The Socialists Congress
Chicagoer Arbeiter Zeitung, October 24, 1881
The congress met yesterday morning at 10 o'clock for its third session, at which Mr. Jim O'Meara was presiding. The protocol of the two previous sessions, as road by Mr. Spies, was accepted by the assembly. Mr. Peterson submitted the following plank and requested that i should be substituted for plank two of the platform: "In order to put an end to the degradation of labor, and in the interest of humanity, to advise the creative unions and other labor organizations, in accord with our principles; and to lend such organizations if they are of a progressive character... our sympathy...and support." The plank was...unanimously accepted.
In the name of the organization committee, Mr. Herben submitted the following report:-
The name of this organization should be:"The Socialist Revolutionary Labor Party"...
2The party shall be composed only of organized groups which recognize the revolutionary principles of this congress..
Every group shall act independently, and shall be given the right to plan and act, in accord with conditions, where propaganda in their interest is to take place, assuming plan It also in accord with the platform and the decisions of the party...
It is recommended, that each group takes the name of the place of its location...
To form a group five persons are considered to be sufficient.
The appointment of an information commitee for Chicago, which ought to consist of a secretary from each of the foreign language groups...
Groups which wish to join this party would necessarily have to be indorsed by an already existing group in their vicinity.
3Ten such groups shall be justified in calling a national convention... the cost of which shall be covered by voluntary donations...
Applicarts for membership, have to give a written pledge, that they are in full accord with the principles of the party, and will condemn any compremise whatsoever...
Following this, the organization committee... discussed each article separately. Mr. Peterson proposed that the party choose the name of "International Labor Association". Mr. Schwab declared himself in favor, but Mr. Winnen delivered a lengthy speech against it...
Mr. Spies declared himself in favor of the name. The party has carried up to the present and emphasized, that the radical socialists brought only honor to it and that it would be of no advantage to make the proposed change...
4Mr. Swain proposed acceptance of the name: "International Labor Association and Social Revolutionaries."
Finally, after lengthy debate, the party was named "Revolutionary Socialist Party..."
Article 2 has been accepted without any changes, also, articles 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9 as well as the following decisions: In the name of the combatants for liberty to express our good wishes to Russia's Socialists... Resolved: That we herewith indorse the transaction of the congress of the National Labor Association, which was held in London, July 14-20, 1881, and in accordance with the Congress at London,...we, in the United States, considering this country's conditions have organized...
It has been further resolved, that this congress acknowledges organizations. the me bars of which carry arms, and are ready to defend their right in case of attack, and also recommend the formation of such organizations throughout the United States.
5It has been decided, that our members shall under no circumstances be permitted to vote for a person or party, who is not absolutely in accord with our platform, and shall reject any compromise of whatever nature...
It was finally decided that the "liberty" of Boston, the Vorbote of Chicago, and the Nye Fid also of Chicago, are to be considered in futuare as the organs of the party.
