The daily worker. [volume] (Chicago, Ill.) 1924-1958, 1925-10-21

AIRY work within the trade unions, Tom
of the National Minority Movement,
of which he is the active head. His
advice to revolutionary unionists that
influence in the unions can be won
only by accepting the burden OF years
Of laborous devotion to trade union
work of a comparatively humdrum
character, is something that is needed
for American militants. The r. U.
e. L. offers his article on the Scar
borough congress as an interesting ac-
count of that event, but first Of all as
a lesson to BUR own left wingers.
By TOM MANN
In order to judge correctly of the
nature Of the change in outlook and
disposition Of the trade unionists of
Britain as shown by the decisions of
the congress at Scarborough, it is
necessary to have regard to the con
gress decisions for several years
I previously.
1t is sometimes the case that a
match vote can be obtained that does
lot reflect the real view of the
delegates or OF those they repre-
sent. On many previous occa-
sions delegates have been active
1t the congress who had a real revolu-
tionary outlook and, the congress has
on number of occasions voted by
substantial majorities in favor of the
overthrow of capitalism.
The last three congresses have wit
messed definite attempts at co-ordinat-
ing the left wing policy. and the con
centrating upon the most vital ques
tions and securing the greatest re.
suits.
How to Win Influence.
In the nature of things, allowing fol
the growth and development of the
unions, the officials have had an over
powering influence as compared with
the rank and file. and they have edged
aside and ruled out of order efforts
of the rank and file to throw the
movement to the left.
This power the officials will have,
mainly because of the lack of steady
and tactful persistency on the part of
the men with the right outlook, par.
ticularly in their refusal to accept
positions on committees, branch secre-
taryships and other official positions
\ in the union, the acceptance means
giving considerable amount of time
and energy to work of Comparatively
humdrum character. 9m
PurcelI's Beginning.
Last year, at Hull, real substan-
tial advance was made. When Purcell
as president of the congress, struck
out boldly for the waging of the class
was and for real Reconsideration, he
knew he had number of colleagues
prepared to stand for and fight fol
that policy, and Purcell's courageous
attitude, beyond doubt gave a real
stimulus to many of the delegates
especially the unofficial element.
Of course, the punishment melted
by the master class in cutting wages
made it extremely urgent that bold
attitude should be taken up, or self
respecting men would cease to have
any confidence in the movement.
The evidences of left wing develop
ments which the capitalist press saw
and denounced and villified in every
possible way, had it's counterpart in
the increased popularity of those
buffers on behalf of capitalism, men
like Thomas and Clynes.
Must Serve and Work.
Here is where the Minority Move.
ment rendered excellent service. They
extended their propaganda activities
to the utmost extent. They laid il
down as vital that their members
must not be content with criticizing
the reactionaries, but must demon
strate their readiness to fill any posi-
tion of usefulness in the unions, serve
as delegates on the trades councils
visit other union branches, serve on
special organizing committees, and in
every way possible add TO union mem
bership and militancy.
The persistency of this work result.
ed in distinct manifestation on the
part of the members in favor of a
revolutionary attitude, aiming i'm.
mediately atsome betterment of their
position and ultimately at the over.
throw of the capitalist system
The Swing to the Left.
This was reflected on many trades
councils and on many union execu
tives, and also on the general council
of the Trade Union Congress.
This years president of the con
gress, A. B. Swales of the Amalgamat
ed Engineering Union. did splendidly
His presidential address gave tone
and direction to the congress from the
first jump. The press had carried on
a yirulent campaign; they had viii
fed Russia and every one that dared
declare in favor of Russia; they lied
foully against the Minority Movement
and Communism was denounced, con