The daily worker. [volume] (Chicago, Ill.) 1924-1958, 1925-01-24
By SchachnO Epstein

pointed forehead full of narrow
wrinkles. When he smiles his jaw
bones are bulge out.
Lenin showed a special interest in
the conditions of the socialist party
in America in its left wing. What
elements is it composed Of? Did ]
know the leaders. He was of the opin-
ion that it is necessary to draw them
near, and not repel them, as it was
unfortunately done by the American
Communists. Naturally, we have to
criticise them and sharply so, but the
criticism must be a friendly one. The
same attitude must prevail toward the
progressive elements in the unions.
You and Comrade Ogursky have rec
commended Schlesinger," Lenin re-
marked. 81 don't know just how much
one can rely upon Schlesinger, he i'm
presses me as a very limited person
atty, is somewhat insane, rather 10.
sincere, but if he is really as radical
as he said he is, so bitterly opposed to
Samuel Gompers, we have to support
him in his struggle against the con.
servation in the trade unions"
told Lenin what l knew about
Schlesinger how he behaved after his
return from Russia and Lenin motion
ed with his hand: Him, we'll, such a
person doesn't deserve too much at
tention; what they want is publicity
to advertise themselves Their deeds
however, tell what they are. What Il
necessary in such cases is to discuss
their doings. ignoring their personal
ity That is the worst thing for them"
was surprised to learn that Lenin
detected at once the weak side of
Schlesinger.
We turned into discussion Of the
problems of the working class move
ment of America. and Lenin displayed
thoro knowledge OF American con-
ditions. In his estimate the play
| illegality in America was of no OF lit
tie importance. The chief aim of the
American Communists should be t.
create wide left measurement. Tt
cling strictly to the slogan of armed
Instruction, of proletarian dictator
ship in America is no more than a
! left wing child-disease. The moment
the left wing movement becomes a
movement of the masses, so that in
America there will spring up a party
Of the toiling masses ready to fight
capitalism, the slogans of proletarian
dictatorship will become the natural
-esult. To jump over from "a" to 90"
is impossible. America is not Russia
and not even England. American cap
ital came out Of the world war strong
er than it was before the war, there
fore it is first of all necessary to awak
seriousness OF the American toiling
masses. For this purpose a small
legal daily" is of far greater import
ance, than a big underground organ
national apparatus. The Americans
committed an unforgivable error in
not supporting Eugene v. Debs in tho
last 1920 presidential elections. To
bury oneself in shell and fancy that
one is making revolutions is not be-
coming to a Communist who must
stand on solid ground and not soar
in the ethereal spheres OF abstract
slogans and speculations.
81 argue about it." says Lenin fully
convinced. with the American com
rades, and II is remarkable that just
those comrdes, who went thru the rev.
olutionry school in Russia and are
now active in the American move
ment, cannot and win not understand
this. They think that America must
follow the road Of Russia The gen
uine American comrades do under
stand the Importance Of being a legal
party, and to them. therefore, belongs
the leadership of the movement. There
are among them people who have a
thoro understanding Of the trade un.
ions, and the trade unions are the
foundation Of the entire left wing
y.ovaunanf Co long "a fho Nor.rfn.