The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1934-01-30


Sergeants at arms paced
the aisIes or drew near the ha-
raised delegate.
The scene nearing f1Stic POSSIBLE
tiles occurred when Sloan sought
amendment to the unions constitu-
ton. which says:
ANY member accepting member
ship in the Industrial Workers OF
the World, Working Glass Union,
or any other dual organization, or
membership in the National Cham
Der of Commerce, Ku-Klux Klan, or
the Communist party shall be ex-
PEELED from the United Mine Work
ers.''
He declared the constitution was
discriminatory against the ]. w w.
and Communist party. He held the
Communist party was political or
ganization similar to Socialist and
Democratic bodies.
Union Bars Communists
Mr.. Lewis interposed with a
gaveled hand and asked, Are you
a member of the Communist party?"
Il have BEEN" replied Sloan, as
chorus of throw him out" enSued.
Didn't you know it was wrong
to belong to the United Mine Work
ers while a member of the Com
munist party?" probed the presi-
dent.
~No-sirl"
When you were a secret member
of the Communists party, did you
make reports to Communists or
ganizer?"
Il did not?"
Did YOU belong to the Commun-
list party under your right name?'
queried Mr.. Lewis.
Admits Using Alias
Il did, was the answer of the
chunky delegate, as he faced Mr..
Lewis near the Tomlinson hall stage.
Take him out the back door" "
shouted delegates on the floor.
Didn't you use an alias, an
other name, in secret reports to the
Communist party?" pursued Mr..
Lewis. doggedly.
I did"
What was that name?" urged the
miners executive. as he leaned over
the roStrum with a sheaf of pa
pers in his hand looking at them
as he spoke.
oscar Stump" replied the dele
gate.
Are you attending Communist
meetings now?"
No, sir" retorted Sloan.
Lewis Threatens Action
This man." said Mr.. Lewis, turn
ing to the convention, wrote letters
TO the Communist party giving
secret reports. In a raid in Illinois
of federal agents and the Sheriff's
office. his letters we're found. We
know about his activities.
Young men. I'll say this to you.
II you've been a mine worker for
fifteen years and haven't read your
constitution well enough to know
that a member of the Communist
party does not belong as member
of the United Mine Workers, you
have no business and are hardly
qualified to advise this convention
on matters Of its constitution.
Mr.. Lewis. addressing the conven-
ton, said. 1T seems this man does
not believe in the United Mine
Workers. I want to say to his local
that unless he behaves himself. I'll
see to it that proper charges will
be filed against him"
Oppose Dual Organization
T. R. Pearce. delegate from Her
rim. Ill. was recognized by the chair
and argued that the United
States had recognized Russia, and
that the Communist party was a
party as well as the Democrats and
Republicans. He urged the right
Of free speech.
Mr.. Lewis broke in by pointing
out that the mine workers con-
Stitution did not bar the Commun-
list party because of its political
activities. but because it had formed
dual organizations in the name of
the National Miners Union" and
sought the overthrow o fthe inter-
national organization headed by
himself.
Van A. Bittner. secretary Of the