The International Phase

Industrial Unionist, Volume 1, Issue 1, 1 February 1913, Page 2

The International Phase

“The necessity for an integral organisation, international in its scope, will become more and more apparent as time goes on. It is to be hoped that the membership of the I. W. W. will provide ways & means whereby this organisation can fulfil their part in the formation of a revolutionary international in the near future.’ 5 —Report of the G. E. B. to the seventh I.W. W. convention.

If any difference of opinion existed when the I. W. W. was launched some seven years ago as to whether the organisation ■woo 1 1 devo!on in er nation ally,, or remain more o- lose msU mter - e the TJmted State !• ' ‘ seen to De more O 'an Lkeiy that the workers oi • Urmkh Unionies, at any rate, will line up with the I. W. W. sooner or later. The idea of industrial unionism is steadily gaining 'ground this side of the globe; industrial unionist literature is being pushed, and —good sign—the daily press here is pouring out its vituperation on the I. W. W.;‘ and although it would be an exaggeration to say there is an extensive I. W. W. movement in Australasia, it is a fact that I. WAV'. recruiting locals are making their appearance in the large centres of. Australia, New Zealand, and South. Africa; and all who count as factors in the revolutionary movement in every land are keeping a close watch on the growth andactiviti.es of the I. W. W. in America.

I. W. W. branches, especially outside of America, will do well to consider the suggestion embodied in the above quotation. The next convention may have delegates present from Australia or New Zealand, or both, and national branches should he prepared to instruct them.

Heartiest fraternal greetings from the industrial revolutionists of New Zealand, to those fellowworkers in America and elsewhere who have suffered, or are still suffering in the interests of their class, —to those courageous and militant spirits who have not hesitated to face long imprisonment, and even death* rather than how the head to unqualified industrial slavery.

Those propagandists who put in their time abusing the King, the Police etc., would do well to put a little more constructive matter into their work. The King is a product of his environment, he is an effect. Every moment wasted on abuse is so much less time spent advocating industrial unionism, and Tends to extend the lease of life of those institutions we are out to destroy.

It is rather remarkable that some so-called revolutionary ‘leaders’ who, not long ago, withdrew from the Trades’ Councils, conjdenmed them as reactionary, and helped to build another organisation outside, should now advocate boring from within.