Ohio was among those states whose Socialist Parties were expelled in their entirety from the national Party by the seven-person National Executive for Left Wing heresies in the Summer of 1919. Ground zero for both the Communist and Communist Labor Parties, the minutes of Ohio’s founding C.L.P. meeting held in Akron as well as a convention report from the Salem delegate are printed below.

‘Minutes of the Conference of the Communist Labor Party of Ohio’ from The Toiler. No. 97. December 10, 1919.

HELD, 11/29 1919. AT AKRON OHIO.

Convened at 10:45 am., by State Secretary Allison, and temporary organization effected by the election of Comrade Margaret Prevey as chairman and Lawrence A. Zitt as secretary. A Credentials Committee of three was chosen, composed of Comrades: Young, Bronstrup and Hoge.

The committee reported following representatives as entitled to seats:

AKRON–M. Prevey, John Hansen, J.C. Chase, M.A. Riley, John Coons John Cooper.
TOLEDO–M. Toohey, H.H. Young.
BALLAIRE–J.J. Hoge.
CLEVELAND–Anna Morgan, Lawrence A. Zitt, Alex Bilan, Elizabeth Bertram, W.F. Clifford, Bronstrup, Tom
SENACA CO–J.F. Lescher.
CINCINNATI–E.L. Tribbey, Otto Ruchtaeschel.
COLUMBIANA CO.–Chas. Bonsall.
LIMA–E.O. McPherron.
YOUNGSTOWN–Wallace Metcalf, Joseph Koope, F.J. Hines, Louis Ratnofsky, Morris Abrams.

It was decided by motion to elect a Resolution Committee of five: Koope, Chase, Bonsall, Bilan and Young chosen by acclamation.

A Constitution Committee of three, composed of Bronstrup, Toohey and McPherron, was chosen.

The Resolution Committee was instructed by motion to bring in a resolution on the subject of Unity. The Temporary organization was made permanent.

A rules committee composed of Comrades Hoge and Allison was instructed to submit draft of rules at opening next session.

The agenda submitted by the State Executive Committee was approved and adopted, two minor changes first being effected.

It was decided to elect a separate committee of three to consider organization. Comrades Bertram, Tribbey and Clifford were chosen.

Session adjourned until 2:00 p.m.

Reconvened at 3:15 p.m., the delay being due to the continued session of the various committees.

A paper on the subject of the “Contemporary International Situation” received from Comrade John Brahtin was read and applauded, and opened up a lively general discussion, Comrade Bilan contributing much information on the relative international influences, and giving an historical review of the growth of American capitalistic imperialism. The Resolution Committee reported three resolutions as follows:

POLITICAL PRISONERS

Whereas: Hundreds of loyal and faithful members of the working class have been thrown into foul and vermin-ridden jails and federal prisons for voicing their conscientious and fearless opinions of existing conditions industrially and politically.

Whereas: By these outrages committed by subservient tools of the imperialist capitalistic masters, on the spokesmen of the working class, all rights to free speech, free press and free assembly have been abrogated.

Whereas: Not being satisfied with imprisoning these hundreds of men and women in the attempt to throttle every effort at peaceful organization of the working-class for the emancipation from capitalist oppressions, but are now engaged in the attempt to deport every radical or progressive thinker of foreign birth.

Whereas: These acts mistakably, the class consciousness of the capitalist class, and its determination to perpetuate its reign of oppression, and tyranny over the workers of the United States.

Therefore be it resolved: That the Communist Labor Party Conference of the State of Ohio calls upon the workers to organize to the full extent of their strength for the purpose of resisting these determined attempts to fasten upon the American workers the chains of an industrial and political Oligarchy.

And be it further resolved: That we call upon the workers of the state to support financially and morally the Army of Liberators Organization in its endeavor to aid and to free those who have already been victims of a ruthless master-class.

STATEMENT OF THE COMMUNIST LABOR PARTY OF OHIO ON THE MEXICAN SITUATION.

WHEREAS: Once more the capitalist class in the United States is planning intervention in Mexico, in the name of “law and order”, but in reality with the intention of subjugating the Mexican workers to the most brutal form of exploitation, i.e., exploitation under colonial administration, or under the hypocrisy of a dummy government by the capitalist interests in this country, and

WHEREAS: For the third time within the last five years the capitalist press and all its means of publicity and education are concentrating their efforts upon the propaganda of intervention, and, as formerly, the occasional murders of American citizens in the remoter regions of Mexico are being played up in the newspapers with a wealth of exaggerated detail, and all the explanation or denial of the Mexican Government are either minimized or deliberately mininterpreted; while at the same time, the mistreatment and even murder of countless American workers in this country by the gunmen of the capitalist class is not even reported.

But with the intensification of the class struggle during and succeeding the war, the interventionists no longer conceal their real motive. The present attempt to bully the American workers into war against Mexico is based chiefly on the fact that the Mexican Government is attempting to control the disposition of the national resources of that country, and thru taxation, is trying to retain in the National Treasury some portion of the national wealth of which that country has been consistently looted by foreign capitalists in the past, and

WHEREAS: The Government of the United States, has, so far, supported the demands of the American capitalists that Mexico change her constitution and abrogate her laws concerning her own internal administration, and this for the sole purpose of permitting foreigners to exploit the Mexican working class, therefore be it

RESOLVED: That the COMMUNIST LABOR PARTY of Ohio, in Conference assembled, demands that the Government of the United States withdraw its support from the American capitalist interests in their attempt to force an imperialist war against Mexico, and

Failing this, The COMMUNIST LABOR PARTY of Ohio appeals to the workers to this war by all means within their power.

We urge all workers to refuse to fight in the war which in reality is a war against the Mexican working-class. And we reaffirm that the only struggle which can justify the workers in taking up arms is the great struggle of the working class of the world to free itself from the economic exploitation and political oppression.

The COMMUNITST LABOR PARTY of Ohio extends its sympathy to the Communist Party of Mexico in its work of arousing the workers of America to the dangers of intervention, and we promise the Communist Party of Mexico our heartiest support in preventing a conflict between the workers of the United State and Mexico.

To our comrades of all countries affiliated with the Communist International we appeal for the defense of the Mexican working-class by every possible demonstration of solidarity. The Committee report was received and the committee continued. The Conference adjourned until 7:00 p.m.

RESOLUTION ON MOB RULE:

WHEREAS: Workers Organizations both industrial and political have been prevented from functioning by lawless and law abrogating bands of irresponsible persons masquerading under the guise of Law and Order and

WHEREAS: The Unions and radical minority political parties are prevented from meeting, by coercive methods their meetings have been broken up; the members and those in attendance cruelly man-handled and jailed on baseless and unfounded charges,

And WHEREAS: All this is done in contradiction to the capitalist class made laws and are violated whenever they deem it necessary. And

WHEREAS: Extra Constitutional bodies are endorsed by governmental institutions such as the so-called Loyal American Legion, Knights of Liberty and others who are vested with the power of state and municipal law and are exercising those rights deliberately for their own narrow, terroristic aims

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED: That the Communist Labor Party Conference of Ohio go on record as unalterably opposed to and is ready to fight such methods of coercion and terrorism with the organized power of the workers.

Reconvened at 7:10 p.m. and the Committee on Organization reported as follows:

ORGANIZATION

The question or organization of our party is at this time paramount to all others, the systematic terrorism that has been carried on for some months and now generally prevails throughout the state, has resulted in our local organizations discriminated against in the use of halls and all public places for purposes of propaganda and organization.

New organization tactics are therefore necessary where the organization as such is not permitted to function, individual effort must be put forth, more personal methods must be used for the upbuilding of our organization.

The time has passed where the organization can delegate to a few of its members the carrying on of its work, from now on every member must consider himself or herself propagandist and organizer, by personal solicitation of individuals. By the passing of literature from hand to hand and constant personal effort by our members must we now carry on our work, members must be made to realize the responsibility resting upon them. They must be responsive to all demands made upon them by the organization.

The S.E.C. and the State office have outlined a plan of organization work that is now being put into operation throughout the state. We believe this plan will meet the demands of the time. While it is a radical departure from methods used in the past we urge comrades and local organizations to lend their assistance to the field workers sent out by the state office. We are convinced that this method of organization will result in a great up-building of our party and we urge the fullest possible co-operation of comrades and locals with the organizers sent out by the State office.

Action was deferred after hearing the report of the State Secretary, and later referred to the Resolution Committee.

Comrade Prevey addressed the Conference on the subject of the History of the Socialist Movement in the United States, and brought out many points of information new to the younger and new members.

Adjourned at 11:00 P.M. to convene at 10:00 a.m. Sunday morning.

Convened at 10:45 a.m. Sunday morning and comrade John C. Chase was elected Chairman for the day. Reading of minutes of former session was dispensed with.

The Resolution Committee reported two resolutions of Unity:

UNITY RESOLUTION.

We realize the essential necessity or Unity between the two Communist organizations to clear the way for our message to the working class and he strengthening of our efforts for emancipation, and recommend that whenever the Communist Party members evince to desire for Unity, we urge upon our members that they issue a call for a joint conference with them for the purpose of discussion of grounds of Unity.

AFFILIATION RESOLUTION.

WHEREAS: The Communist Labor Party from the day of its organization has stood for and demanded Unity, and has used its utmost endeavours to accomplish Unity and

WHEREAS: A large proportion of the rank and file of all elements are in favor of Communist Unity

WHEREAS: The officials of the Communist Party stands in the way of Unity and thus prevents the will of the rank and file from being carried out,

THEREFORE: Be it resolved: That the C.L.P. conference of Ohio calls on all Communist Locals and comrades to accomplish Unity by joining hands with the Communist Labor Party, the officials of which stand interested to obtain unity in order that one strong communist organization may result in the state of Ohio.

Both resolutions were adopted. The Constitution Committee reported favorably their draft of a Constitution as follows.

This report will be submitted to Locals later.

This session adjourned at 12:10 p.m. to reassemble at 1:30 p.m. Convened at 1:40 p.m. and comrade Allison, spoke on “The Party Situation in Ohio”, outlining in detail much necessary work to be done in the immediate future. The State Secretary was instructed by motion to notify all Locals not yet affiliated with the C.L.P. that after December 31st, that they will be dropped from the roster and new locals organized.

The Organization Committee report was read a second time and adopted as offered. (See report above). Comrade Tom Lewis spoke upon “Shop Committees”, their development methods of functioning, their growing power and unlimited possibilities. His speech was eagerly listened to by  the delegates and a half filled with visitors.

The Resolution Committee reported resolution No. 7, reading as follows:

WHEREAS: a campaign of organization of the Metal & Machinery Workers Industrial Union No. 300 of the Industrial Workers of the World has been planned throughout the State of Ohio, and

WHEREAS: the Communist Labor Party believes the above said organization is a revolutionary industrial union, so be it

RESOLVED, that we the delegates of the Communist Labor Party assembled this 30th day of November 1919, do hereby pledge our cooperation to this and to similar industrial organizations which work of the abolition of the wage system. Resolution adopted as read. All Committees were discharged and the Conference adjourned sine die.

LAWRENCE A. ZITT Conference Secretary.

Salem, Ohio, Dec. 1, 1919.

REPORT OF DELEGATE elected by Columbiana County Socialist Party to the State Conference of the Communist Labor Party of Ohio, held at Akron, Ohio Nov. 29th and 30th, 1919.

The Convention consisted of a goodly number of delegates from various parts of the state, chosen by those Locals which had affiliated with the Communist Labor Party. It was a splendid and earnest working body of men and women.

The resolution which was drawn up at the meeting of the County Committee held in G.A.R. Hall, Salem, Sunday, November 23rd, was presented by me at the Convention and I requested the delegates to express themselves concerning it without offering a motion for its adoption. About one hour was then consumed in considering it and nearly one half of the delegates present expressed their views upon the proposition embraced in said resolution. I wished very much that the comrades of Columbiana County could have been present and heard the objections against its adoption and the reason for such objections. Comrade Tom Clifford of Cleveland and many others who were well informed concerning the attitude of the officials of the Communist Party in refusing, repeatedly, the overtures of the C.L.P., looking to unity, affirmed in a calm though earnest and positive manner, the utter futility of arriving at such unity except through the methods that may be brought about by the rank and file of the Communist Party. Indeed, quite a number of the Locals of the Communist Party have already broken away from the arbitrary actions of their officials and have aligned themselves with the C.L.P.

So far as the old Socialist Party is concerned, the unlawful action of the told committee and secretary heretofore made known to the comrades generally throughout the country together with the great falling off of the payment of dues etc. have so completely crippled the old organization that there is little left of it to affiliate and function with. For these and other reasons too numerous to mention here, the said resolution providing for a referendum vote on the matter, was not adopted.

Your delegate was agreeably surprised to see the thorough, earnest and charitable manner with which the Convention considered all the vital questions that came before it. Comrade Margaret Prevey of Akron gave a masterful, interesting and instructive address on the history and development of the Socialist Party in all of its phases, during the past eighteen years.

Comrade Chase of Akron, who, twenty years ago was elected Mayor of a city in Massachusetts on the Socialist ticket and who has been a splendid and courageous worker and speaker in the movement ever since, gave a magnificent address on the subject of “OUR POLITICAL PRISONERS”? It was brilliant, eloquent and thrilling and was given on Sunday afternoon when the hall was filled with visitors. The mention of Comrade Debs and Comrade Kate Richards O’Hare was responded to by storms of applause.

Comrade Tom Lewis, the “little giant,” entertained the large assemblage by a report of his recent work and travels over the state for the purpose of instructing and organizing the Workers of various shops and factories in which each trade or craft consists of a unit and elects its own steward or chairman. These several stewards then meet whenever necessary and jointly consider and discuss the needs and desires of their respective trades. This system embraces all of the helpers or laborers and also the office force. This is along the line of the present system of Russia where each trade or craft elects its own representative to the legislative body known as the Soviet.

It is the settled purpose and determination of the C.L.P. to push this movement vigorously throughout the industrial centers of the United States, including the agricultural workers, until the Congress of the United States shall be composed exclusively of men and women coming directly from the wealth producers of the nation. It is now plainly evident that the workers of the nation must use the two weapons of political and industrial action combined, in order to accomplish the ultimate aim and goal of unseating the capitalist retainers and hirelings who have brought destruction and mob-rule in this Republic; and to establish in its place an Industrial Democracy which shall embrace the interests, happiness and protection of every man, woman and child however humble and to establish in this nation the Co-operative Commonwealth and the Brotherhood of Man.

In concluding this brief report, let me say that my judgement and conscience impel me to recommend and urge every Local throughout the state, to align itself with the Communist Labor Party before January 1st, 1920; and to enlist in earnest and courageous work to the end that the world-wide revolution which the forces of the present epoch in human history have brought to our very doors, may be guided along peaceful lines. Fraternally submitted

CHARLES BONSALL, Delegate.

The Toiler was a significant regional, later national, newspaper of the early Communist movement published weekly between 1919 and 1921. It grew out of the Socialist Party’s ‘The Ohio Socialist’, leading paper of the Party’s left wing and northern Ohio’s militant IWW base and became the national voice of the forces that would become The Communist Labor Party. The Toiler was first published in Cleveland, Ohio, its volume number continuing on from The Ohio Socialist, in the fall of 1919 as the paper of the Communist Labor Party of Ohio. The Toiler moved to New York City in early 1920 and with its union focus served as the labor paper of the CLP and the legal Workers Party of America. Editors included Elmer Allison and James P Cannon. The original English language and/or US publication of key texts of the international revolutionary movement are prominent features of the Toiler. In January 1922, The Toiler merged with The Workers Council to form The Worker, becoming the Communist Party’s main paper continuing as The Daily Worker in January, 1924.

PDF of full issue: https://www.marxists.org/history/usa/pubs/thetoiler/097-dec-10-1919-toiler.pdf