Page Four Bec: We OPROK ERS]: NEWS April 5, 19) Bee B.C. WORKERS’ NEWS Published Weekly by THE PROLETARIAN PUBLISHING ASS'N Room 10, 163 West Hastings Street - Vancouver, B.C. a 4 — Subscription Rates — @ne Year — = $1.80 Wale vear--———. 1-00 Three Months _$ .50 Single Copy ——_ 05 St Make All Checks Payable to the B.C. WORKERS NEWS Send All Copy and Manuscript to the Chairman of the Editorial Board —- Send All Monies and Letters Per- taining to Advertising and Circulatton to the Business Manager. THE STIRLING SLANDERS AND THE RELIEF CAMP STRIKE The slanderous attack made on the Relief Camp Workers by Stirling, Minister of Wear, in the House of Commons was one of the most despicable and disgraceful made in re- cent years, even in that labor-hating: body. His charge that the strike was an excuse to burn down the relief camps was made out of the whole cloth by the obvious device of distorting the slogan, “For the Abolition of the Slave Camps” to “Physical Destruction of the Camps.” Stirling’s attempt to work up an anti-Red hysteria and to create a fascist sentiment throughout the country was deliberately cal- culated to prepare the ground for ruthless strikebreaking, and was preceded by weeks of intimidation and teror in the camps, with arersts and jailings of the most militant camp workers. As soon as the authorities learned of the intended strike they began sending in additional police until by the day the strike began the camps were swarming with these uniformed thugs. Along with the terror and the campaign of lies and slander there was also the bare- faced attempt at deception of the camp work- ers by setting up a commission to “investi- gate’ conditions in the camps, as if there was any more investigation needed in view of the exposures already made. The Slave Camps and all their works stink in the nostrils of every decent person who lmows anything about them, and the mag- mificent struggle of the camp workers to ameliorate the damnable conditions under which they have been compelled to exist and slave calls for the support of the entire work- ing population as well as of every liberal and humanitarian in the province and through- out the country. The slanders of Stirling and the august sittings of commissions must be met with the mobilization of the entire labor movement in unity with the camp workers in this struggle in order to once and for all remove this fascist menace to the working class. THE DANGER OF WAR The defeat in the House of Commons of a resolution calling for Canada’s neutrality in the event of another world war is a sharp reminder of the danger to which the people of Canada are exposed. : The intensified war preparations, the fev- erish diplomatic conversations, and the re- buff administered by the monster, Hitler, to Sir John Simon in Berlin—all indicate the headlong rush toward war. Great Britain, after secretly assisting Fas- cist Germany to arm as a bulwark against the proletarian revolution, now wakes up to the alarming fact that Germany is a menace to Britain; and Hitler, when demanding sup- port for his plan to attack the Soviet Union, bluntly told Simon that Germany's air force was equal to that of Great Britain. British imperialism, failing to maintain the balance of power, but striving desperately to regain it, finds the time not propitious for the attack against the Soviet Union. Canadian imperialist interests are en- tangled and involved on an international seale with those of other imperialist sroup- ings, and they will plunge Canada into an- other orgy of slaughter in acordance with their interests. It is of vital importance that the united front of struggle be forged to effectively re- sist the plans of the warmongers. ANOTHER CONFERENCE There seems to be another virulent out- break of conferencitis. We all can remember the months following the collapse of the stock market in 1929 when unemployed work- ers were clamoring for bread. Almost every day there was a conference of some kind. Politicians and labor fakers took advantage of the situation to enjoy junkets all over the country ; but their chief purpose was to keep the unemployed quiet in the hope that some- thing was about to be done for them, while they perfected plans to suppress all efforts to secure adequate relef. In Montreal recently there was a confer- ence of Mayors of Ganadian cities. About a hundred of them, including the ubiquitous McGeer of Vancouver and Jimmy Simpson, C.C.F. Mayor of Toronto, raved and ranted and passed the buck to the Bennett gang at Ottawa. while behind the scenes they worked for agreement on a uniform cut in relief al- lowance. The press gave a great deal of publicity to the inane mouthings of the assembled humbugs. Houde of Montreal, an open fas- cist, was represented as a progressive, and McGeer was quoted as saying that what Canada needs is better leaders. He no doubt means that McGeer is the man needed. The question of unemployment was on the agenda, but it was not how unemployment is to be dealt with that was discussed, but how to deal with the unemployed. The reformist, Jimmy Simpson, can give McGeer, Houde and the rest of them pointers on how to cut relief, evict unemployed work- ers from their hovels, and on how to break strikes. It was hoped that both Jimmy and Gerry would report on the result of the day of prayer they organized. There has been no visible results from these mummeries in Vancouver, but there may be in Toronto, for all we know, inasmuch as Toronto the Good, is much nearer to the throne of grace than is this wicked seaport town. And besides, Jimmy is an old hand at the praying game, and much more adept in the art of canoodling spooks than is Gerry. But the Montreal gsabfest over, the unem- ployed are still jobless, and they will have to fight against starvation. They can do so only by militant organization backed up by the whole working class, employed and un- employed, in a common anti-starvation, anti- capitalist front. THE STARVATION ALTERNATIVE The hypocrisy of Premier Pattullo was never more strikingly exemplified than in his attitude and actions in regard to the Slave Camps in British Columbia. In approved demagogic fashion he has ben condemning them, asking for their aboli- tion, and calling upon the Federal govern- ment to begin public works to replace them. But as soon as the Camp workers struggle against the intolerable conditions, Pattullo at once lines up with the War Office and de- clares that the province will not give relief to the strikers, leaving them the choice of stary- ing to death or going back to the military bullpens under the guns of the military and police. The camps were built far from large cen- tres of population in order to make it dif- ficult for the inmates to strike. Hither the camps as they found them, or Starvation in the hills, were their alternatives. But the strikers, with almost incredible fortitude, marched to Vancouver ,and now the city council and Pattullo line up with the Federal government and propose to starve them back to the slave pens. It is the imperative class duty of all work- ing class political parties and trade unions to meet this united front of exploiters and their government agents with the united anti-star- vation front of the workers to compel the feeding and housing of these men. The Pope is calling upon his people to pray for the prevention of war which he says is impossible. Latest advices leaves a doubt as to whether he is going to solicit the aid of Jimmy Simpson and Gerry McGeer. began to change, now “up, down,” “GESTAPO” STATE SECRET POLICE | now ‘‘to the wall, double quick time, march,” “‘stop.”” It went on half an | hour. The prisoners still hold out. After three-quarters of an hour, | however, the first of the group be- gan to collapse. They had not the (Continued from last issue) strength to pull themselves together Im a room containing 80 prisoners, ene of the guards suddenly noticed @ Soviet star drawn on the door, and under it the initials, “P. Z.’ In the room there was a former Communist Landtag deputy to whose name the anitials fitted. Because of this “‘bol- shevist’” propaganda a punitive ex- pedition was organized against all the inmates of this room. For weeks the “‘mutineers’’ were beaten and tortured. It was only by chance that the prisoners discovered that fhe Soviet Star had been put up by two of the guards in order to give the commander a pretext for the brutal mistreatment of the prisoners. Another example: In the so-called Svest Court of the camp a newly arrived group of prisoners were forced to drill for such a long time that a dozen of them completely col- Japsed and had to be carried off the court. These drilling exercises were the usual greeting with which new- eomers were met; they were con- ducted by “Z.B.V-’ men. The un- conscious prisoners were carried to the infirmary, which was in the Hast Court. in the East Court a number of prisoners, who had been in the camp a long time already, were having their free hour. They jnappened to be singing when the miserable victims were being dragged in. And then suddenly the sons range out: “Icht Hatteinen Kamara- dan’? (I once had a comrade). The sentinel stood there, heard it and said nothing. Then the torturer from the West Court came storming aleng to the Bast Court, where the men iad been singing, and ordered the sentinel to coUsider this singing as mutiny and as a demonstration against his actions in the West Court. The singing had te be im- mediately broken off, the free hour was withdrawn from these prisoners; they had to begin running exercises, running for three-quarters of an! hour long without one moment rest, all as punishment for the mutiny.” The next morning, July 17, 1933, the punishment was continued. At 8 am. the Bast \Court prisoners came ‘fon duty.” A Z.B.V. police of- ficer took his place in the middle of the courtyard, and gave his com- mand first of all for endurance run- ning. After ten rounds his command Acquire Knowledge! . . . by reading the works which have been gained by years of ex- perience by the great worling- class revolutionaries. “Rise and Fall of Austro- Marxism’ by Ernst Fisher, 10c¢ The Workers’ Economic Struggle and the Fight for Workers’ Rule (by, Ac sosovska)! ---------.. -0c The Program of the Communist international: <2. 2-.ss 4 --2UC The 14th of March 1883 (by Fredrich Engels) ..-..-.-.. 5¢ Strike Strategy and Tactics (by, Cliarlie Sims) -...-.-.. -. 10¢ — Discount on Bundle Orders — Cash with Orders The above literature can be or- dered through the office of the B.C. Workers’ News. and continue. @inally some twenty were lying unconscious in the court- yard, under a blazing July sun. The jnfirmary refused to take them in, evidently acting on orders from the commander. (Continued next week) NOTICE! COME AND HEAR Com. W, Shaw, of the Camp Workers’ Union, speak en the subject, “What Can the Camp Workers Expect as a Result of the Royal Commission Inquiry.” Question and open discussion peri- eds will follow. Musical program ar- ranged by the United Educational Forum. Place, Community Hall, 2237 Main Street. Time, 8:00 p.m. All welcome. NOTICE Any organization wishing to use the W.1L.L. office, Room Flack Block, is requested to get in touch with the secretary, 262. 746 Cardero Street, for available dates. 12 Los for meetings, Harrison, rates and J. COX TO SPEAK J. Cox will speak at the Stanley Park C.C.Y., 1343 Robson St., on Monday, April Sth at 8 p.m. Subject, “Pov- erty of Reform.” PUSH "THE WORKER” DRIVE All this month there is 2 for subscriptions and donations to the sustaining fund for The Worker. Six thousand dollars is the objective aimed for, as well as new subscribers, increased bundle orders and individuals sales. The quota set for British Columbia is six hundred dollars. This ought to be easy for the work- ers and farmers of the province. The Worker on a better functioning basis. It is the intention of the Comrades in charge of the paper to issue it daily as soon as possible. It is now issued three times a week. The B.C. Workers News can never attempt to provide the news and educational material which The Worker can. It is our parent and leading organ of the revolutionary labor movement, and every literature agent and newsie handling our B.C. Workers News should assist in the campaign for The Worker. New readers are needed to meet the radicalization of the many thousands of werkers. the workers and farmers of Canada. There are hundreds ef left-wing workers in British Columbia who will gladly welcome The Worker for its news value alone, apart from itS educational value. PUSH THE CAMPAIGN FILL “THE WORKER WAR CHEST”! FORWARD TO A DAILY ‘WORKER’ IN CANADA! drive on throughout Canada It will help to place it is a mass paper for OVER THE TOP! Ontario Bondholders To Demand Pound of Fles| | Political Grafters Hand Out Fat Contracts To Power Companies The extent to which the finance Capitalists have Canada by the throat is indicated by the threats of the power corporations against the proposed cancellation by the On- tario Provincial Government of their contracts for the Supply of power to the Hydro Commission. One of these companies is the malodorous Beauharnois Company which financed the Conservative and Liberal parties to the tune of about a million dollars. The political grafters at the head of the Hydro handed out fat contracts to the power companies behind the backs of the public. Threaten Legal Action Pressure exerted by the users of power is forcing the Hepburn gov- CAMP WORKERS UNION REPLY 10 STIRLING'S LIES Plot tc Burn and Wreck Camps are Boss Fabrications VANCOUVER, B-C., April 2. — Plans to wreck, burn or destroy the Relief Camps as told to the House of Commons on March 29th by Hon. Grote Stiring, Minister of Natural Defense are without foundation. In no piece of literature, press re- lease, dodger, or letter has the Camp Workers’ Union advocated or agi- tated for the destruction of the Re- lief Camps on April 4th, according to E. Cumber, Secretary of the Un- nion, in the statement to the Press. Mr. Stirling read to the house the Relief Gamp Worker, a union paper wherein the organizing of camp com- mittees is defended and agitated for in order that the men will be able to have a committee to represent them and take up their many gsriev- ances, this is no doubt where Grote Stirling gets his ideas of wrecked camps. Sinee the strike of last December the Camp Workers haye found that all that was promised them if they freturned to camp turned out to be just another promise to be scrapped when the occasion warranted. Gamp Workers by the score have been evicted, blacklisted, and left to shift for themselves since December's strike, it was in such a situation that Sec. BE. Gumber found himself, having to reSort to using another mame in order to “get by’ and in defending 28 men who were evicted and arrested for eating a meal with- out paying for it. Cumber was ar- rested charged with obtaining relief under false pretenses. Letter follows: “The Relief Camp Workers’ Union has been the organization of the workers in the National Defense Camps for over three years. “Tt organized and led the workers in the strike of last December, when definite promises were made that the intolerable conditions in the camps would be thoroughly investigated. No investigation has been held, “At a conference of Over thirty delegates from the Camps, held in Kamloops, B.C. on March 10 - 11, the Camp workers’ representatives drew plans for a mass walkout from all Camps on April 4th. “This method was adopted only after serious discussion in the light that all other past strikes and dele- gations to the Government have been eallously ignored; and the glaring betrayal of the Pattullo promises agreed last December. “Mr. Stirling, after making hys- terical charges of “plots to destroy the Camps,’ states that ‘steps have been taken to safeguard the Camps.’ “The Relief Camp Workers’ Union brands the charges made by the Min- ister of National Defense as entirely Without foundation, and a deliberate issue. The loud charges of ‘plotting agitators’ are clearly a smoke screen to cover the criminal and inhuman administration of the Camps by the National Defense. “A pretext whereby the armed forces of the state will be brought into the camps to intimidate, beat up and even kill the long-suffering victims of the military iron heel, and prevent the complete and naked exposure of the damnable relief sys- tem. “The record of the conduct of the Relief Camp workers during the De- cember strike speaks for itself. The record of the National Defense and their daily use of the Provincial and Mounted Police in forcing their sys- tem on thousands 6f young men, iS replete with blacklistings, jailings and discrimination. “It is in protest against such treat- ment of human beings in a Civilized country, that the men in the camps will walkout on April 4th. “The Union assumes full responsi- bilities of the conduct of these men during the December strike. “The same conduct will prevail in the coming struggle. “On the other hand, if the Goyern- ment allowsthe National Defense to fortify these camps with armed forces prior to the walkout, a pro- voeative act in itself, this may drive weaker elements to resort to the very deeds that they are allesedly seeking to prevent. “We submit the above in the in- terest of the men and for their safety and trust that you will give it full publicity. “Relief Camp Workers, Union. “mH CUMBER, ‘MATTHEW SHAW, “JOHN WATTS.” | ‘International’ Sung f MISSION, B.C., Mar. 29. — “Tim suck js coming!’ Byery ceross-roaa and village, even the billboards in the Slawe Camps shout out the news. No other name could produce such a pitch of enthusiasm in the work- ers. A yery old lady declared: “I would come to Mission if the arch- angels were speaking: - What's that you say? Tim Buck, the man Bennett put in Kingston? Its seven good miles there and seven back, but if I’ve to walk the whole way there and the whole way back, I'll be there.”’ Trucks packed with men and wom- en came from every point in the Valley. Men from Slave Camps, brick-works, lumber camps and farms—every type of worker. The word passes he has come. “Three cheers for Tim Buck.” A slim, youngish-looking man with a eharming smile walks towards the platform amidst the deafening rounds of cheering. “Three cheers for the Communist Party,’ and there is equal response. The whole of the Seated aurience rises and for the first time in the District the work- ers’ sone — The International — is sung. Bill Bennett speaks a few words and then Tim holds the yast audience as in a spell for nearly two hours. “What a speech!’ It will be the talk of the District for weeks. Men who never attended a political meet- ing before said they could listen to such a man for a whole day and still want more. Quietly, in simple, conversational language, without any tricks of oratory he outlines the in- ternational situation; strips off the Fascist trappings of Bennett’s Social Reform; explains the purpose and Significance of the Communist Party and calls for a real united front of all workers against the rapidly grow- ing menace of Fascism and War. A record meeting; a record collec- tion; and above all, a record to live up to for all workers in the move- ment. Valley Farmers Travel Miles to Hear Tim Buck Meeting in Mission or First Time at Mass YOUTH LEAD WALK-OGUT VANCOUVER, B.C., April 3.— Young Communist League lead- ership in Camp 903, Squamish, succeeded in outwitting foreman by Jeading 60 camp strikers to Vancouver one day earlier than the authorities expected. In the strike last December, this fore- man succeeded in delaying the action by not having the boat eall at Squamish tor five days and somewhat weakened the ranks of the strikers of this dis- trict. As the struggle broadens, the example set by the ‘well dis- ciplined ¥.€.l. in the Camp Workers’ fight should be a model of initiative and tact in future. struggles. Calif. Students Are Arrested BERELEY, Calif., Mar. (ALP) —FHight more University of Califor- nia students haye been arrested here for distributing handbills advertising an anti-war meeting. The arrested students were finger- printed. Among those arrested was Anfree Sapiro, 19, New York, daughter of Aaron Sapiro, noted at- torney. The leaflet distributed quoted from the headlines in the daily newspapers of the imminence of war, and urged all students to join in the April 22 students’ strike protesting against war. 27 ot OF BRITIS Attempt at The counter-revolutionary rag called “Labor Truth” takes umbrage at an article in the “B.C. Workers’ News” wherein the “Truth” was tak- en to task for its defense of British imperialist rule and for its slander of workers’ rule in the Soviet Union. The writer of the “come-back” de- votes nesrly the whole of his article in an elephantine attempt at ridicul- ine the statement that 350 millions of people were shot by British troops in India. Seizes Upon Typographical Error He quotes: “. . . 350 millions of India who were shot down .. .” It is true these words appeared in the REACTIONARY RAG RAGES AT CASTIGATION FOR SUPPORT Seizes Upon Typographical Error in Feeble H COLONIAL RULE Refutation article in the News. Of course such a statement, as it appeared, is a manifest absurdity, and its appear- ance is due to a typographical error which, unfortunately, appears occa- sionally in every paper. The entire population of India si approximately 350millions, and no one would assert that the entire population had been shot. The copy read: *. . 350 mil- lions of India, thousands of whom were shot (as at Amritsar) etc.” But for the mental pigmies who seribble for the “‘Truth’’ to serve the boss class the error is the only thing they can refute in the whole article. ; Can the ‘*Druth,’’ which loves the What The Relief Camp Workers Are Demanding That work with wages be instituted at a minimum rate of 50c per hour for unskilled workers, and Trade Union rates for all skilled workers, on the basis of a six-hour day, five day week, with a minimum 2 ite every Camp. vote. class laws be repealed. of 20 work days per month. That all workers in Relief Camps be covered by the Com- pensation Act, and that adequate first-aid supplies be car- ried on the job at all timse. That the NATIONAL DEFENCE and all MILITARY con- trol, with their system of BLACKLISTING, where men are cut off from all means of livelihood, be abolished. That democratically elected Committees be recognized in That there be instituted a system of Non-contributory Un- employment Insurance, based on the “Workers’ Bill of Social and Unemployment Insurance.” That all workers be given their DEMOCRATIC RIGHT to That Section 98 of the Criminal Code, Sections 41-42 of the Immigration Act, Vagrancy laws and all anti-working in the event of cancellation of e 34 ernment to act. , The bondholde contracts, are falling back be the legal bulwarks of capitalis; the courts, and threaten legal ac against Ontario outside the pra ince, and to attach proyinel) monies. i The old ery about damaging “credit” of the province and Domi jon is also trotted out. Meanwhije> stocks of the companies involy: i have fallen rapidly. 7 | 2 } 4 U.B.C. STUDENTS. GREET TIM BUCI POR SUN eee ed eta Faculty Refuses Retur Visit to Answer Questions i Di Tim Buck, the general secretay) of the Communits Party of Canad” was erected by an enthusiastic aud” ence of 400 students at the Uniye™ sity on Monday. f Although the Faculty Board £¢ bid the Student League to ERROTE 55 fhe meeting, the original meeting hall was too small, and the st ian dents took possession of Arts 107) r one the the largest meeting nat EE on the campus. i @ boi In his speech, Tim Buck brougl; out very clearly the role of the st; dent in connection with the worl! ing class movement, and stated en; phatically that the students mu choose — either reaction or revo : tionary progress. : Asked to Return Tim was so well received by student audience that he was aske’ to return the next day to answe questions. About 250 students cam to the second meeting, but iE Waculty Council decided that @ first meeting was sufficient and 72 fused to let him speak again. A motion was passed by the meet ing asking the Faculty Board to consider its decision. Late News—At time of going ™ press we learm that 150 studeny have agreed to outwit the U.BG. Faculty Board and are prepared ¢ : stage a banquet in the UniversiQ; Restaurant for Tim Buck so tha he can answer their questions. Un fortunately Tim Buck is on his We, back East. ‘ PORT ARTHUR us 2 WORKERS GREET. ‘WORKERS’ NEWS! Business Manager, B.C. Workers’ News, : | Vancouver, B.C. Sa: Dear Comrades: : As instructed by the executive | of our Union I am forwarding yoll a Money Order for $1.50 to covet our subscription to the “B.C Workers’ News.” | Our Union wishes to greet the workers of B.C. on the work they have done in building up them — own paper, which no doubt was much needed. Bie if desired, we are willing to for © ward some news from time t¢ time, but I assume that it will come perhaps better through the A.L.P. hi With comradely greetings, . B. Magnuson, Sec’y. 4 Western Ontario Region Lumber Workers Ind Union of Canada. 350 Bay Street, Port Arthur, Ont. murderous rule of the British 7 class, deny that natives of Indi were shot? It makes no attempt q refute the statement about the : tives of Africa, degraded, exploitel and decimated by British rule, 6 the forcing of opium on the Chines by the same gang of exploiters. Sniffles for Poor Imperialisni | The “Truth” sneers at any con sideration for exploited colonial pei ples, and tearfully bewails the “hold ing up to ridicule of the fovernmen of their own land,” a sgovernmel which “‘compares favorably with 20} ijn the world.” “Our” own land! A land owned and exploited by the ruthless para site class which ‘Truth’ defends.” Here is another gem from thi “Druth’: “He (the writer of the 4& ticle in the “B.C. Workers Newsy M. B.) argues in effect that it i much better to be shot or starve by a proletarian dictatorship than U be killed by any other government. Of course Bruce never said “in ef fect’ such a thing. But if tH “Truth” writer had written: “H argues ... that it is much bette to have capitalists shot or starve by a proletarian dictatorship im th interests of the working class majo} ity of the population than to hay workers killed by a government of parasite capitalist class,” he woul have been right. A Venal Rag | That “Labor Truth” is an agen lof capitalism and a vicious an venal enemy of the workers can ie proved in a thousand ways. And | is because of its anti-working chal acter that the Shipping Federatic buys copies of it by the bundre¢ and distributes them free to the long shoremen. And that is the reason that th longshoremen tear the copies int bits and scatter them over the floo without even looking at their filth contents. —Malcolm Bruc HASTINGS BAKERY 716 EAST HASTING ST. The Bakery that supplied bread to the Loggers’ Strike. We Specialize in Cakes and Faney Bread Support Those Who Support You