Montana labor news., 1932-06-02
H. W. WILLIAMS REPORTS ON TRIP
POLITICS SWINGING TO LEFT.

"our nation is moving in politics distinctly to the left, to the more
progressive point of view" declares Howard Y. Williams, national director
of the League for Independent Political Action, in a Survey of Western
Politics" issued today by the League at its national headquarters, 112
East 10Th street, New York City, and based o two months study in 16
states and 43 cities. DR.. John Dewey of Columbia university is the national
chairman of the League.
"The state of Washington is unquestionably the most fertile state for a
new third party movement. In Seattle the Unemployed Citizens League,
which includes over $4,000 heads of families, together with the local branch
of the League for Independent Political Action constitute a most important
basis for action. In Tacoma and Yakima the Liberty Party has made con-
siderable progress and would cooperate with other groups. In BeIingham
the Equality League having redlscovered Benamys writings Is exertmg a
powerful influence In Spokane the Socialist party has had a phenomenal
growth and could probably be counted upon to federaIze with other or
CARNATIONS in a state ticket Strong locals of the Unemployed Citizens
League have been formed in other cities of the state and would also CO.
operate. Able leadership available makes progressive political action certain
and a movement independent of the two old parties IS expected to be
launched for the fall election.
Montana, under the domination of the Anaconda Copper Mining Com
pany' continues to be the most controlled state west of the Mississippi
river, as Pennsylvania is east of that river North Dakota nonpartsan
leaguers are getting sick of their affiiation with the Republican party.
One of these days they will bolt wish had found more of this same
spirit among the Progresdves of Wisconsin. 4
"The campaign of Governor Roosevelt has not continued to grow in the
West for the reason that it is not definite and liberal enough. Farmers
and workers interviewed in Montana, North Dakota, Minnesota and Illinois
bers are coming to the conclusion that regulation of public utilities is fu-
tile and that W e must have public generation and distribution of power
which is the crx of the whole situation. Governor Roosevdts Atlanta
speech calling for a more equitable distribution of wealth is the last des-
perate gasp of a candidate whose straddlng has destroyed him. The
voters are not deceived.
"This movement to the left is apparent in the establishment concerning
among farmers and workers was found insisting that if both old parties
nominate conservatives there must be a unified third party in the field
in 1892
AIN Ohio, Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Utah, Wyoming, Nevada, Montana
and North Dakota there a a general feeling found that not much progress
would be made toward building a Labor party under the Socialist banner
In Washington, Colorado, California, Oregon, Nebraska, Minnesota and
Wisconsin the prejudice against the Socialist party is somewhat breaking
down and many we're found who favored using it as a vehicle for a new
party movement. The very favorable publicity given to the administration
of Mayor Hoan of Milwaukee seem to have especially impressed West
Coast radicals and to have boosted Socialist stock.
"Progressvism is especially marked among students, faculty and min
listers. President Hoover and the Republican forces have been losing de-
cdedy in the universities and colleges. The Intellectual leadership of the
present Democratic Congress has exasperated these intellectual groups.
In almost every college visited found students mistakenly believing that
revolution and dictatorship is the only way out of the present insecurity
and, therefore, turning to communism.
Never have | heard the heads of city and state declarations of Labor
attack the national leadership of the A. F. of L. with such frankness and
Sc openly. There is n o question that in city after city the rank and file
of the unions re thoroughly dsiluSoned and prepared for militant action
believe that this spirit will shortly manifest itself in pen revolt against
the present fakir leadership of the A. F. of L.
"one Of the most encouraging signs Of the present situation is the man.
lei IN which In numbers of cities the unemployed are organizing. l saw
this development in Chicago, Lincoln, Boulder and Seattle. In the latter
city there are % locals, each with its W commissary, The county com
missioners deliver the food purchased wholesale to the commissares. The
unemployed investigate their W cases., supervise the distribution of food
send workers out to cut timber, split and deliver il, have their W barber
shops, shoe repair shops, furniture repair, old clothes, etc. In the spring
city election they united politically and were the main factor in electng
the mayor, two councilmen and the commissioner of the port. 1t is such
action that gets results and bespeaks the possibility of a Labor party for
America.