ain.

Socialism is a matter of growth, of evolution, which can be advanced by
wise methods, but never by obtaining for it a fictitious vote. We should
seek only to register the actual vote of socialism, no more and no less.
In our propaganda we should state our principles clearly, speak the
truth fearlessly, seeking neither to flatter nor to offend, but only to
convince those who should be with us and win them to our cause through
an intelligent understanding of its mission.

There is also a disposition on the part of some to join hands with
reactionary trade-unionists in local emergencies and in certain
temporary situations to effect some specific purpose, which may or may
not be in harmony with our revolutionary program. No possible good can
come from any kind of a political alliance, express or implied, with
trade-unions or the leaders of trade unions who are opposed to socialism
and only turn to it for use in some extremity, the fruit of their own
reactionary policy.

Of course we want the support of trade-unionists, but only of those who
believe in socialism and are ready to vote and work with us for the
overthrow of capitalism.

The American Federation of Labor, as an organization, with its Civic
federation to determine its attitude and control its course, is deadly
hostile to the Socialist party and to any and every revolutionary
movement of the working class. To kowtow to this organization and to
join hands with its leaders to secure political favors can only result
in compromising our principles and bringing disaster to the party.

Not for all the vote of the American Federation of Labor and its
labor-dividing and corruption breeding craft-unions should we compromise
one jot of our revolutionary principles; and if we do we shall be
visited with the contempt we deserve by all real Socialists, who will
scorn to remain in a party professing to be a revolutionary party of the
working class while employing the crooked and disreputable methods of
ward-heeling politicians to attain their ends.

Of far greater importance than increasing the vote of the Socialist
party is the economic organization of the working class. To the extent,
and only to the extent, that the workers are organized and disciplined
in their respective industries can the Socialist movement advance and
the Socialist party hold what is registered by the ballot. The election
of legislative and administrative officers, here and there, where the
p