The Worcester spy. [volume] (Worcester, Mass.) 1898-1904, 1899-08-02
BARR ON BOYCOTT.
Says It Savors Only
Of the Rule or
Ruin Plan.
BUCKS SOCIALlST-LABOR.
Prominent Worcester Man
Tells Why He Draws
Out.

The following communication from
Addison w. Barr of this city, one time
leader of the sociahst-labor party in
this sectien,s explains itself:
Mr.. Editor: Having been challenged
by. Representatives of the socialist-labor
party, both by letter and in public
meeting, toastate my reasons for resign
ing from that party and to give rea-
sons why any one should not join it,
also to give reasons for the existence of
the social democratic party, and deem
ing the present propitious time for
such a statement, now propose to an
swer the three foregoing propositions:
First-My reasons for leaving the So
cialist labor party were that could not
conscientiously endorse, either actively
or passiyelY, the arrogant and unwlse
position into which the party had drift
ed through too implicit confidence in
unprincipled leaders. To any free-born
American citizen with sufficient Self-re-
epect to make a good socialist, the at
titude of the socialist labor party in at
tempting to boycott Independent publ
cations saVors only of the rule or ruin
plan. To be refused the right to con-
tribute to any press whatever except
by submitting copy to party censorship,
is well enough for hired press agents;
but to free moral agent in the person
of the undersigned, reflects too much
of Russian methods
The attitude of the socialist labor
party in bitterly attacking all trades
unions, but more especially the promi-
nent members thereof, believe to be
a suicidal one-productiye only of en-
nifty and confusion.
Not caring to go further into unpleas-
l.. T 49, a.k-
that on account of the unsought promi-
nence which has attached itself to me,
it became my duty to disavow approval
of methods unworthy of support, and
this was done by withdrawing from
membership only when party conditions
became insupportable.
Second--Reasons why any person
should not join the socialist labor party:
There are numerous reasons under this
head: First, it is not true to it's avowed
principles; second carrying a demand
for the initiative and referendum in it's
platform (Article 15), it's official organ
has declared itself for representative
government; third, demanding municipal
ownership of franchised services (arti-
Gle 81, they hotly denounce any at
tempt to promote the same when made
by any one but themselves; fourth, call
ing themselves, labor party" they
seek to divide labor against itself
through it's press and through the So
cialist trade and labor alliance. To
quote their national organizer in a
speech delivered in c. L. U. hall in this
city: "It is our mission to smash every
trades union in the land" Very edify-
ing! Fifth, the party is ring-ruled
quote from THE People" of July 16,
the official organ:
I'VE are far from disputing the ne
cessity of maintaining strict order and
.disciplipe within the, party organiza-
tons, but in the hands of our suspend
cd party officers discipline on one hand
degenerated into an intolerable despot-
ism wherever their own authority was
concerned, and into open anarchy
whenever they were called upon to
abide by the provisions of our consti-
tuition and the rules of party discipline.
They turned their committee into a
tribunal of inquistion before which
each party member or party organiza-
ton guilty of the crime of having their
own opinions on party affairs of minor
Importance was dragged as a hereto
and condemned in summary man
ner.''
1t would appear that the ring had
been broken, to read the announcement
in the official organ of the 18th, as fol-
lows: National executive committee
deposed. Section New York takes ac-
ton against officials who grossly VIC
lated their duties entrusted to them by
the party. Ending a scandalous reign
of terror.
Instead Of agitating for socialism, the
national executive committee and their
followers fomented strife and tried to
advance the interests of arbitrary rul-
ers and dictators. Their temporary