The daily worker. [volume] (Chicago, Ill.) 1924-1958, 1934-01-02
Comrade Editor:

Comrade Editor:
Due to Theodore Dreiser'S support
Of the NR.A., our Youth Branch of
the International Workers Order
changed its name. Haywood Patter-
son, one OF the Scottsboro boys, was
put forward by member as fit
ting name for the branch. This men,
Der stated that Haywood Patterson
would be symbolic of the struggle to
free the Scottsboro boys.
A leading comrade objected to
Haywood Patterson as a name for
the branch. In stating his reason, he
remarked:
Lets not kid ourselves we do not
want to elevate the Negro race. They
want to be treated like other COM
rades. We are not exhibitionists.
Let's not be white chauWnists. What
has Haywood Patterson done for the
working class movement? He is not
g. conscious revolutionary and prob
ably doesn't know VIII it's all about.
Because he is ar 5ted on a false
charge that is not sufficient. How
are we going to know his actions
after he is freed? We might have
to change our name again. There
are others who are well-known rev.
dictionaries. They are more suit
able"
The Suggestor of Haywood Patter-
son objected and stated that the
comrade was not clear on the Negro
question. He said:
A Correst Answer
I'VE need not call ourselves the
Haywood Patterson Youth Branch. I
suggested this name, but other sug
gestions are welcome. But to speak
Of the proposal of Haywood Patterson
as elevating the Negro is to fall into
the camp of White Chauvinism." He
argued that we must make it special
duty to fight for the Negroes poll
teal and social rights in the North
and self determination as a majority
in the South. To prove to the Negro
workers that white workers will be
foremost in all struggles against dis
elimination, lynching and for the
freedom Of the Scottsboro boys. One
cannot separate Haywood Patterson
from the ScottSboro case nor from
any leader who gave his life for the
class struggle.
The discussion became quite heated,
others taking the floor. One COM
rade supported the objection to the
name by saying:
This Statement Shows Confusion
1.-THE Scottsboro boys are hoboeS
who happened to be arrested. Why
are we SO concerned with the Negro
question? 1t is not the main purpose
of our organization"
The organizer moved We adopt
Haywood Patterson. He pointed out
that the case was not an accident.
These boys are workers. They are
victims of vicious system. Their
names are symbolic for the entire
Negro race for struggle and freedom
from white boss suppression
At this point the issue was brought
to head. A comrade stated:
81 agree with the statement Of the
two comrades, in favor of the name
Haywood Patterson, as regards the
Negro question. However, as a name
for the Youth Club, it is an empty
gesture, If it does not involve struggle
for Negro rights, the organization of
Negro members into our branch.
What have we done for the Scots
boro case? Are we attracting Negro
members. No, we are not. On the
basis of activities we do not deserve
this name. 1t would be a farce to
call ourselves the Haywood Patterson
Youth Branch without activity to
back up this name.''
The member who first suggested
Haywood Patterson, on the basis of
the discussion agreed with the last
speaker that It would be an empty
gesture to select this name. AS a
result, we voted to call ourselves the
LOUIS Engdahl Youth Club.
The question remains who was cor
rect. Those who favored Patterson
or those who objected on the grounds
that he is not a conscious revolu-
zionist. We are not going to drop
discussion. We must be clear on
the Negro question. 1t must lead to
activity. In two weeks we are hold
ing debate, and the subject is, Re-
solved, that Haywood Patterson is a
fitting name for a working class or
ganGzation.
Con1radely yours,
MOE MELTZER.