The five Polish-speaking branches of the Rhode Island Socialist Party gather in Woonsocket for a convention.

‘Polish Socialists of Rhode Island Meet’ from Labor Advocate (Providence). Vol. 1 No. 49. August 3, 1913.

The Polish Branches of the Socialist Party of Rhode Island held a well attended convention at Woonsocket last Sunday, July 27, at Lyceum Hall, 16 Main street, Local Woonsocket Headquarters. All of the five branches of the State were represented by delegates. The location of the Branches are: Two in Providence, one in Woonsocket, one in Manville, and one in Central Falls. The convention was held in two held in two sessions, the delegates assembled early in the forenoon, and at noon the out-of-town delegates were entertained at dinner by the Woonsocket Polish comrades, and after about an hour’s rest they again got down to business, and concluded at about four o’clock in the afternoon.

The meeting was very harmonious throughout. Every question presented was discussed with marked sincerity and in a friendly spirit. Much business was transacted, and it’s the unanimous opinion of those present that the result will be a big improvement in the Polish Branches of this State.

A communication was received from the Socialists of the states of Massachusetts and Connecticut asking the Rhode Island Polish Socialists to join in with them so that the organization of the three states would jointly support a permanent organizer. Said organizer to divide his time between the three states. This communication took up considerable time, some favoring the scheme, while others were opposed to it. The organization argued that more good would result if the Rhode Island Polish Socialists employed a Rhode Island comrade as organizer, as he would have a better understanding to local conditions and know his territory. He would be able to distribute leaflets, advertise own meetings, and take subscriptions for Socialist Party papers, etc., which a national organizer would not be able to do, on account of not being acquainted with the territory. This view prevailed: it was voted not to accept the invitation of the comrades of the other two states.

It was voted to employ a Polish organizer in Rhode Island for one month, said organizer to put all his time to the work. It is hoped to reach every town in this State where there are ten or more Polish families. It is expected to organize branches in Valley Falls, Anthony, Warren and Niantic. Comrade J. Rogusewoski of Pawtucket was engaged as organizer to perform the work as outlined above. It was voted to urge every Polish comrade who can read English to subscribe for the Labor Advocate. A motion to add five cents per month to the dues, the extra five cents to assist Polish papers, was lost. It was voted that all branches must send delegates to city and state committees and join with the other branches for all work in general.

 At this point the delegates were loud in their praise of Local Woonsocket, where fine headquarters are maintained jointly by the English, Polish and French branches, equipped with library, piano, pool table and other amusements, open every evening for the use of the comrades, and connected with this is a large hall with a sitting capacity of between four and five hundred, and ranks as the best headquarters in this State. It has few superior in New England. Comrade B. Waldeck of Woonsocket was elected as State Secretary. It was voted to hold the next convention in Providence. The out-of-town comrades gave a vote of thanks to the Woonsocket comrades for the reception tendered them. The convention then adjourned.

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