The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1920-05-10
Socialist Party Adopts "COn-
servatism" as Slogan.
Red Element at New York Con-
vention From West.
ARE AGAINST ALL VIOLENCE
Integrity of Family and Ballot
Box Insisted Upon.
Radicals Lose in Bitter Fight
Against Platform.

New York, May 10.-The con
servative" element demonstrated its
domination OF the national conven-
ton Of the Socialist party here today
when the tentative platform and dec
laration of principles were drawn up.
Both documents were considered
the most moderate put forward by
the Socialists in recent years. Radicals
made bitter fight against them
The statement OF principles said ::
THE Socialist party of America seeks
to attain its ends by orderly aid con-
stitutional methods, and socialization
of industries should be brought about
as rapidly as technical conditions per-
nit"
West Sent the Reds
The conservatives were led by Nor
ris Hillquit and Seymour Stedman.
backed by practically all the eastern
delegates. The radical faction drew
its strength from western Socialists.
principally from the Illinois delega-
ton.
The conservative spirit was shown in
the following principles adopted: THE
Socialist party does not seek to inter-
fere with the institution of the family
80 long as the ballot box and the
right of representation and civil liber-
appeal to the people.
violence is not the weapon of the
Socialists, but of the short sighted
representatives of the ruling ella asses
who stupidity believe the Socialist
movement and. ideals can be destroyed
by brutal physical repression"
To Hold Washington Session.
The convention, upon completion of
it's business here either Thursday or
Lzrf1 1o1r nil
Saturday, where a demonstration in
favor of general amnesty for all politi-
cal prisoners will be held, it was an
nounced today.
A special committee of the con-
vention has geen granted an interview
with Attorney General Palmer. Friday
and Saturday the same committee will
see Secretary Tumulty and thru him
present memorial to President Will
son asking amnesty for political pris-
oners
Members of this committee are:
Morris Hillquit. Seymour Stedman,
Otto Branstetter, George Roewer, and
Fred A Hogan.
The tentative platform drawn up by
the platform committee was to be
acted upon later. Planks contained
the following principles:
FOREIGN RELATIONS:
Cancellation of all American war debts
and loans and extension of credits of food
raw materials and machinery to all war
stricken countries; dissolution of the
League of Nations and creation Of an in
ternational parliament in its stead: uni
versa1 disarmament. establishment of COM
plete diplomatic relations with the Russian
soviet government; recognition of the in
dependence of Ireland.
POLITICAL:
Establishment of free speech. free press
and the right of assembly by repeal of the
espionage act and all other 'repressive
measures; discontinuance of all prose
cutfon under the espionage act; general
amnesty for all political and religious pris-
oners ;. discontinuance of deportation OF
aliens because of their political views OF
participation in labor struggles: abroga-
tion of the power of courts to interfere
in strikes by injunctions or otherwise
popular election Of federal Judges subject
(Coatinued on Page Severn