davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-11-05
Rape Of Socialist
Party at ST. Louis

On April Hillquit was chosen among
the Manhattan delegates to the con-
vention with instructions favoring "un-
changing opposition TO military service
and all forms Of ornaments, and a
national campaign against the sending
Of an expeditionary force from the
United States should war be declared"
Is IL not strange that the Hillquit
crowd in New York, before a declara-
tion of war, was counting the chances
for troops going out Of this country?
Similar instructions were given dele
gates from Kings and Queens, includ-
ing opposition to war Of any kind, l"
and to the giving Of aid Of any kind
"for a war of offence or defence
Finally, before leaving for the con-
vention, Hllquit showed clearly where
he stood by predicting, with the assur-
ance of one who has planned far
ahead, that the convention would not
support the government in the war,
adding, 81 prefer that neither the
United States nor Germany should be
defeated"
1t will take the Socialists Of the
United States a long time 10 recover
from the rape of the party at ST. Louis
at the hands of Hillquit
Commencing its sitting less than a
week after the United States declared
war, with only 1875 out of possible
300 delegates present, the convention,
dominated by Hillquit and the pro-
German element, committed itself to a
programme of principles that might
we'll have been written in Berlin. The
declaration of war by the United States
was declared 10 be a crime; a report
was adopted pledging the party 20
mass action"-violence, II necessary
to oppose the conscription law and
any attempts TO raise money for the
war, either by taxes on necessities Of
life or by bonds; it was agreed that
the anti-sabotage plank should be
dropped from the party constitution,
and the principles Of Socialism were
revised, perverted and distorted.
As a result, sixty delegates signed a
minority report, Socialists loyal to
America dropped out of the party, and
Hillquit left st. Louis with the Social
list party in his pocket and a new brand
of Socialist doctrines ready for use in
opposing the governments prosecution
Of the war and in urging an early,
German-made peace II cost the rank
and file of the party just $4,000 in
expenses to turn the organization over
TO Hillquit.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-11-05
Rewriting the Platform
A la Hillquit and Potsdam

Some Of the acts of the convention
deserve special notice as illustrations
of the course of pc litical Schreckich-
keu which Hillquit followed. For ex-
ample, the pro-German majority in
dropping the anti-sabotage plank
gained the support of a number of
radical spirits who also wanted 10 OPP
pose the draft By force. By dropping
this plank the Socialists technically
joined the |. w. w. in favoring such
practices as damaging machinery, burn
ing crops and running finished manu-
featured products. More than that, the
removal of the plank was a symbol of
Hi lquit's complete success.
Then, in voting 70 oppose the draft
by "mass action" the convention took
a step which many of its members
openly denounced as reasonable. Just
WANT was proposed is thus told by
John Spargo;
"One of the delegates who ap-
peared before the committee made a
vigorous appeal for mass action
haunting the committee with its fear
10 trust mass action citing as an
Illustration of what he meant by that
phrase, the fact that in his state a
resolution had been passed that on
the day CONSUMPTION should be de-
clared, all Socialist party members
should be summoned at once to as
semble in their respective county
seats, and intimated in the clearest
possible terms that they would by
force Of arms resist the attempt of
the authorities to enforce the law.
In the face of such a clear statement
by a delegate to the convention of
h - ..a.trr ,f.t,ff 11
ready under way, that plank in the
programme was adopted
Morris Hillquit was strong advo-
cate of that plank.
Other loyal Socialists at the con-
vention also recognized the bite in the
plank which Hillquit put through. A.
w. Simons a month later, in a letter to
"The New York Call" said:
at is time the membership knew
what devils work is afoot. Hillquit
and Berger knew very wei that the
use of the phrase mass movements
meant the use of violence. That
phrase was deliberately inserted to
incite the impossbilist, syndicalist,
pacifist Socialist to violence in the
interest of German Imperialism.
That phrase was inserted by men who
opposed the, use Of the same words
in an international congress"
Hillquit, as a lawyer. brazenly de-
Tended the clause, insisting that there
was nothing reasonable about it,
However, another Socialist lawyer at
the convention. job Hartman, strongly
differed with Hillquit:
"This document will support a
charge Of conspiracy to violate the
Federal statutes. When we
recommend to the workers and pledge
ourselves TO continuous, active and
public opposition to the war through
demonstrations, mass petitions and
all other means within our power
and TO the support Of all mass move
ments in opposition 10 CONSUMPTION
if CONSUMPTION laws are passed, we
act In direct violation of the United
States statute which provides that
two or more persons in any state or
territory who conspire to
oppose by force the authority of the
United States or by force TO prevent,
hinder, or delay the execution of any
law of the United States contrary TO
the authority thereof, shall each be
Guad MT rpora than cS mn or i'm,
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-11-05
Hilquit Gets Busy When
Relations Are Severed

When the war broke upon this coun-
try almost overnight il seemed impera-
tive to Hillquit quickly TO commit the
party 10 a certain programme. With
the United States in danger of throw
ing all its resources against Germany,
a speedy stand had TO be taken. Hill
quit made il his business 10 see that
II was taken fiat against the United
States government.
He was advantageously situated TO do
this. He was then, as he is now, the
chairman of the American Socialist
party and a member Of the national ex-
ecutive committee. He was also inter
national Socialist secretary, represent
ing this country al various Socialist
congresses abroad. In New YORK City
his hold on the party locally was par
ticularly secure, while OF the other
members of the national executive com
mittee only one was distinctly inde-
pendent Of Hillquits infuence-John
Spargo.
With the severing Of relations with
Germany two members Of the national
executive committee, who were author
lied 70 act as an emergency committee
speedily addressed a demand for an
embargo to President Wilson. One OF
native of Austria, who less than two
weeks previously had editorially de-
clsred in his Milwaukee paper that the
world war would have been won by Ger
many two years ago if there had been
en- embargo on American exports TINS
embargo proclamation, it should be re-
membered. came Immediately after Ger
many's declaration of unrestricted sub,
marine warfare against the United
States and other neutrals. Mr.. Berger,
it may incidentally be noticed. has from
the beginning Of the war chsmploneu
the "maiority Socialists" Of Germany,
who supported their government and
bitterly denounced Karl Liebknecht
and the minority Socialists" At the
same time Hllquit publicly made his
infamous declaration that we were be-
ing forced into war ION the most friv-
olous pretext imaginable"
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-11-05
prisoned not more than six years, or
bothS"
Hillquit the Lenine
OF United States

The most significant action OF the
convention, perhaps, was the Hillquit-
ian perversion of Socialist doctrine
written into the majority report, upon
which perverted basis Hillquit is now
masquerading as a Socialist" One
clause declared, in effect, that Social
lists recognize allegiance to no national
government. but only to the workers
of the world. On that ground the
workers were urged to oppose all wars.
even those of self-defence. This, said
Hillouit then, and he says it still, Is
Socialism.
Aside from being calculated only TO
assist the Kaiser, such doctrine is
historically inaccurate and unsocial-
istic. Every Socialist leader of promi-
hence from Marx down has taught the
value of nationalism as a means TO
true internationalism. What he says
is Socialism, is the same thing that
Lenine preached in Russia for the Ger
mans.
Shortly after the st. Louis conven-
ton, Hillquit reahirmed his infamous
declaration of 1916, that Belgium should
not be restored. In "The Call" Of July
!, he said:
american Socialists have little
patience with proposed peace terms
based upon a desire to repair the
wrongs of the war Il. peace
built upon the principle Of 'repara-
ton would leave all the active fac
tors and causes Of war in full and
fatal operation. Il would be moth
ing but a patched-up truce, prelude
20 another war"
Such was the rape Of the Socialist
party at ST. Louis by Morris Hillquit.
Put not content with this act, the ex-
ccutive committee. securely in control
Of the perverted party, again violating
the constitution Of the party, printed
and distributed the majority resolu-
ton before il was voted on and APP
proved by the party membership. But
after all, the constitution was minor
matter-only a scrap of paper to Hill
quit. riding Coward with God" for the
Kaiser.
When, in July, the party finally did
adopt the report by vote Of 2l.639
to 2,752. the total membership was
given at some $4,000 persons. How
completely Hllquit had the party In his
power. II three-fourths Of the party
membership in disgust refused to votel
"Our Morris. the Kaiser" was at last
supreme.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-11-05

cialists, and having full control Of the
national executive committee, Hillquit
decided il was time to complete tho
Kulturization of the whole party.
knowingly and admittedly, but on the
pretext that il vas "necessary"-an It
was. for Germany-,Hillquit, on March
-, treated the constitution of the party
like "a scrap of paper. and Illegally
jammed a resolution through the ma
tional committee for an emergency
convention, TO meet in st. Louis in
April.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-11-05
When a Csblegrsm Is and
Is Not "Ofhcial"

Having gained complete mastery Of
the party, Hillquit became holder. On
April 20 Representative Meyer London
cabled 10 n. s. Tcheidse. Of the Rus
sian revolutionists. concerning a posi-
bic separate peace:
"As the only Socialist member of
the American Congress, hopeful that
rejuvenated Russia will be COM
polling factor for a universal and
lasting peace, respectfully urge au-
thoritative statement correcting dis
quieting rumors that Russian Social
lists favor separate peace with Ger
many"
A similar message was sent by G..
Z. Russell and others, whereat Hill
quit did an astounding thing, hardly
applicable merely on the grounds Of
official jealousy. He promptly cabled
Tcheidse thus:
Gables of Meyer London to you
and those of c. E. Russell and others
10 Kerensky are not authorized by
Socialist party. American Socialists
have supreme faith in ability of their
Russian comrades TO solve their great
problems in furtherance of peace,
democracy and international social
ISM. Morris IIillquit. international
Secretary Socialist party"
A scathing analysis of this reply
printed in "The Call" indicts Hillquit's
motives thus:
"While it ostensibly purports to
forestall a misconstruction by the
Russian Socialists Of Russell's and
London's cables into an authorized
announcement Of the Socialists Of
America, its actual purpose is OBJ
viously 20 represent them in this
matter as irresponsible individuals
whose attitude is not at all that Of
the large majority of American So
cialists.
at is thus. in effect, an attempt TO
substitute FOR Russel's and London's
opinion on the question Of a separate
peace for Russia Hllquit's individual
opinion, with this difference, how
ever, that Russell and London have
in no way presumed to speak on be
half of the party organization, and
have very properly refrained from
COUGHING their sentiments in the Ian
guage of party oflicialdom.
"Comrade Hillquit, on the other
hand, spurred, It would seem, by loyal
zeal to save the Russian comrades
from disastrous consequences Of m
lection with pro-Ally sentiments,
precipitately dispatched pro-Ger-
man antidote, as il were, to counter
act this dreadful poison before the
mischief is consummated-and that
in the name of the Socialist party
and in his official capacity as its sec
rotary.
THE proceeding strikes me as one
in the last degree officious and utterly
unwarranted and uncalled for. 1t is
as unseemly in its haste as il is in
bad taste, particularly in view of the
fact that Comrade Hillquit processes
such supreme faith in the ability of
the Russian comrades to solve their
own great problems
And, then, who authorized Com
rade Hillquit to expound the stand Of
the American Socialist party on the
question of a separate peace for Rus
STA? The Socialist party has had no
occasion to take any official stand on
this subject"
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-11-05

correspondence, with all It's insin-
ceritieS. its shallow excuses and mis-
cradle evasions.
"Never once was there any condo
nation Of Germany's conduct Even
the deportation into the worst kind
of slavery Of many thousands Of Bel
gian workers called forth no protest.
When President Wilson was urging
Germany 20 respect the rights of
neutral nations the official party or
gan, in big black headlines, called
him tho Maniac in the White
Housa'o
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-11-05
Election His Chance
To Serve Germany

Now comes the climax in the Hill
quit intrigue. As often happens in
connection with schemes so bold as
Hillquits, world events occasionally oc-
cur so as TO give a single man unusual
opportunity 70 affect the fate of thou
sands OF others. Such is the lot of
Hllquit.
In complete control Of the recreant
socialist party, politically unscrupu-
lous, with a German peace drive immi-
nent this winter coincident with the
first election of any importance in this
country since the declaration of war,
Hillquit sees in the New York Mayor
atty contest rare chance 20 deal the
Allies mortal blow by making II ap-
pear abroad that the people of the
United States are not behind the gov
eminent in the war. New York's popu-
la,ion is mainly foreign. and many
voters are ignorant and superstitious.
Shrewdly capitalizinR his prostitution
of the Socialist party. Hillquit sets
about "fur Colt und Vaterland." lie
determines to make the war the issue
and force the peace campaign.
How he was nominated for Mayor on
an anti-government platform should in
tercst many Americans who think Of
his candidacy chiefly as protest" e.
fort. II happens that the Socialist
party on the payment Of small fee.
permits membership TO any person over
eighteen years Of age. man or woman,
who resides in this country.
What happened. then. when 200 dele
gates were chosen for the Hillauit
nominating convention in July7 Just
this: Alien enemies, aliens not citizens.
citizens not voters and minors all
helped nominate Hlllquit for Mayor.
Alionism is for Hillquit.
For whom is Hillquitl
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-11-05
Banking Facilities for Americans Serving Abroad
The Farmers Loan and Trust Company
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Convenient to the United States Army Camps
This Company offers its services for all banking
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The Company has been designated as Depository Of
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States Treasury Department
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-11-05
Pays Respects to yigilantcs

"Arrayed against us, finally. is the
entire valiant band, whose patriotism
consists in urging lswlessness and
lynch law upon their fellow citizens
Colonel Roosevelt, who in the public
press calls for the formation of vigil
lantes TO stop public criticism and dis
cussion, thinly yelled appeal TO mob
law and lynching; Elihu Root, who pub
lictly demands that opposition editors
be shot at sunrise; the Reverend Van
Dyke, who calmly advocates in a public
speech that the Socialist standard
bearer in this campaign be hanged.
"All these men and their associates
are openly melting TO violence and muir
der, and in thes days Of passion and
hysteria their propaganda may easily
lead to bloodshed. The ordinary, COM
mon variety anarchist would be speed
lily jailed for n1:lder Indictment, but the
anarchists Of wealth and social position
may carry on their nefarious propA-
gsnds with impunity."
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-02-19
CAPTAIN SMIL ED AS SCHOONER SANK
 ID BOTTOM OF SEA
Captain McDonough of the Schooner Law Tells How Germans Sent His Ship
 to Bottom of Sea

Rome, Saturday, February 1s.-(via Paris.)-Captain McDonough and the crew of the American schooner Lyman M. Law, recently sunk by the German submarine, arrived in Rome last evening with Roger Tredwell, the United States consul at Turin, and were interrogated at the American embassy. Captain Mo- Donough repeated his story of the sink Ing of the schooner, adding that the ves- sel had large supply of canned goods which doubtless attracted the officers of the submarine in their search for food
 Captain McDonough described the sub marine crew as being composed of about 40 men, all big, blonde, husky fellows.
 If my ship had been armed with a five-pounder," said the captain, 'I could have destroyed the submarine as easily as buttering a piece of bread. Neither myself nor my men lowered our dignity by showing any resentment. I didn't ask them to spare the ship and left her smiling while the Germans also smiled. |"
 Among the crew of the Lyman M Law is Engineer Lee Thompson of Belfast, Me, who worked on submarine construc- ton at Quincy, Mass. He took good look at their captor and said she was about 120 feet long and of a distinct Ger man type. The submarine bore no name, numbers or letters.
 Captain McDonough and his crew soon will be sent to the United States. Thomas Nelson Page, the American ambassador, has sent report on the sinking to the state department at Washington
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-02-19

miralty officer speaking. How soon can you ascend?'
 He gets his answer without any hesita- ton.
 Tn half an hour" I reply The admi- ralty officer laughs over the wires.
 You certainly seem to be mighty glad you can start out We have received good reports on the weather. L-120 must proceed to the west as far as Terschel- ling Banks; L-s1 to the north as far as Hammer bay!'
 I repeat the orders and hang up the receiver while my comrade takes a leap for the door and disappears.
 Man" I shout. What are you run ming for? Don't you know you are to go first any way? ........"
 The command is given:
 "Everything cleari''
 Now there is a race among the crew. Each one tries to be the first in the dressing room and don his leather suit. Orders follow one another rapidly. Men are running in all directions like a nest of ants, apparently without direction but as a matter of fact each one knows exactly what he is to do.
 The motors start with deafening roar, and the great ship and even the hangar begin to tremble while the engineer lis tens carefully to find out whether the motor is running smoothly.
 The sand ballast is brought and the water ballast tanks are being filled. Pro- visions and ammunition are rapidly taken aboard. Then come the reports:
 Motor ready!"
 Wireless cleari"
 Guns readyr'
 Guy rope crew standing by''
 ship ready for actioni'
 A shrill whistle which can easily be heard throughout the building in spite of the roar of the engines, sounds Water is splashing to the floor from all sides. The heavy oak foundations tremble, the air cruiser stretches itself: L-120 floats, and the crews are reaching for the guy ropes. Every one except me is at his station.
 Doors open!' I order.
 Slowly the doors glide apart. and a binding glare rushes in. My comrade over there is also ready. Even now his
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-02-19

ship slides out of the hangar. I again look my ship over carefully and find that everything is in good order.
 Well, then let's go,'' l say.
 Quickly, I climb up the ladder to my place. Carefully, the gray giant pokes it's nose up in the air, as if feeling it's ele- ment before trusting itself to it. Then we are clear of the hangar.
 All hands let go the ropes" l order. ''Attention! Forwardr'
 Roaring, the propellers begin their song revolving so fast we can see only circles passing through the air
 Prepare for long flight, I direct.
 Then I give the other necessary orders to the steersman and engineer and L-129 ascends. In the distance, but still near our port. the gray body Of l. .61 is racing on at full speed. Now he turns to the north and rises higher and higher For a moment, he is still visible, like a thin streak of silver and then he disappears. Copyright. 1917, by John N. Wheeler Inc) The next installment of this remarkable Zeppelin story will appear tomorrow.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-02-19
NEWS OF ENSL.EY

The Mard Gras ball which will be given at the Ensley Elks' home prom ises to be the most elaborate social event of the season.
 Chairman Hugh Hill. of the enter tainment committee. announced last night that all details for the ball had been completed and one of the most delightful dances in the history of the local lodge is anticipated
 The entire home has been decorated under direction of Harry w. Lewis of Atlantic City
 Two orchestras have been engaged for the occasion. One will play on the first floor, while the other will play in the ball room. The music will
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-02-19
CENTRAL WALLOPS
 AUBURN QUINTET
MOntgOmery's Shooting Re spOnSibIe For Win Over
 the Plainsmen

The Central High school basketball team defeated Auburn Saturday night in Auburn by the score of 25 to IS in fast and scrappy contest. The result of the game could not be obtained Saturday night following the game, owing to the fact that the telegraph office closed at s o'clock
 The locals played an excellent game. The score seesawed until the last few minutes of play, when Montgomery threw three field goals, giving the locals the game. The locals played their best game of the season. passing well and fighting hard throughout.
 Hall. Hahn and Montomery played the best game for Central while C. Jones and Floyd starred for Auburn
 The lineup: Central Montgomery and Barks, forwards; Hahn, center; F. Jones and F. Hall, guards Auburn-Floyd and Bridges, forwards; C. Jones, center; Sims and w. Hall, guards. Referee, Donahue.
 -----s------
 From the hens viewpoint water is worth just as much as feed for she can't make an egg with either one alone. Therefore, the man who provides high priced feed, but neglects the water sup ply, is making a great mistake and will have to be contented with a limited egg yield.