Staunch left-winger and future first chair of the Communist Labor Party Alfred Wagenknecht came to prominence in the Seattle local of the Socialist Party and was elected National Organizer during Eugene V. Debs 1908 presidential run. He begins this treasure of a report with a dig at his right-wing rival Carl D. Thompson and then proceeds to offer wonderful details of the people and places he visited during a month-long organizing tour of Missouri. Visiting cities, towns, and hamlets, Wagenknecht enrolls members, collects dues, fixes books, hosts street meetings and walks miles to meet a single potential recruit. A feast for historians of our movement.

‘Organizing Tour of Missouri’ by Alfred Wagenknecht from The Socialist (Seattle). Vol. 9 No. 399. November 7, 1908.

Allow me, through the columns of “The Socialist,” to thank all those of the National Committee who voted for my employment as National Organizer; those who voted for me knowing that organization work was necessary and placed confidence in my ability to do that kind of work. The few that voted for me to give me a chance to show how deficient I was in all respects, these few I think disloyal to their convictions and the movement. I, for one, will never help vote any man into office whom I think unfit. Were we all to vote unfit men into office just to show the Party their unfitness, we would have no party.

To Comrade Thompson I would like to say this: I shall always continue to fight for what I want, and to fight in the open, allying myself with the faction which best represents what I want in the way of Socialism and tactics. If I understand Carl D. Thompson correctly, he wants it understood that he never disagrees with anyone, never did take part in a factional controversy. We know different. He took part in the Minnesota and Nebraska controversies and at the National Convention was just as ready to organize and contest for what he wanted as I and many others. The difference between Comrade Thompson and us in Washington is, Thompson fights, tries to hide it, chastises others for doing it. We in Washington fight, say we do, and know we can’t win unless we recognize the strength of our opposition and organize against it. Thompson fights and says he don’t. We fight and acknowledge we do. The man that won’t back up his convictions and try to make them the prevailing convictions is not much of a man.

Thompson may have fooled himself into believing that he has only fought those who fought. Therefore he allied himself with those who fought those who fought in an effort to kill fights. It does take two to fight. It is generally understood that when more than two enter a fight it becomes more of a fight. Thompson is more of a fight aggravator than angel of peace, fighting to kill fights. His voting for me as National Organizer to give me a chance I can hardly thank him for. Makes me suspect he is attempting to lead me to slaughter.

I submit the following report of my work in Missouri to allow the National Committee to judge my usefulness to the party. If I am no good in organization work, I’m very willing to be told my place in the party, to have Comrades point out my limitations.

WORK IN MISSOURI.

Sedalia, Mo.

Sept. 11, 1908. Arrived at 10:30. Visited nine members delinquent for from one to four years. Got four to rejoin party. Had street meeting in the evening. Sedalia’s membership can be increased to one hundred in a month if a good organizer is placed there. Industrial conditions excellent for a live, working local. Missouri Pacific shops located here. Receipts, literature, 85c. Expenses, hotel 20c, fare 32c, postage 25c. Private entertainment by T.E. Behrens.

Warrensburg.

Sept. 12, 1908. Arrived at 8:16 a.m. Secretary Sutton of local had only a few hours notice of my coming. Met me with officers of local in local headquarters and arranged for an afternoon meeting on the street and an evening meeting in the court house. Got notice of meetings in daily papers and got 500 bills printed. Afternoon street meeting well attended, mostly by farmers. Court house meeting in the evening not well attended, so we moved to the street where attendance was good. Met with members and officers after street meeting, and talked on duties of officers entering city politics, parliamentary procedure and advised as to account books. Receipts, from local, $2.35; expenses; fare 59c, hotel 50c. No work here second date so will visit Holden, where I heard of Socialists.

Holden.

Sept. 13, 1908. Arrived at 8:47. Comrade Henry Kohule of Centerview, a member in Warrensburg, accompanied me and helped me look up Holden Socialists. Secured eight applications for membership out of fourteen Socialists and sympathizers visited. Did not organize into local because of lack of material for good officers. In several months, when farm work is over. O.O. Hudson, who will make good secretary, will be able to act in that capacity and an organization can then be effected. Met with Socialists in Birdsall’s photo studio and talked about organization. Decided to name one of the eight as dues collector. Applicants: F. McWhirt, O.O. Hudson, A.A. Paschal, Chas. A. Birdsall, Ezra Brooks, H.W. Higgins, Clyde Buster, J.L. Buster. Receipts, dues $2.75; expenses, hotel $1, fare 29c.

Pleasant Hill.

Sept. 14, 1908. Arrived about 10 a. m. Saw local secretary and found no arrangements had been made for work of any kind for me. Local is active here, however. It is at present trying to prosecute two Lone Tree primary judges for failing to count two Socialist votes cast at Lone Tree. Made an offer of a thousand dollars to Democratic county campaign meeting and barbecue to allow a Socialist to appear on platform with Bryan. All this makes local felt in community and helps its growth and gives it prestige. Expenses, hotel 25c, fare 32c. Left at 11:10 for Harrisonville.

Harrisonville.

Sept. 14, 1908. Met Comrade Jake Davis and together we visited Socialists and talked organization. Arranged for street meeting for tomorrow night. Sept, 15-16, 1908. Distributed and talked up bills advertising night street meeting. Talked on street and adjourned to room in Hubbard Bldg., where we organized a local of nine members. Gave instructions to officers and advised as to conducting business meetings and how to make local felt in community politically. Several farmer Socialists living out of town will increase local membership. Learned after meeting that W.F. Rowe has been secretary of a local of Railroad Firemen and advised he be selected permanent secretary when charter is procured, to which J.M. Hunt, present temporary secretary, and several local members agreed. Started cash, membership and minute books for local and advised as to keeping accounts. Receipts, collection $4.50, dues 90c; expenses, fare 20c, hotel $2.

Lone Tree.

Sept. 16, 1908. Received applications for membership from J.L. Jester and W.D. Jones, both Lone Tree, Mo. Both applicants desire to join Harrisonville local and will drive the six miles to attend meetings. A Socialist meeting should be held in the Lone Tree precinct. Many head-of- the-ticket Socialists in this neighborhood. Thank J.L Jester for my entertainment.

Sept. 17, 1908. Walked five miles west to see Socialists I heard about. Spent the day in that neighborhood; got four applications: Lee Gaines, Route 2, Freeman, paid $3.00; farmer. Frank F. Taylor, route 2. Freeman, paid $3.00; farmer. Simon D. Taylor, route Freeman, paid $1.00; farmer. Richard L. Gaines, route 2, Freeman, paid $3.00; cook. Lee Gaines worked for M.K. & T.R.R. for many years, is best posted and will arrange for meeting in his neighborhood, either at his house or at Everett, Mo. Solicited D.H. Steen, Route 1, Archie, Mo. He is a head-of-ticket Socialist. Try him for donation to Debs “Red Special” or campaign fund for Debs. Thank him for my entertainment. Other sympathizers in same neighborhood: Chas. Owens (blind), Route Archie, Mo.; Frank Sulser, R.F.D., Harrisonville: James Moore, Lone Tree, Mo.; Jake White, Archie, Mo. Walked back to Lone Tree, morning of Sept. 18th, and leave about one p.m. for Harrisonville, from where I leave this p. m. for Belton, Mo. Expenses, round trip to Lone Tree, 26c; postage, 25c; bed, 25c; eating, 25c; total, $1,01. Receipts, dues, $10.00.

Belton.

Sept. 18, 1908 Arrived about 4 p.m. Meetings advertised. Spoke on street that night to good audience of about 50; spoke to farmers Saturday afternoon, Sept. 19, and again on street that night. Local in hands of officers not qualified for office. M.V. Ferguson, well meaning, is old and deaf, forgets to bring minute book to meeting and chances are there are no minutes, J.N. Hixon, small merchant, old and sick, is treasurer. Both seem to think local is a sort of club which allows Democrats and Republicans to join in order that they may learn Socialism. Am informed by A.C. Young, who understands the movement, former member of Frisco local, that local Belton has a few head of- the-ticket Socialists as members. Arranged that if I had date to spare I would return and straighten out books. Could not get hold of books while there. Receipts, wages, $2; fare, 35c; literature, $1.90. Expenses, fare, 34c, Thank George Wells and A.C. Young for entertainment. Was thrown from soap box by a Democratic politician, who ran into same with his buggy purposely.

Kansas City.

Sept. 20, 1908. Arrived about noon. Met F. G. Futvoye, county secretary, who has me in charge; about 2 p.m. arranged for two organization meetings in Kansas City suburbs named Sheffield and Centropolis; visited both places, as well as Independence. Secured hall for Monday night meeting in Centropolis. Helped Futvoye send out 175 notices of meetings to Centropolis comrades and sympathizers. Local has by-law favoring branch form of organization. Branch autonomy limited to propaganda, however. Comrade Putvoye should be given credit for being able to obtain results, and for his initiative and executive ability.

Sept. 21, 1908. Addressed 200 envelopes to be used in announcing meeting in Sheffield tomorrow night. Held meeting in Centropolis and organized branch of 12 members, of whom 4 were new applicants. In the afternoon went to Independence. Local there in a very unorganized condition; members are admitted without signing pledge. No members, not even charter members, have been issued a dues card. No minute book, cash book, or membership ledger. Some minutes and part of cash account are jotted down in one book. List of members and probably dues paid in same book. Some members are charged 10 cents dues, some 25 cents, others don’t pay any dues. Local members I met only had propaganda inclinations. Shall visit local Sept. 23 and start set of books, and do whatever else is necessary to organize local.

Sept. 22, 1908. Very few attended Sheffield meeting, and of those present only seven wanted to organize a branch, and as local by-laws rule that ten shall be the number to start a branch organization, we did not organize. Got three new applications and collected. $1.75 in dues for local Kansas City. Collection last night in Centropolis was $2.33, which went into treasury of new branch. Another organization meeting will be held Sept. 30, when comrades of Sheffield believe they will get enough comrades in that ward interested in a branch organization. Receipts, literature, $2.25; from Futvoye, county secretary, $5.42. Expenses, meals $1.55; railroad fare, 57c; street care fare, 30c.

Independence.

Sept. 23, 1908. Started membership ledger, crediting members for money they had paid for dues which had been entirely spent in propaganda. Made out dues cards and inserted stamps secretary had on hand. Procured signatures to application blanks from members who had been admitted without having signed same, and secretary promised to get others to sign. Made out new cash book and balanced same to date. Entered minutes in new minute book and advised secretary and treasurer as to keeping correct account, and reporting to state office. Local owes state office $2.90 for stamps paid for by members who paid dues, same being used for propaganda purposes. Secretary promised to remit this amount, together with report for August to state secretary tomorrow. Local has 20 members in good standing. Talked to ten of them in evening on organization, conducting of business meetings, dues paying system of S.P. Receipts, literature, $1.10; from local, $2.75. Expenses, meals, 85c; fare, 40c; cash and minute book, 50c.

St. Joseph.

Sept. 24, 1908. Arrived about noon and looked up secretaries of local and branch. Found neither till evening. Learned then that local had a meeting called for this evening in its saloon headquarters. Hunted up branch secretary and we both attended. Matter of local meeting in a saloon came up for discussion, the result of which was that saloonkeeper, who is also a member of the party, denied his place for future meetings. Induced local to pass motion calling for a mass meeting of entire membership to talk over better organization, branch secretary to notify branch members and local secretary the local members. Some members, including Comrade Fritz Moser, the saloonkeeper, believe in voting for Democrats when no Socialist ticket is in the field. This has caused much argument in St. Joseph Socialist Party. Two members who will vote for men on the Democratic ticket have resigned from the branch because secretary threatened to prefer charges. Branch has about 20 in good standing; local about 10. Object is to get one organization, with meeting place centrally located, and controlled by those who are against using the Socialist Party to boost Democrats into power.

Sept. 25, 1908. Visited some of the branch members. Books of branch, in hands of Comrade Jefferies, in good condition, and as soon as they get money they will invest in a set from National office. Helped write postals notifying members of mass meeting. Addressed street meeting, with help of some local comrades. Audience not large on account of other amusements, military tournament of 5000 soldiers occurring here at present.

Sept. 26, 1908. Went to Cosby. Met Wm. Grate, who arranged meeting for candidate for governor. He is the only Socialist there. Got him to join party. Some of the section hands in sympathy with party. Receipts, dues 25c, literature 85c; expenses, fare 60c. Returned to St. Joseph the same day. Could not hold street meeting because of rain. Had a little meeting of members and talked over prospects in St. Joseph and arranged program for tomorrow’s mass meeting. Discussed available timber for officers.

Sept. 27, 1908. Addressed propaganda meeting at 3 p. m, after which a mass meeting of local was called to order. Stated the purpose of mass meeting and talked on organization. Resolutions were passed consolidating Local St. Joseph and Branch No. 1, agreeing to abide by national and state laws, disciplining any member who violates membership pledge, and that officers of the new organization be elected to hold office until January 1. Committee elected to collect and audit books of local and branch and report next Sunday. New officers; T.C. Jefferies, secretary treasurer; L.H. Miles, organizer: Comrade Geiger, literature agent. Advised on conducting Sunday afternoon propaganda meeting, parliamentary procedure, and duties of officers. A half dozen enthusiastic and aggressive young comrades are at the helm and St. Joseph will be heard from. A “Debs Club,” consisting of Comrades, former members who intend supporting county Democratic ticket, has been formed. “Club” has about five members. Receipts, from local, $10.29; literature, 50c. Expenses, hotel, $4.55; fare, $1.24; street car, 50c; postage, 25. Procured one new member.

Graham.

Sept. 28, 1908. Met E.D. Wilcox here, who has me in charge to help campaign in his congressional district. Socialist who was to secure a hall or meeting place had to go out of town for work. Distributed literature, but weather too cold for a street meeting. Bank cashier, a Democrat, volunteered to procure a hall for us and get a crowd if we would tell what Socialism is. We agreed, the hall was secured, and 30 attended. Wilcox opened the meeting. I made closing remarks. Many questions were asked. Wilcox sold some of his own literature. This is the first Socialist meeting ever held in Graham. Were invited to come again. Was to have had a meeting In Maitland tonight, but sympathizers failed to get meeting place and hall owner wanted to charge us $8 for rent of only hall in town. Address E. Scheffaky, who will join party as soon as he gets money, and Henry Barrett, sympathizer, for future work in Graham.

Burlington Junction.

Sept. 29, 1908. Re-billed town for tonight’s meeting. Met Socialists and sympathizers and talked organization. Procured one new member for the local, E.D. Wilcox makes Socialist headquarters out of his barber shop. Meeting held tonight was the largest ever held, out- side of the “Red Special”, audience 75. Population of town, 1,000. Wilcox, congressional candidate, and I divided the time. Many questions asked.

Sept. 30, 1908. Sent ahead notices of my coming to Stanberry by addressing all “Appeal” readers by postal. Went to Dawsonville to look up Socialists who were not party members. None at home. Dawsonville, two miles from Burlington Junction. Address L. Brown for information. Talked joining party to sympathizers in Burlington Junction. Many can’t afford the ten cents per month the local asks for dues. Intended to have another hall meeting tonight but local members decided not to compete with Democratic congressional nominee, who is billed here for tonight. E.D. Wilcox is the mainstay of local Burlington Junction. Receipts, from local, $4.50; literature, 50c. Expenses, fare, $1.42; meal, 25c; postals, $3.00; printing, $1.25.

Maryville.

Billed town for afternoon street meeting. Inquired for resident Socialists. Held street meeting amid hoots and cat cries from hide bound Democrats. Attendance about 50. Advertised tonight’s court house meeting. Procured court house. Audience 100 at court house meeting. Congressional Candidate Wilcox opened the meeting. Many questions asked after the meeting. This ends my campaigning with Wilcox in the fourth district. Receipts, literature, $1; dues from M. at L., of which I secured five, $2.50. Expenses, hotel, 75c. A collection of $1 went into congressional campaign fund. Members secured: B. Waldo Lemon, 75c; James E. Bell, 75; Frank L Murray, 25c; J. D. Smith, 25c; Ernest Fairchild, 50c.

Stanberry.

Rounded up and met with seven Socialists this evening. They decided to organize and Louts Martin elected secretary-treasurer, Geo. Mock organizer, E.B. Hill literature agent, H.W. Hunter dues collector. Wabash round house and repair shop situated here. Agitation is needly badly, but comrades can I afford to pay for it, because of the very small wages of railroad employes, of which local is composed. On Oct. 3 get two more Socialists to sign charter application and talked to many men individually in shops. Big Socialist sentiment. Receipts, dues 90c. Expenses, fare 48c, hotel $1.50.

McFall.

Met G.D. Woodward, who lives several miles out of town, in town. He is a member at large in good stand. J.O. Green, blacksmith referred me to Ted Mauring and S. B. Williams as the best Socialists in town. Visited both of them, but both were unable to afford dues necessary to membership, only working one day in the week. Green, Mauring and Williams said they would do what they could to help state office in propaganda work in McFall. Green will contribute to campaign fund when called upon. Expenses, fare 42c, hotel $1.00. Collected $2.00 campaign fund.

Pattonsburg.

Oct. 4, 1908. Could not locate any Socialist except Comrade Woodward, whom I met in McFall. The only other Socialist besides Woodward, who also votes in this precinct, has moved away. Edw. Jenkins, who holds a position in the bank, will furnish information and act as correspondent. Expenses, fare 16c, hotel 50c.

Gallatin.

Oct. 5. Town is two miles from Wabash depot. Rain made street meeting impossible. Big crowd in town attending dedication of new court house. Secured three members at large, the only three Socialists in town, so I am informed. John Long, dues 25c; P.M. Bonnett, dues 50c; C. W. Hamshaw, dues 25c. Would like another campaign speech in Gallatin before election. Receipts, dues $1.00, literature 25c. Expenses, hotel $1.00, fare 35c.

Laclede.

Oct. 6, 1908. Met several of the Socialists and called a meeting of Socialists and sympathizers for tonight in Anderson’s shoe shop. Fifteen attended. Talked on Socialist fundamentals and organization. Organized a local of six members, J.W. Anderson, secretary; John Sweem, organizer. Started set of account books and instructed officers. After organization was informed that John Sweem was marshal and Wm. Bottiger, one of the members, was street commissioner of Laclede. Was told they were candidates on no political ticket; but simply announced themselves candidates and were elected. Sent charter application on to Missouri state office with this information for action by state committee. Receipts, dues 60c; literature, 60c. Expenses, fare 94c, hotel $1.25. Informed later that Wm. Bottiger of Laclede holds position of street commissioner by appointment from city officials.

Macon.

Oct. 7-8, 1908. Instructed by state secretary to do all possible to make Red Special stop here on Oct. 27, at 11 a.m. a success, the state office having no Socialist or correspondent here. Interviewed seventeen sympathizers, Populists and Socialists. Secured applications for membership from three, Thomas E. Smith, 212 W. 6th St.; Geo. C. Hollis, and Jacob R. Howe, Route No. 2, Macon, Mo. Send posters, advertising matter and instructions in detail to Thomas E. Smith. He, together with Geo. Hollis, will bill the town. Jacob Howe will bill the country, together with his son. Smith is young, active, not afraid to agitate his convictions. Howe is a recent convert, an old farmer. Hollis is very enthusiastic and can be depended upon for support. Other Socialists I could not see are: Frank Rogers, R. 2; R. E. Orr, J. F. Howe, R. 2; J. N. Orr, and W. H. Butler whom I talked, to. He is a well informed man but not in a “working for the cause” mood at present. Sympathizers are Jas. Bradley, colored school teacher. Use him to notify colored residents. Dr. J.H. Garnett, colored teacher; Mack White, blacksmith; Wm. T. Howe, John Harold, O. S. Hicks, lawyer and Populist; J. W. Orr, painter: Geo. Janers. Names of two weeklies are “Times Democrat” and “Macon Republican.” Surrounding towns to be notified are Bevier, Keota, Laclede, Brookfield, Marceline, Callao, Clarence, Shelbina. Had a meeting of seven Socialists and sympathizers and talked over methods of advertising and party organization. Can organize a local here soon by getting R.F.D. route Socialists to join. Receipts, dues 75c, literature 60c. Expenses, fare 78c, hotel $1.25, postage 25c.

Moberly.

Oct. 8-9, 1908. Found, by inquiring at the post office, that posters had been turned over to J. E. Norton, Socialist. Looked up Norton and with him visited several Socialists in the evening. Decided to call a meeting of Socialists in Ben Hur Hall, secured gratis by J. B. Merrill. Sent postals notifying Socialists of meeting and had notice inserted in two daily papers, the Moberly “Monitor” and the “Democrat.” Population of town is 10,000 and needs longer than two days to canvass. Wabash shops located here and quite a railroad center. Meeting attended by six Socialists who, after deliberate consideration, decided to form a local organization, J.B. Merrill was elected organizer and W.C. Fennel as secretary-treasurer. Address 507 N. Johnson Street. Six members are good material. Sympathizers are John H. Ryan, real estate, will vote for Bryan this time; Wm. Courten, car shops; Jake Davis, 500 N. Johnson; Len Hopson, east side. Detailed instructions should be sent local secretary to help make Debs meeting a success. If weather is unfavorable court house can be secured, rounding towns to be notified are Renick, Clark, Cairo, Jacksonville, Huntsville, Clifton, Hill, Elliott, Higbee, Madison, Evansville. Both dailies here will give good notice if written up and sent them right before Debs meeting. S. E. Rhodefer, of the local, has good initiative and executive ability. Advised secretary as to keeping accounts and started books. Secretary is time keeper for Wabash rail- road and should do well in the office. If given encouragement and help present local should do well. Receipts, dues 60c. Expenses, fare 45c, hotel $2. Talked of method of advertising Red Special sufficiently to local members. Missouri state office had Socialist or correspondent here to arrange.

Nelson.

Oct. 10, 1908. Spoke in hall to audience of 75. Many questions asked. Local of ten members here. Have not yet started account books nor are regular meetings being held. Talked on organization after the propaganda meeting to eight of the ten members in the local. Could not assist further, having to leave at 11 p. m. with J.H. Allison for Longwood, a drive of 15 miles. Receipts, collections $2.65, literature $1.00. Expenses, fare, $1:15, hotel 50c.

Longwood.

Oct. 11. Helped post bills advertising meetings. Met several sympathizers.

Oct. 12, 1908. Spoke at a school house five miles from Longwood to audience of 40. Octo. 13, 1908. Went to Postal in afternoon, but man who said he had arranged for meeting undoubtedly did not, for no one came. Spoke in Longwood school house in evening to about 30 men. Good attention. Receipts, literature 85c. Thank J.H. Allison, Longwood, member of local Sedalia, for my entertainment.

Higginsville.

Arrived late in the evening on account of bad train time on Lexington branch of Missouri Pacific. Could locate neither a Socialist nor a sympathizer. Looked up secretary of United Mine Workers. Talked to him and several members of the Union, but none knew of Socialists. Secretary is very accommodating. Name is Geo. F. Dunkin. Union has about 400 members. Federal Union of A. F. of L. with 40 members also organized here. Secretary, Fred Newman. This town needs agitation mostly. On account of limited time I could do no more than I here report. Leave early tomorrow a.m. for Topeka, Kan.

SUMMARY.

Days in field. 24
Propaganda talks. 25
Organizations talks. 12

Expenses.

Railroad fare. $11.81.
Miscellaneous. $6.55.
Hotel. $22.25.

Total. $40.61.

Receipts.

Literature. $11.40.
Lectures. $32.31.
Dues collected. $20.25.
Collections, donations. $11.90.

Total. $75.86.

Four locals organized with 30 members. Increased local membership 16. Members at large secured 24. Total increase, 70.

OFFICIAL COMMENDATION. St. Louis, Mo., Oct. 20, 1908. J. Mahlon Barnes,

Chicago, Ill.

Comrade: Under separate cover I am sending A. Wagenknecht a letter in your care. Please forward, as I am uncertain where to address him. The work of Comrade Wagenknecht in this state was first class. While he does not seem to be a “spell-binder,” yet as a hustling organizer he takes a front seat. He works from the moment he reaches town to the time when his train pulls out. For a capable, intelligent organizer he is the best we have had in Missouri. He realizes the necessity of instructing a new local as to conducting business and getting properly started, an important point if the local is to live. His accounts indicate that he is very economical and keeps expenses down to a minimum. Any state engaging him for organization work will not regret having done so. We need many more like him to make our party machinery what it should be. Fraternally yours, OTTO PAULS, State Secretary.

There have been a number of journals in our history named ‘The Socialist’. This Socialist was a printed and edited in Seattle, Washington (with sojourns in Caldwell, Idaho and Toledo, Ohio) by the radical medical doctor, former Baptist minister and socialist, Hermon Titus. The weekly paper began to support Eugene Debs 1900 Presidential run and continued until 1910. The paper became a fairly widely read organ of the national Socialist Party and while it was active, was a leading voice of the Party’s Left Wing. The paper was the source of many fights between the right and left of the Seattle Socialist Party. in 1909, the paper’s associates split with the SP to briefly form the Wage Workers Party in which future Communist Party leader William Z Foster was a central actor. That organization soon perished with many of its activists joining the vibrant Northwest IWW of the time.

PDF of full issue: https://www.marxists.org/history/usa/pubs/thesocialist-seattle/081107-seattlesocialist-v09n399.pdf