The daily worker. [volume] (Chicago, Ill.) 1924-1958, 1924-05-22
MACHINE BEGINS ATTACK

The credentials committee definitely
settled all doubts. The, first attack
was launched against the delegates of
Local No. 1, four of whom were rec
commended to be unseated.
Local No. 1 is one of the largest
units in the organization with a mem
bership of 1000, and has for many
years been the corner stone of the In
ternational. 1t is largely composed of
young and more militant elements,
and has always been a thorn in the
side of the officialdom. The local had
once before been reorganized but, due
to the persistent efforts of the work
ers in the shops, the expelled mem
bers soon found themselves at the
head Of the organization again.
Membership Defied.
The report of the credentials COM
mittee was received in intense silence.
When the chairman had concluded
it seemed as tho even the stand-pat-
tiers were shocked at this open def
ance Of the expressed will of the mem
bership. For a few moments no one
stirred. When the discussion finally
started it was battle royal. The
technical charge of violating the or
der of the G.. E. B. sunk to the back
ground. The real issue was the adj
vocacy of revolutionary methods of
struggle displeasing 70 the powers
that be.
Right and Left Lineup.
The discussion clearly marked the
division in the union. On the side of
the administration were well-fed Of
ficials who had long forgotten the
woes of the worker at the machine.
The revengeful tone of their
speeches indicated a spirit of retalia-
ton for all the defeats they had suf-
fered at the hands of the membership.
On the side of the militants, were
workers who, tho not trained in the
arts of oratory, expressed the class
conscious spirit Of the worker and the
conviction of the true idealist.
Youths Impassioned Cry.
One OF the contested delegates cried
out in an impassioned voice: 81 am
a young man eager to give my youth
and enthusiasm to the service of the
organization. You may unseat me as
delegate but l shall still remain at
the machine, and it is there amid the
workers that shall continue my
work and receive appreciation"
Another speaker openly boldly stat
ed that he considers the action of the
G. Z. B. detrimental to the organiza-
ton. He commended that grouping of
members along lines of policy was
healthy and essential for the organiza-
ton, and challenged the officials to
prove that the League was dual
union.
Artihcially Prepared Majority.
The discussion was to no account,
The artificially prepared majority,
many Of whom were newcomers, we're
unmindful OF the long years of service
rendered blythe delegates in question.
They were little concerned about the
effect that suppression of opinion and
ideas would have upon the future life
OF the organization. To them, the
revision of the old methods Of strug.
gle which had proven so fatal and the
insistence OF the militants for rad
ical change. were Of no account. The
machine had worked for their cleo.
ton. They were sent here to vote
against the lefts and religiously
obeyed.
In spite OF the campaign of terror
ism started months before the conven-
ton, In spite of the expulsion and dis
reimbursement of many active mem
bers. reorganization of locals, removal
from the ballot and arbitrary and lille.
gal elections. the opposition lined up
81 votes which, together with the 20
contested delegates numbered 20, one
fourth OF the convention, representing
about 40 per cent Of the membership.
II required real men and women to
raise their voice against the admins
tration in a carefully staged atmo-
sphere OF prejudice and the lynching
spirit.