associate the the learned learned with with justice justice the the rich rich does does and and not not influential influential FiJi· FiJi·

Philippine, Philippine, and and Filipino Filipino certain certain anecdotes anecdotes government government which which and and lend lend of of necessity necessity had had to to

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called called the the Commonwealth Commonwealth of of the the Philippines. Philippines. Americans Americans usually usually never never learn. learn.

Court Court of of the the Philippines, Philippines, speak speak Tagalog Tagalog George George among among A. A. Malcolm, Malcolm, themselves, themselves, a a language language

until until recently recently Senior Senior Justice Justice of of the the Supreme Supreme employees employees whom whom they they mistrust mistrust because because they they

list list another another book, book, The The written written men men see see by by intimately intimately an an American, American, only only their their office office

the the Philippines Philippines en en can can come come now now in in add add contact contact to to their their with with ignoble ignoble are are their their servants. servants.

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whose whose book, book, The The Philippines, Philippines, which which holds holds a a itself itself Treasure Treasure aloof aloof and and as as a a select, select, snobbish snobbish

like like Kirk, Kirk, Hayden Hayden American American and and community community Nicholas Nicholas Roosevelt, Roosevelt, in in the the Philippines, Philippines,

circulated circulated in in the the have have United United little little States States more more by by to to Americans Americans say say with with regard regard to to the the

East. East. True, True, books books A A Lin Lin have have Yutang Yutang been been written written of of the the and and Philippines Philippines could could

in in the the political political developments developments in in the the Far Far

day day of of his his twenty-five twenty-five years years in in China." China."

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adequate adequate books books dealing dealing of of an an enclosed enclosed with with the the mind mind inner inner in in an an situ­ enclosed enclosed glass glass case case

luxury luxury but but a a necessity-that necessity-that three-mile three-mile ride ride And And this this brings brings us us to to the the utter utter lack lack of of

Miss Miss Smith Smith that that a a car car in in China China is is not not a a

else else in in the the world. world.

tects tects him him from from Chinese Chinese humanity. humanity. He He tells tells

ferences ferences as as sharp sharp and and distinct distinct as as anywhere anywhere leads leads from from his his home home to to his his office office and and pro­

car, car, it it is is a a moving moving covered covered corridor corridor that that the the signs signs of of a a modern modern nation nation with with class class dif· dif·

He He has has to to have have a a car. car. His His car car is is not not just just a a

ance ance cannot cannot fail fail to to remark remark that that these these are are but but

civil civil

wars, wars,

which which spoil spoil his his breakfast breakfast for for him. him.

present present

organization organization

of of a a

Popular Popular Front Front

Alli­

of of banditry banditry and and kidnapping kidnapping and and recurrent recurrent

in in Manila Manila in in 1935 1935 of of 23,000 23,000 workers workers and and the the his his spirits spirits revolts revolts against against the the morning morning reports reports

and and reads reads the the North North China China Daily Daily News News and and 1927 1927 three three peasant peasant uprisings, uprisings, a a general general strike strike

plies plies of of information. information. He He drinks drinks Lipton's Lipton's tea tea

noted noted that that there there occurred occurred in in the the islands islands since since

English-speaking English-speaking Chinese Chinese friends friends for for his his sup­

ting ting in in the the South South Seas. Seas. Yet Yet others, others, who who have have syllables syllables of of Chinese Chinese and and depends depends on on his his

civilized civilized group group limits limits of of islands islands of of a a in in man man a a romantic romantic who who cannot cannot set· set· talk talk three three

be be very very well well informed informed within within his his limits, limits, the the the the Philippines Philippines are are still still a a semi semi -savage -savage and and un un · ·

sardines sardines and and 'sunkist' 'sunkist' oranges. oranges. He He may may even even

The The Monkeys Monkeys Have Have no no Tails Tails in in Zamboanga, Zamboanga,

whom whom China China is is just just a a market market for for selling selling

pendence. pendence. To To some, some, having having read read books books like like sular sular service, service, or or he he may may be be a a merchant merchant to to

captain captain or or a a pilot pilot or or a a secretary secretary in in the the con­ sires sires and and "gave" "gave" the the Philippines Philippines their their inde· inde·

"He "He may may be be the the son son of of a a missionary, missionary, or or a a

gress gress suddenly suddenly recanted recanted its its imperialistic imperialistic de· de·

of of Manila Manila Bay, Bay, and and that that only only recently recently Con· Con· in in his his My My Country Country and and My My People. People.

exaggerated exaggerated legend legend of of Admiral Admiral Dewey's Dewey's battle battle They They have have been been well well described described by by Lin Lin Yutang Yutang

great great many many of of us us know know something something of of the the ican ican and and European European colonies colonies in in the the Orient. Orient.

Orient Orient are are the the Philippine Philippine Islands. Islands. A A nessed nessed generally generally the the cloistered cloistered life life of of Amer­ A

the the least least known known countries countries of of the the MONG MONG not not difficult difficult to to imagine imagine when when one one has has wit­

a a full full understanding understanding of of this this country. country. This This is is

New New York: York: Appleton-Century. Appleton-Century. $5.00. $5.00. sulted sulted in in a a work work necessary necessary or or important important to to

PHILIPPINES, PHILIPPINES, by by George George A. A. Malcolm, Malcolm, years' years' residence residence in in the the Philippines Philippines has has re­

THE THE COMMONWEALTH COMMONWEALTH OF OF THE THE show show us us in in his his 500 500 laborious laborious pages pages that that thirty thirty

SLANDERING SLANDERING THE THE PHILIPPINE PHILIPPINE PEOPLE PEOPLE

BOOK BOOK REVIEWS REVIEWS BOOK REVIEWS pinos. Although coming in contact with more gic isles. There are chapters on finance, trade, Filipinos than most Americans ever dream of, politics, economic conditions, religion, culture he has failed to gain understanding thereby. and so forth, giving fragmentary facts, super­ As a rule, problems in the book are dis­ ficial observation and decided opinion on the cussed either in an innocuous or formal question discussed. manner. Perhaps that is the style in which Malcolm is a little sad that the Filipinos judicial dissertations are written. At any should have preferred their own judges of rate, the work abounds in platitudes, scat· the Supreme Court and retired him and tered information on myriad topics, and at other Americans in government service with times deliberate evasion and misinformation. handsome pensions. So he became a crystal However, the Tydings-McDuffie Law and the gazer, and this is what the crystal gazer for­ Philippine Constitution are set down intact, sees for the Philippines: having suffered no revision by Mr. Malcolm. "He sees the Filipino people LOrn by Moro As an example of this "two-timing", let us uprisings, Communist insurrections, and in· note hjs treatment of the situation with re· ternal conflicts, but able to stamp out the gard to the Catholic Church. He is well aware scourges. He see the Philipfines dominated by Pan-Orientalism, a vassa state of Japan. of the deep-seated hatred of the friars, the He sees the islands sustaining a population administration of the church estates which nearly equal to Japan's. He sees the elders swindle the tenants until they have been bled sighing for the good old days when the Philippines had all the blessings of indepen­ dry. The Catholic Church hierarchy is per­ dence and none of its worries and did not haps the most important single factor in realize her good fortune." perpetuating the horrible institution of peon· age as it exists in the Philippines. Devout In other words, Malcolm would deny the Catholics, nevertheless, countless numbers of Philippines their right to nationhood, proph­ people are against the power of the church esying that if given their independence they in state affairs. There is intense antagonism will cry over the good old days when they toward the Arbishop of Manila in whose were a colony of the United States. With name much of the feudal landholdings arc the subjective reaction of a man who lost a registered and against the religious banks prominent and lucrative position and who and friar orders who control vast areas of was at the same time a pioneer representa­ the best land and directly exploit the peas­ tive of American imperialism in the Philip­ ant masses. pine Islands, it is no wonder that he cannot Mr. Malcolm dismisses this situation: see a free and independent Philippines, throwing off the shackles of imperialism, dis· "In the course of time it cannot be gain· said by anyone that the friars as a class carding her monoculture or one-crop system became unpopular. [This refers to the days of agriculture, and at the same time leaving of Spanish rule.] Exactly what the causes of room for the development ot an independent this antagonism were need not be gone into farmer by expropriating the church lands. in detail, but probably the bitterness arose largely because of the priests becoming the Why cannot the crystal gazer see treaties with symbols of foreign dominat.ion with real or Japan, the Soviet Union, China,, Britain, imaginary oppression. During the last three France and the United States guaranteeing decades, the breach between the people and Philippine sovereignty? Why no: reciprocal the church has been completely healed." trade relations with these and other countries Of course, the almost daily threats of evic· which would open new markets for Filipino tion of tenants from church haciendas as products? Why not the prophecy of a people's reported in the press, and the organization government, which would secure a new deal of peasant unions against the oppressive prac­ for the debt-ridden peasants and underfed tices of the church estates exemplify the workers, and usher in a cultural renaissance "complete healing of the breach": which has long been overdue in this land The book has evidently been highly pencil­ of plenty, so long the forage ground for marked by the powers that be in these strate- imperialist bandits? HELEN MARCY THE COMMUNIST

NEW PAMPHLETS ON INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS

THE RESULTS OF THE ELECTIONS ment in China, written on the fifteenth an­ AND THE PEOPLE'<; FRONT, by Earl niversary of the Chinese Communist Party, Browder. Workers Library Publishers, 88 dealing with the formation of the Party in pages. Ten cents. 1921, its growth and maturity, the establish­ Report to the December Plenum of the ment of the first Soviets, the struggle toward Central Committee outlining the tasks facing the unification of China, and the rise of the the Communist Party in the mass struggles heroic Chinese Red Army whose influence which lie ahead, the building of the People's and prestige are growing daily. Front, the fight for peace and the building of TROTSKYISM AND FA<;CISM, by P. Lang. the Party. The pamphlet also contains an extract from Browder's summary at the Workers Library Publishers. 64 pp. Te11 cents. Plenum entitled "Who Are the Real Friends of Political Asylum?", exposing the attempt An indictment of Trotskyism as the agent of the Trotskyites to convert the right of of fascism in the ranks of the working class, asylum into "the right to use asylum to plot showing how both fascism and Trotskyism and conspire assa~sinations". use the common weapon of individual terror, and comparing the heroism of the revolu­ THE SPANISH REVOLUTION, by M. tionary proletariat, as ~hown by Dimitroff Ercoli. Workers Library Publishers, 24 pp. at Leipzig, with the cringing servility of the Five cents. Trotskyist-Zinovievist terrorists at Moscow. Analysis of the character of the Spanish "ar as a bourgeois-democratic revolution A LIBRARY OF TEN CLASSICS OF and struggle for national liberation. M. MARXISM-LENINISM. International Pub­ Ercoli is a member of the Executive Com­ lishers, ten pamphlets boxed in a hand­ mittee of the Communist International. some slip-case. 86o pp. $z.25.

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