With thousands of members involved in hundreds of organizations, the Socialist Party of 1912 in New York City was a busy organization. One day of news for Manhattan, Queens, The Bronx, and Brooklyn from the winter of 1912. Also includes the announcement of Hubert H. Harrison as an organizer, with a new office for Black workers to be set up for the Party.

‘Socialist News of the Day’ from the New York Call. Vol. 5 No. 20. January 20, 1912.

MANHATTAN AND BRONX

Notes From Headquarters.

All Comrades who have woman suffrage petitions are requested to return same to the office of Local New York Immediately, as they must be fixed up and sent to Representative Berger in Washington.

A discussion meeting to further discuss the question. “What Shall the Position of the Socialist Party Be Toward the Economic Organization of the Working Class,” will be held on Sunday, January 28, 2 p.m. at the Labor Temple None but good standing party members will be admitted, and members will have to show their cards at the door.

Party members and sympathizers who have some old spare clothes, underwear, shoes and other things can send them to the office of Local New York, 239 East 84th street. Comrades who know people who are in need of such articles can send them to the office of the local, otherwise all that has been collected will be sent to the City Lodging House for distribution among the poor.

Financial secretaries of branches who have not done so, are requested to send in their membership reports to this office at once. Secretaries are also requested to send in the names and addresses of the newly elected officers, as they are needed to correct the calendar of the local.

Special Fund Growing.

Organizer Gerber announces that the fund started recently by Local New York for carrying on special agitation among the Negroes has already awakened interest and response an will be seen by the contributions received to date, which are listed below. The plan as outlined includes the establishment of a permanent clubroom in the heart of the greatest Negro population, an organizer who shall devote his entire time to the work of propaganda and the holding of meetings and circulation of suitable literature and advertising.

The field here is considered to be of great promise, as the Negroes of all the working class elements have felt and are feeling the constant pressure of wage slavery with greater force generally that their white brethren in similar pursuits. The special feeling of clanishness and social isolation which this had bred results in a widespread distrust of politics, and political leaders and their promises.

The fundamental difference between the capitalist parties and the organized political expression of the working class, the Socialist party is a vital matter, and when brought directly to their understanding by clear and concise analysis, will undoubtedly arouse among the Negroes a tremendous interest in our message.

Already the local has taken active steps to start the work by holding indoor meetings twice weekly in West 134th street, advertising them widely through the weekly newspaper of the district and by announcement cards. These meetings have been conducted by Hubert H, Harrison, an able speaker, who has been an eager exponent of the plans to agitate among his own race.

As soon as sufficient funds are received the full plan will be inaugurated and all those interested and who are able, are urged to send their contributions to the financial secretary, A.E. Marsh, 239 East 84th street. The contributions so far: Branch. $25: Slovak Branch. $2: mann. $3; Virginia Duff, $1.50: German Branch. Yorkville. $5: Finnish Branch. $25: Slovak Branch. $2: Lettish Branch, $5; total, $41.50.

Package Party Tonight.

The Press Committee of Branch 6 has issued the following solemn statement:

Have you any troubles, any cares that are weighing upon your mind? Well, forget them tonight–you’ll have to forget them if you grace Branch 6’s clubrooms with your august presence. We have violated the Sherman Anti-Trust Law by securing a monopoly of all the fun, joy and merriment that is lying around loose, and we are going to scatter it all over Yorkville. If Comrade Fitzgibbon, with his side-splitting hypnotic stunts does not extract sufficient laughs from your system, it is about time you saw a specialist. Well, Fitzgibbon will be there, and many others will be there to entertain. Where? At the package party at Yorkville Forum, 1461 Third avenue.

You are as welcome as the pay envelope on Saturday night. All that you need is your carfare, a package and a pleasant smile. Admission is free. If you have any other engagement pass it up or drop in for a few moments. It will be worth your while, and it is for a good cause. The proceeds of the affair are to be used to assist Comrade Louis A. Baum to gain a foothold in his photograph business, which was recently destroyed by fire.

Branch 10 Gets Busy.

The Executive Committee reminds the members of the branch that a Maurer meeting will be held at Brady’s Hall, Subway Building, 181st street and St. Nicholas avenue, at 8 o’clock tomorrow night.

This evening a few Comrades who are not moribund will drag out the fold soap box on the street corner in front of the Subway Building and do what they can to advertise the meeting. The Executive Committee would be grateful for some attendance at both events.

Bronx Joy for Tonight.

Branch 9 makes the following modest announcement:

Old Comrades and friends take notice, and new Comrades particularly take notice, that tonight Branch 9 gives one of those lively and lovely monthly entertainments that helped make Branch 9 so famous, and most cordially invites you to attend at the Bronx Forum, 1363 Fulton avenue, tonight–Saturday night! These entertainments of ours have become so popular for their good cheer, wholesome fun, refined enjoyment and true Comradely spirit, that he who does not imbibe in our liquid music and rippling laughter, and our dance divine, not mentioning our pretty cakes and candies, our dainty sandwiches (home-made) and delicious hot tea, is a rabid, self-nourished pessimist.

Tomorrow.

Hubert H. Harrison will lecture on “The Negro and Socialism.” at the Bronx Forum, 1363 Fulton avenue. Harrison needs no introduction to Socialists in New York. Turn out and hear his talk.

Maurer at Branch 5.

James H. Maurer, Socialist Representative in the Legislature of Pennsylvania, will speak tonight to A large gathering of Socialist voters in the West Harlem district on the reasons why all Socialists should join the Socialist party in order to advance the cause. Branch 5 has sent out 400 invitations to enrolled Socialist voters, and will distribute 2. cards at subway and elevated stations this afternoon, announcing the meeting, at 360 West 125th street, 8 p.m. Comrade Arthur Bryant will be the chairman. The comrades of Branch 5 and other branches are invited to attend the meeting and bring a friend. Admission is free. After the meeting the members of Branch 5 will attend the ball of Branch 7 at the Harlem River Casino in body.

Branch 7 Ball Tonight.

The annual bail of Branch 7 will take place tonight at Harlem River Casino, 127th street and Second avenue.

Fidelman’s double union orchestra will furnish the music. All Comrades and sympathizers of Manhattan and the Bronx are invited. Admission 25 cents, hat check 15 cents.

Circle 5 Makes Merry Tonight.

The sixth annual entertainment and ball of Circle, of the Y.P.S.F. will take place tonight at Manhattan Hall, 103-05 Avenue A. The following is the program, in part: Short talk by Bertha M. Fraser: piano solo by Miss Kontrowitz: recitation by Miss Schackmon: duet, “Sonata” by Miss Ira Kontrowitz and Mr. Shenkof; violin solo by Miss Ginsburg, and last, but not least, the world’s wonder mimic, August Claessens. Tickets admitting one, including wardrobe, are 25 cents.

Lecture Before Circle 2.

Circle 2 of the Young People’s Socialist Federation will hold a meeting at 1461 Third avenue, tomorrow at 4:30 p.m. Comrade Sackheim will deliver a lecture on “Socialism and the Individual.” Comrade Bosch will render some violin solos. There will also be others on the literary program.

All young people between the ages of 14 and 19 are invited to join Circle 2. Those residing near the club, 1461 Third avenue, are especially invited.

Arrangement Committee, Y.P.S.F.

The Arrangement Committee of the Y. P. S. F. will meet Sunday, January 21, at 1:30 p.m., at 22 Rutgers street.

To Distribute Literature.

Secretary Karl Heidemann, of the Propaganda Committee of Branch 5, has issued the following call to action: Branch 5 distribution of literature tomorrow. Captains, assistants and volunteers should report between 9 and 10:30 a.m. (not later). Comrades and sympathizers who can help 18 this afternoon should come headquarters, 360 West 125th street, Room 8, between 2 and 6 o’clock (as early as possible). Ten thousand leaflets must be folded, stamped and counted, and everything must be got ready for tomorrow’s distribution.

Yorkville Forum Lecture.

The subject, “The Class Struggle” has been discussed from various angles by Socialists and non-Socialists. Yet the subject is always new and interesting. Fred Harwood, the well known Socialist agitator, is going to handle this theme tomorrow night at Yorkville Forum, 1461 Third avenue. Admission is free.

Bronx Lyceum Lectures.

The Lyceum Lecture Committee of the Bronx makes the following announcement:

The National Socialist Lyceum Lecture Course: “How We Are Gouged.” March 1, by Charles Edward Russell; “Why Things Happen to Happen,” March 15, by Walter J. Millard: “The War of the Classes,” March 22, by Ben Wilson; “The Trust Busters,” March 29, by John W. Slayton, and “Socialists at Work,” April 5, by Lena Morrow Lewis. These lectures on Friday nights at the Bronx Labor Lyceum, 707 Courtlandt avenue, near 154th street.

The season tickets to the course have attached a sub card entitling the holder to a dollar’s worth of Socialist books and papers. Season tickets cost $1. Tickets for one lecture, also with free literature, will be on sale two weeks before the first lecture. Price 25 cents. Tickets may be had at the Bronx Forum, 1363 Fulton avenue; Bronx Labor Lyceum: at the Willis Employment Agency. 483 Willis avenue, near 147th street: Branch 8 meetings from Comrade Reichenthal: Branch 9 meetings from Comrades Kell, Friedl and Braunstein: German Branch from Comrade Dressler, in the meetings of the Workmen’s Sick and Death Benefit Society in the Bronx, by mail from Philip Egstein, 724 East 158th street or John A. Burgher, 404 East 154th street; they will be on sale at the Bronx general party meeting next Wednesday and may be had at The Call and Volkszeitung offices.

The Lecture Committee meets Sunday mornings at 10 o’clock at the Bronx Labor Lyceum. Tickets may be had there. Ticket hustlers please report and make returns, Cut this out for reference.

Hustle on Petitions.

Woman’s Organizer Margaret H. Sanger makes the following appeal regarding the getting of signatures on the big woman’s suffrage petition soon to be presented in Congress by Representative Berger: Women of Local New York–Are you working on the petitions? See that they are filled out and turn them in to Julius Gerber 239 East 84th street, before the 1st of February. Go over to the public lecture at the schools and libraries held in the evening and get signatures. We must make these next few day count.

East Side Lectures.

William Edlin will deliver a Jewish lecture this evening on the subject of “Music as Language” at the East Side Forum (Branch 2), 22 Rutgers street. The lecture will be illustrated with phonographic selections. Questions and discussion follow. Admission is 5 cents.

A subject of interest to all students of the Socialist philosophy will be treated by Samuel Edelstein tomorrow evening in a lecture on the question “Is Evolution Universal?” Questions and open discussion will follow the lecture. Admission only 5 cents.

The Rand School Extension Class in Socialism and Public Speaking under the direction of George R. Kirkpatrick, will meet as usual tomorrow morning at 19 o’clock at 22 Rutgers street.

Minutes Women’s Committee.

Secretary Kate Meehan reports that the Women’s Committee met at the Labor Temple, on January 17. Comrade Meyer in the chair. Present: Comrades Malkiel, Sanger, Volovick. Roughton, Myers and Comrade Meehan. Absent: Comrades Ingerrian. Sloan and Dunbar,

Minutes of previous meeting accepted as read.

Motion to write Comrade Block regretting her resignation from the Women’s Committee carried. Moved and carried to place letter from the Progressive Woman on file. Moved and carried to distribute literature to the laundry workers at their headquarters by members of the Woman’s Committee. Moved and carried to have Comrade Sanger write Comrade Stern to condense her leaflet in giving the Republic Theater for Woman’s Day. Moved and carried to lay the matter of organizer’s salary on the table. Motion to have committee see Comrade Fieldman about printing of programs, also to have 100 posters to advertise the meeting, carried. Motion to ask Comrade Block to write about Woman’s Day in her department, and make February 25 a special issue for same, carried.

Moved and carried to hold special meeting at Comrade Malkiel’s home on Saturday, January 20. to Arrange about distribution of tickets.

Motion to have Comrade Gerber ask all Socialist organizations to defer meetings and entertainments for that evening carried. Motion to present bill from The Call and organizer’s expenses to the Executive Committee for payment, carried.

BROOKLYN.

Labor Lyceum People’s Forum.

Sunday, January 21. will be a red letter day in the course of lectures given at the People’s Forum, the secretary having been successful in securing the well known humorist, Ellis O. Jones, associate editor of Life, to speak on a serious subject. Now, when you can get a famous “funny man” to give his earnest thoughts on a serious problem it sure is worth going a great distance to hear. His subject will be the “Aldrich Currency Plan.” The lecture starts at 3:15 p.m. Admission is free. Open forum conducted.

Lecture by Bouck White.

Socialists in Brooklyn are requested not to fail to invite their religiously inclined friends to the lecture tomorrow evening by Bouck White before the Flatbush Free Forum, in Savoy Hall, 852 and 854 Flatbush avenue, at 8 o’clock.

White has taken as the title of his lecture, “Religion as Revolution.” Admission free. Everybody welcome.

Entertainment Postponed.

The entertainment for the benefit of the Socialist School announced by the 5th and Branch 1, of the 23d A.D. for Sunday evening, January 21, has been postponed until Sunday evening, February 18. This postponement was found necessary because of the inability of some of the principal entertainers to attend. A brilliant program is promised for the later date, when all tickets so far sold will be accepted.

QUEENS.

Big Night Tonight.

The Socialist Fife and Drum Corps of Queens will hold its first affair, a package party, tonight, at Queens Labor Lyceum, Hancock street, near Cypress avenue. Admission for gents is 15 cents, and women furnish packages.

The funds from the affair will go toward establishing a corps to help the movement in the future. The Brewers’ Union. No. 69, of Brooklyn, purchased twenty tickets, and the Socialist party Branch 1. of Ridgewood, accepted thirty tickets.

The star attraction of the night will be the exhibition drill by the members of the corps.

Branch Ridgewood. Nos, 1 and 2.

All members of the above branches who have an hour of leisure tomorrow morning are asked to call at 1647 Hancock street. Evergreen, to assist in distributing 10,000 January Bulletins. Call no later than 9:30 o’clock.

Educational Club to Meet.

A general business meeting of the Socialist Educational Club of Queens County will be held tomorrow at 3 o’clock sharp, in the clubhouse, Hancock street between Cypress and Wyckoff avenues.

New sketches and plans have been secured by the Building Committee and will be submitted to the membership!

The New York Call was the first English-language Socialist daily paper in New York City and the second in the US after the Chicago Daily Socialist. The paper was the center of the Socialist Party and under the influence of Morris Hillquit, Charles Ervin, Julius Gerber, and William Butscher. The paper was opposed to World War One, and, unsurprising given the era’s fluidity, ambivalent on the Russian Revolution even after the expulsion of the SP’s Left Wing. The paper is an invaluable resource for information on the city’s workers movement and history and one of the most important papers in the history of US socialism. The paper ran from 1908 until 1923.

PDF of full issue: https://www.marxists.org/history/usa/pubs/the-new-york-call/1912/120120-newyorkcall-v05n020.pdf