The daily worker. [volume] (Chicago, Ill.) 1924-1958, 1928-07-04
LUCY PARSONS LAUDS
THE RED CONVENTION

Probably no more graphic or color
full picture of the great Communist
Nominating Convention has been writ
ten than this masterful description
from the pen of Lucy F. Parsons,
widow of one of the Haymarket
martyrs. Lucy Parsons is a tradi-
ton in the left wing of the labor
movement. That the young Workers
(Communist) Party is the rightful
heir to the old revolutionary move
ment in the United States is proven
by the fact that all the Veterans of
the class struggle in past days, who
have not lost the faith, find in the
Workers (Communist) Party the ex-
preston of their fierce hatred of CAPT
talism and their undying belief in the
victory of the proletariat over its class
enemy.-Editoria Note.
The letter from Lucy Parsons fol-
lows:
"My reflections on the late conven-
ton of the Workers (Communist)
Party held in New York City May 25-
1921 were most profound.
81 have attended as delegate or spec
tator many conventions. I was dele
gate to the convention that organized
the I. w. w. in Chicago in 1904, but
this last one impressed me more
favorably than almost any other one.
'From the first meeting held in
Mecca Temple, Friday, May 25th, to
the last, the sessions were wonder
fully impressive and inspiring. Satur-
day having been devoted to speech
making and splendid banquet, l
need make only one comment made
by a delegate at the banquet. He said:
This is the first banquet l ever at
tended that I could swipe an extra
piece of chicken They all laughed,
and I especially, because I had been
engaged in the 'swiping' act my
self. It was a wonderful feed those
Communists set up! This enabled
the delegates-296 regular and $50
fraternal from 40 states-to become
acquainted with each other. Besides
the speeches presented a clarity of
vision and thought and earnestness
of purpose that was really fine
Saturday was passed in the routine
way of all conventions, COMMITTEES
and so on.
Sunday the nominations took place.
1t would take more facile pen than
mine to describe this memorable day
adequately. After the singing of
revolutionary songs and delivering of
fine speeches, the nominations were
in order. That veteran of many bat
ties, William z. Foster, was nominated
for standard-bearer of the Workers
| (Communist) Party. 1t was a pity
that his masterful speech could not
have been broadcast, so that millions
of workers could have heard it and
been enlightened as to the cause and
remedy for existing wrongs of the
capitalist system.
I'm cool, calm, self possessed
manner, smile and voice of cadence
which rose easily, but not excitedly or
harshly, Foster proceeded to arraign
capitalism and to show up false, So
called leaders. AS he proceeded, his
voice grew clearer and stronger until
its rhythmic cadence reached every
part of the large hall, thrilling the
vast audience with its ruthless logic
At his conclusion, the vast audience
arose and, with an applause that
fairly shook the big building, endorsed
Foster. Thus his nomination was de.
clared
After a semblance of order coulc
be obtained, Gitlow's strong, massive
figure arose, with his big head brin
full of knowledge, and he delivered
his mastery speech of acceptance as
Vice-Presidential candidate. Pan
demonium certainly did break loose
now. More singing, more cheering
and good determination to get t
work to spread the message of tn,
Workers (Communist) Party.
"On Monday, after the close of the
convention, the women delegates
numbering twenty-five and represent
ing as many states-held a conference
under the guidance of Comradt
Poyntz 1.-THE right woman in the right
place. to take into consideration tho
best way to get women interested ane
to advance the cause Of the Party
These women averaged in age from
early twenties to women of mature
age.
1T was most satisfactory and sur