Party Notes
We understand that some members of the S.D.F. are elated because the Star of September 12th referred to this Party as “a small secession from the S.D.F. and about as worthy of this blaze of public attention as the tailors of Tooley St.” Well, let them elate. It used to be a dictum in the S.D.F. that when any section of the capitalist Press attacked it or its members, it was evidence that those attacked were doing good work, and vice versa. But things have altered considerably, hence the “small secession.”
The occasion of the Star’s wrath was a letter in the Daily Telegraph from Mr. L. P. Sidney, secretary of the Middle Classes Defence Organisation, in which he pointed out that the S.P.G.B. was “even more explicit” than either the S.D.F. or the Communist Manifesto in declaring “war to the knife against the classes !”
Of course, Mr. Sidney’s letter misrepresented the position. We do not preach war “against the classes.” We recognise but two classes, the master class and the working class. Between these two there is war, war which can only be ended by the abolition of classes.
Mr. Sidney quotes the Manifesto of the S.P.G.B. and draws special attention to its references to the Fabian Society. But it also states our reasons for opposing the S.D.F., I.L.P., S.L.P., Labour Party, etc. Send 1½d. for a copy to Head Office, 22, Great James Street, W.C.
In the Clarion of August 30th, Mr. Gavan Duffy reports the presentation to him of a “Socialist Unity” pen, and claims that S.P.G.B’-ers contributed to it. Enquiries amongst our local branches enable us to state definitely that his statement is untrue.
Nos. 1 to 36 of THE SOCIALIST STANDARD (September, 1904 to August, 1907) are now bound together as one volume and the E.C. has decided to offer a limited number of these at 5/6 each, post free. The volume is a unique record of the work of the Party, and should be secured by all students of working-class politics. Orders, accompanied by postal order, should be sent to Head Office.
An interesting article, describing Mr. Fred Bramley’s encounter with the Socialists in Finsbury Park will appear in our next issue.
There is a good prospect of forming a branch in Walthamstow, where the Tottenham branch are holding good meetings every Saturday evening, outside Hoe Street Station. Those wishing to join should communicate with the secretary of the Tottenham branch. See last page.
A branch has been started in Manchester. Why does Burnley wait ?
The new pamphlet “Art, Labour and Socialism,” by William Morris, is now ready. Usual terms to branches.
K.