The daily worker., 1931-08-04
A Former Socialist Denounces Hillquit's Treachery
BY BURCK

Chairman Hillquit's defense of his actions is
continuous repetition of the fact that these
cases are merely ordinary law cases such as
make up the business of every practicing law
yer His whole defense can be summed up in
the cry: I am a lawyer; these White Russians
are merely my clients; and their case has no
significance beyond that; it has no political sig
nificance After what has been said and what
every worker and friend of the workers knows,
this is sheer hypocrcy. But there is a much
more important and fundamental question in
volved here Hillquit's defense of his clients
legal actions" on the ground that they have
no political significance is not the worst aspect
of this matter The real question concerns
Chairman Hillquit's actions? What is the poll
tical significance of his actions? Are they like
wise of no political significance2 Are they or
dinary actions of practicing lawyer? Do they
involve no question of Socialist principle? Are
they of no injury to the workers movement?
I appeal to all my former comrades in the
Socialist Party to read that statement of Chair
man Hillquit Every line he utters there to prove
that these cases are merely legal matters con-
victs him of knitting Socialism; the more he in
sists on his viewpoint as lawyer, the worse his
position a supposed leader Of the workers
becomes. Lawyer Hillqut continually exposes
Chairman Hillquit
This aspect of the question is the tragedy of
the Socialist leaders. Lawyer Hillquit can act
SO as TO support and further the interests of
antt-working class groups and he sees no con-
fllct with Socialism. Conservative trade union
leaders can pursue reactionary union policies and
still be in good standing in the Party Religious
minded Socialists and Christian Socialists can
continue to hand out sleeping powder to the
workers on Sunday because they see as Christ
ianS and not as workers. And so 1t goes. Law
yer Hlquit exposes Chairman Hillqut; Rabbi
Waldman exposes Candidate Waldman (see
Louis Waldmans article on the Pope's Encycli-
CALI; Unionist Hillman exposes Socialist Hill
man.
This is the political significance of Chairman
Hillqut'S actions This is the real manner in
which he stands convicted of double dealing (and
convicted from his own Words. 1t is precisely
his declaration that this case has no political
significance that makes his actions important
1t is precisely his defending statements that ex-
?ose himself and must betray those whom he at
tempts to lead.
Only one question remains to be asked. What
you going to do about it? Oh, my comrades,
I appeal to you to arouse yourselves and take ac-
ion against this type of leadership I appeal
10 you to open your eyes and see where you are
oing.
Demand the immediate dropping of this case
by Morris Hillquit. The successful prosecu-
ton of this case and the attempt 10 aid these
White Russian concerns Is reasonable action
20 all workers.
Demand the resignation of Morris Hiilquit as
Chairman of the National Executive Commit
tee. Appeal to the National Committee to re-
move this man; appeal TO the rank and file
workers in your party locals; explain these ac-
tions to them and demand reputation Of
such leadership
Demand and organize before jury of work
ing class members an open trial of Morris
Hillquit. Force these actions out into the open.
He has supplied you with all the evidence
you need in his own statement. He stands
convicted out of his own mouth. Let the
workers Judge him.
Morris Hilquit has taken a case the success
full prosecution Of which is hurtful TO the workers
Of Russia the credit standing of the Soviet gov
ernment, and the prestige of Socialism. This is
the basis of demand number one.
Morris Hilluit in taking this case and in his
defense Of it as merely legal Of no po-
itical significance has demonstrated his in
ability TO see and hear with the eyes and ears Of
a friend and leader of the workers. This is
the basis of demand number two.
Morris Hilquit in his defense statement has
shown an attitude and conception Of Socialism
which results inevitably in double dealing and
betrayal of workers interests. Acceptance of
this job as legal counsel and his statement DEM