A report on the meeting of the formidable German Socialist Federation of Ohio held after the split in the Socialist Party in the Fall of 1919. Ohio was a Communist Labor Party stronghold, however the State Federation voted overwhelmingly to join the Communist Party of America, led by Cleveland German-American Charles Emil Ruthenberg.

‘Convention of the German Speaking Socialists of Ohio’ from Socialist News (Cleveland). Vol. 5 No. 256. November 1, 1919.

The state organizer opened the contention with a few words of explanation, after which came the election of officers. Comrades Carl Altenberend of Cleveland and John Schmidt of Bellaire as chairman and Emil Oster, Akron and August J. Hoffman as secretaries. Upon examination of credentials it was found that there were 39 delegates with voice and vote and three fraternal delegates, of Erie, Pa., Fort Wayne Ind., and Comrade Bedacht as representative of the Communist Labor Party.

The subject of the future relations of the German Language group of the state of Ohio towards the splitting of the party was the most important business before the convention. Introduced by Comrade Gen. Goldbauer as speaker.

The following resolution was read and discussed:

“Considering the fact, not to be denied that the Socialist Party of America failed in fulfilling their great historical task. It has differed in critical times very much from revolutionary Communist principle. The third State conference of the State Agitation Committee lately stopped communications with the interpreter secretary of the old German Language Group. The State Conference declares this attitude correct and in agreement with the resolution of the last National Conference held in Rochester N.Y. The delegates that met, regretted it deeply that in such a critical time, and after the showing of such extraordinary development not forseen at the Rochester Conference, that the National Committee of the old German Language Group of the Socialist Party has not done anything to start a new mutual conference of all branches, either through an immediate call of a new conference or discussion with a vote following.

“THE CONDEMN IT ABSOLUTELY that under such circumstances a nonauthorized decision was put up and the means and the influence which the National Committee had at its disposition now should be used to induce branches of the old language Group to join the Communist Labor Party, which was founded so unexpectedly and so unnecessary. This means bad service to the revolutionary Communist movement of the country.

“Knowing that the International of Communism is to be represented in this country by the Communist Party. The state conference advises, all branches in Ohio to join the Communist Party as soon as possible, which is the only guarantee for the leading of revolutionary working-class movement with a clear program which was founded purposely to win the working-class for the Communist Revolution.

“The State Agitation-Committee should put its work into service in the entire state, and if there is occasion, farther than that. It should be a link between the branches and the National Office of the Communist Party. Stamps and organization material for party work to be secured from now on from the National Office of the Communist Party only. THE ECHO has to be edited in accordance with the laws of the Communist Party. No time should be lost in obtaining the unlimited support of the German Weekly of the Communist Party.”

Spieger gave an interesting history of the split and explained why the convention should decide to connect with the Communist Labor Party.

Both speakers caused an interesting discussion. The resolution was accepted by a vote of 41 to 2. Seven did not vote and most of the German branches will go over to the Communist Party. It is understood that this resolution is in a certain way nothing but preparatory work, but everything should be done to bring both Communist Groups together.

La Salle Club of Cincinnati decided with 46 against 2 to unite with the Communist Party.

PDF of full issue: https://archive.org/download/OhioSocialistNov1919/191101-socialistnews_text.pdf