Montana news. [volume] (Lewistown, Mont.) 1904-191?, 1908-02-13

The question of union between the
Socialist Party of America and the
Socialist Labor Party is being persist
emily urged, and the subject is one
that demands full consideration and
discussion. There are two obstacles to
a clear understanding of il in the ranks
of the Socialist Party. One is that
about nine-tenths of our members have
Joined since the days when the Social
list Labor Party was the most impor-
tant socialist organization in this coun-
try. The other is that most of the
old members are still unconsciously
Influenced by the bitter feelings grow
ing out of the fight in 1899 for the
control of the party organization. Ny
excuse for urging my opinion at this
time is that at the time of the fight
1 was a new convert and an observer,
not eombatant at either side, while
/ am fairly well informed as to the
facts which are pertinent to the ie-
cision we have to make at this time.
The nature of the decision is well
shown by the following resolutions
lately adopted by Local Redlands, Cal
ifornia, of the Socialist Party Of Amer
lea. / print them in full for the rea-
son that they illustrate better than
anything could say the artless eager
ness of our new members who are un-
familiar with the history Of the So
cialist Labor Party.
Preamble.
We, the Redlands Local, believing
that too much stress cannot be put
upon the necessity of unity in the So
cialist movement, are desirous of bring
ing about a union of the two socialist
political parties, believing as we do,
that the reason for their separation
are neither permanent or necessary,
and that both having been stripped Of
their errors, remain essential as one
in their endeavors.
We also believe that the Haywood
incident has taught the working men
of America, better than theory can
teach, the necessity for the solidarity
of the working class, ani has forcibly
shown its effectiveness. And we fur
ther believe that in the face Of this
event the workers have realized that
the end for which they are striving,
to wit, industrial emancipation, holds
them closer together, than their diff
ference in tactics can hold them apart.
We also believe that the great ques-
tion before the working class today
is the relation of the Industrial Organ
ization to Political Action, Socialism
being realized in the social ownership
Of industries, which at once results in
the destruction Of the wage system,
the workers must be organized on the
plan of Industrial unionism. II is
self-evident that capitalist craft-union-
ism can effer at best only temporary
benefits and never can emancipate the
wageslaves, but that the proletarian
must organize on the industrial plan
SO as TO control and direct industrial
affairs, when the political party shall
be successful on the political field and
thus assure to the worker the full pro.
duct Of his toll
Resolved.
Therefore be II resolved, In view of
the above preamble, we, Local Bed.
lsnds, initiate a National referendum
calling for the union of the two Social
Int parties Of America unity to be
based on the recognition Of industrial
unionism as the economic basis Of tho
socialist political movement.
And be il further Resolved, that
the official prees and means Of publi-
cation shall be owned and managed by
the Socialist Party and that no liter
ature be considered official unless
sanctioned by the National Executive
Committee.
And be IL further Resolved, that
no officer of any union shall be elig-