“SCAVENGERS.”

Industrial Unionist, Volume 1, Issue 9, 1 October 1913, Page 2

“SCAVENGERS.”

A few months ago W. E. Trautmann came out with some “ startling allegation” re irregularities, machine rule, “ misappropriation” of strike funds, and the growth of an undesirable element, in the American Branch of the I.W.W.

A section of the Socialist Press, not only in America, but also in Australasia —notably the “ International Socialist” (Sydney)—immediately pounced on this delightful piece of mud pie, well chewed it editorially, and spat it out, plus some of their own saliva, at the I.W.W. The Australasian Socialist Press is certainly not yet able to fairly judge on this matter. Trautmann’s “ charges” may, or may not, contain the proverbial grain of truth; but what of it if they do? The question does not affect'the principles of the I.W.W. Where is the Socialist Party without "its undesirables, irregularities, and party autocrats? When was the surplus of a strike fund sent back in dollars and cents or pounds and shillings to each individual donor instead of being put into general funds for future strikes?

The heavily sapient “ 1.5.,” carrying face evidence of intellectual neurasthenia and inability to fill its columns witli educational matter, has seized on the internal troubles of the I.W.W. in America and gloated over them with unconcealed zest. It has failed, however (up to time of writing this) to print the answers to Trautmann which appeared in exchanges arriving several weeks ago, to say nothing of the cases of corruption, financial irregularities, defaulting secretaries, etc., which crop up, frequently enough, in S.P. branches.

This Sydney S.P. organ has evidently made the mistake of most “ bum” intellectuals—that of underrating the intelligence of dungaree rebels; for, instead of dwindling I.W.W. membership, with a corresponding growth in the local S.P., it appears the opposite result has arrived !

In the incredible “ charges” referred to some mention was made of “ scavengers” in the Revolutionary Movement. Very likely such “scavengers” are bound to attach themselves. A scavenger can be defined as a collector of dirt.

A section of the Socialist Press has become mere dirt collectors.