The daily worker. [volume] (Chicago, Ill.) 1924-1958, 1926-11-30
NEWS AND
COMMENT
Fifth Cooperative Congress Meets

u wv Av n ~&<SS
! Compulsory military training in the
universities and high schools was con-
| demned. Local cooperative societies
were urged to take part in the cele-
bration of International Co-operators'
| Day.
The Cooperative League has not
been on self-supporting basis. It's
activities have depended upon the
financial assistance of private per-
sons. Naturally this had such an ef-
feet on the rank and file, that they
did not consider the league as their
own movement, but rather as an or
ganization controlled by those private
! persons who financed its functions.
The question was considered seri-
ously. Finally budget was adopted
which for the first time puts the
league on its own feet, but, however,
on the condition that the local So
cieties will give serious consideration
not only to the question of paying
their dues, but also to give financial
assistance.
The solving of the financial ques-
ton thru this budget makes the
league more of a Economically con-
trolled organization than the zone
man affair" it has so far been in some
respect.
For the first time in the history Of
the league, the congress elected seven
delegates to the International Coop
erative Congress, which will be held
in Stockholm next year.
International relations are becom-
ing more important, because the In
ternational Cooperative Alliance has
declared the Cooperative League as
the only official cooperative organiza-
ton in America to be recognized by
the Alliance.
Election Of the Board.
The policy for the election of the
board of directors formerly was to
pick men for their prominence in pub
lie life, and not from the rank and
file who were active in the co-opera-
tive movement. This was merely to
get an air of resp ectability." They
were igureheads that never met or
functioned in any manner.
The progressive and active COOP
orators fought this policy in the
fourth congress. All expiring terms
were filled by active co-operators.
The board of directors was again
partly renewed. The basis in elect
ing new members was that active CO.
operative workers should form the
board.
The discussion on the floor and
resolutions passed showed the Ameri-
can cooperative movement to have
entered a new phase of its develop
ment. A definite progressive working
class character was clearly seen in
every move in the congress. The rank
and file certainly will feel that now
the league is developing in the right
direction.
However, the resolutions and dis
cussions of the congress are of no
value if they only remain on paper.
1t is the duty of local societies to
learn from the congress- proceedings
and put these lessons in practice.
The congress paved the way to a
future great cooperative organiza-
ton. The foundation was laid sound
ly. 1t is the time for other working
class organizations to recognize the
fact that here we have in existence a
strong beginning of a cooperative
mass organization. The building of
this organization needs the help of
all workers and poor farmers.
Especially the progressive and radi-
cal element in the American labor
movement should learn lesson from
the Fifth Cooperative Congress. This
lesson brings to them forcefully the
demand to come and help the build
ing and Strengthening of this move
ment 1t is only thru everyday prac-
teal work in the local societies and
thru them in the district and nation.
al organizations that the progressive
element will get its message to the
masSeG