The daily worker. [volume] (Chicago, Ill.) 1924-1958, 1927-05-21
Engdahl, Daily Worker
Editor, At OZeIy

american Communist Party to the
workers of Ozery.
The chairman opened the meeting
by calling on one Of the members of
the Local Soviet to read off the names
Of the Praesidium decided on for the
gathering. The comrade, a woman
worker, with a red kerchief bound
round her head, mounted the platform.
She was evidently very popular among
her comrades as she was greeted with
considerable applause.
"You are one of the members Of the
Praesidium," one of the comrades as
sured me, in a tone that indicated it
was considered great honor to be
selected for this post.
Sure enough, my name, and the fact
that represented the Communist In
ternational and its American Section,
was read off in a clear voice so that
even |, with knowledge of only half
dozen Russian words, could clearly I'M
derstand. The announcement that
some one from from America would
speak was greeted with enthusiasm. /
mounted the platform with the other
Praesidium members.
For the Communist International, /
told of the situation developing in the
imperialist attack against China, and
Of the new offensive planned against
the Soviet Union. The Chinese situa-
ton is now uppermost in the minds of
the workers of the Soviet Union.
Urges Economic Development
I pointed out that the big task of
the workers locally, and thruout the
Soviet Union, was the rapid develop
merit of Soviet industry and agricul-
ture during the present period of
peace" the best means of strength
ening the position of the Soviet Power
at home, and thus encouraging and
inspiring the workers in capitalist
lands to follow their example by end
ing the reign of private profit.
For our American Communist
Party, pledged our utmost to strug-
gle against the American Imperialism
that takes leadership in the war
against the Chinese revolution, to ex-
ert every effort against a new war
on the Soviet Union. When pledged
the American Party to struggle along
the pathway Of Leninism, the erches-
ira broke into the international and
the audience rose singing.
The story of the Passaic strike and
of the Sacco-Vanzetti case aroused
deep interest.
While I spoke in the English Ian
guage, an excellent translation was
given by Comrade Gerish, an Ameri-
can deportee attached to the Comm
tern.
Many Eager Questions
While / was talking / noticed that
slips of paper were being passed up
to the chairman. 1t developed that
these were eager questions. After
one Of the local representatives Of the
workers had responded to my re-
marks, | answered as many Of these
orite question seemed to be, Elbow
many members are there in the Amer
lean Communist Party?" and How
many members are there in the Amer
lean Young Communist League?" An
other question sought information as
to Legislation favoring women in
America, while another asked con-
corning the number Of political pris-
oners in America. Another favorite
is, "What do the workers in America
think Of the Soviet Union?"
Ask About Youth
Outside the theater is a park con-
tanning a refreshment pavilion, band
stand and an open air movie theater
seating 1900. Before the meeting
] took walk thru the park
with Comrade Gerish, only to be asked
by group Of workers to answer some
questions concerning America" The
first one, on this occasion. was, "What
are the conditions of the American
workers?" l tried to give an exact
survey rs briefly az J could but il
must have taken at least ten minutes,
interspersed with additional questions
on the same subject. Then the ques-
ton, "How do American workers
spend their spare time?" also took
some time 10 answer. We also dis
cussed the Youth movement and tho
Young Pioneer Movement in America,
and were taking up the question Of
''What will the workers OF America
do il the Soviet Union is attacked?"
before an ever-increasing audience
when the call came that the meeting
vas about to start. Thus half an hour
had slipped by as few moments.
During the day the question had
arisen, whether to stay in Kolomno |
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