> Convention Takes Western Canada’s Leading Progressive The People’s Advoc Newspaper ate ANCOUVER, B.C., FRIDAY, JULY 9, 1937 NANAIMO C CF CLUBS Stephen Expelled WWE he ani x After Hot Debate !° Head CCF Executive Recommendation To Oust Noted Anti- Fascist Writer For Advocating Unity Meets Stern Opposition Not until A. 1. Stephen had been expelled from the CCF, did many of the delegates realize that “One-armed” Ferguson, Trotskyist, whom Stephen branded before the convention, had Sneeringly helped to count the votes. Obviously intended as the convention keynote, the agenda prepared by the provincial executive placed the case of Stephen in the first hour of the initial session, Friday. Secre- tary H. Gargraye was delegated to lead the attack and give the executive’s recommendation for expulsion. Ironically enough, Gargrave pre- sented a resolution to the conyven- | tion which called for ‘ - Support for the democratically clected gov- ernment of Spain which was fight- ing against fearful odds to protect the newly won freedom of the peo- ple from the vicious onslaughts of Spanish Fascists assisted by Ger- man and Italian Fascism.” This pesolution was unanimously adopted. A. M. Stephen, called to the plat- form, reminded delepates of the resolution just endorsed, stated that the issues in Spain began the con- ireversy between the executive and himself. 2 Dramatically pointing out Fer- Suson in the audience as the man who distributed the slanderous, pro- Fascist leaflet at the Auditorium meeting where the Spanish dele sates spoke, Stephen stated. “This man is granted a seat in this con- vention ywhile T am excluded. T de- manded disciplinary measures be taken against this man to the point of laying my vesigsnation On the table.” Chairman A. Turner. who, it was Stated, was also a member of the Stephen trial cominittee, ruling against the request that the slan- derojis leaflet be. wxead, yohinteered to Say that Stephen was exageerat- ing various points, was roughly told by one delegate, “We don’t need your advice; just stick to your job as chairman.” On the subject of the united front, Stephen claimed that he had advo- Cated the same form of unity as exists in France at the present time and no other. He claimed that the right of free speech permitted him to do this as well as the growing need for unity against entrenched reaction. “At the rate things are foing you will have to be faced with the ma- chine guns before you achieve this Vital unity,” be said. Coming to the question of his can- didacy in the Alberni-Nanaimo con- Stituency, Stephen’s speech was a distinet challenge to the actions of the executive in this matter. “I accuse the executive of sabo- tage when they refused me litera- ture, for which my committee was prepared to pay, and speakers. The CCF executive betrayed the worlk- ers, not only of that constituency but also the Corbin miners, relief Camp workers and the workers on the waterfront, when they permit- ted the reactionary Pearson to win this seat by allowing false state- ments in the press to go unchal- lenged. Pearson can now continue his strike-breaking and skull-crack- ing policies,” shouted Stephen to his silent audience. Rising to reply to Stephen, Secre- tary Garerave stated that he spoke on behalf of the executive which, he said, was “unanimous” on the report he was about to make. Producing documented state- ments of his own and that of the trial committee, Gargraye some- what smugly remarked that he wished another member of the ex Ccutive had his present task and proceeded to read therefrom, inter- Spersing with strong persona] opin- ions and interpretations of the “un- animous” findings of the executive. Stung by some particularly yven- omous remarks, Alderman A. Hurry sprang to his feet and shouted, “Now Ma. Gargrave, remember that I never recommended the expulsion of A. M. Stephen.” Mildred QOster- hout and Ald. Helena Gutteridge also rose to protest statements quoted under their endorsation. Gargrave heatedly shouted his re- affirmation of charges and a gen- Ready Now... all your questions. . ood? $9$900600000000606 Now on Sale =| - I Visit The Soviets MARGARET GOULD, Secretary Child Welfare Council of To- rento, and Special Correspondent of the Toronto Star, can answer -. . What about Schools, Sex, Women, Liberty, $1.00 per copy (Clothbound) A. M. Stephen He was expelled for advocating unity, eral uproar arose. Colin Cameron, MiLA-elect, challenged some of the Statements and pointed to the posi- tion of repudiation taken by two of the executive members, and Gar- Srave took personal objection to any doubt of his veracity, calling upon other executive members ito back up his statements. Dr. Lyle Telford, obviously ill at case, made a short statement to the effect that “he had tried to save Stephen fram himself.” Dorothy Steeves, MILA, stated that difficulties are not Overcome by expulsions and that the econtro- VETSY was a genuine one to be thor cuehly thrashed out, and intimated that in her opinion Stephen was looking ahead as to unity in the movement. Grant McNeil, MP. stated that he stood pat on the constitution and decisions of the last district conven- tion and that he could not sympa- thize with the position of Stephen. 5. E. Winch, MLA, made a vicious attack on Stephen, Stating that as a Socialist he could not be relief upon for the Jast seven years. Stephen indignantly nailed this Statement asa “lie.” Winch made the extra- ordinary statement that it was Stephen himself who lost the Alber- ni-Nainaimo election. He also said that the Popular Front may apply to France but not to B.c. “Uniless he is expelled and those who sup- port him the CCF is headed for des- truction,”” he said. Mrs. Steeves Stated at this point that she had heard Winch Say that he supported the program of the Communist par- ty and that Something should also be done about that. Angus MacInnis, MP, as usual, lost his temper. Attempting to speak judicially, his face bespoke his hatred of the united front and those who dared to bring the ques- tion forward. Boos and hisses greet- 6d him when he likened Stephen to Hitler and Mussolini and he was barely coherent toward the end of his attack. The recommendation was again read, which was as follows: “That A. M. Stephen be expelled for his actions during the provincia] elec- tion when he ran as Candidate of CCF clubs in Alberni-Nanaimo in Gefiance of the executive's action In suspending him, and for openly advocating a united front in defi- ance of convention policy.” The vote showed 96 for expulsion and 61 again. aie 4 PO009000009 EW AGE BOOKSHO “350 W. Pender St. Phone Trm. 5753 4 4 In Province H. Garsrave Elected To Secretary-Treasur- ers Post RIGHT-WING EXEC’ TV Stormy passages preceded passing a vote of censure on clubs in Alberni-Nanaimo provincial riding and on those individuals who aided A. M. Stephen’s election campaign at the Saturday evening ses- sion of the CCF convention here. Secretary Herbert Gargrave, on behalf of the provincial executive, recommended +hat the vote of cen- sure be passed, pending reorganiza- tion of the clubs. The vote of censure was finally carried, after an amendment delet- ing all reference to reorganization lad been adopted. Highlights of the debate follow: George Lestrange (Nanaimo) : “A. M. Stephen was the unanimous choice of the clubs in the riding. We realized that the executive was unable to endorse Stephen on con- stitutional grounds, but neverthe- less, it was Possible to construe the Position of the executive as that of turning a blind eye to the matter. In the same position under the Same circumstances I would do the same thing again.” Colin Cameron: “Is it wise at this time to censure CGF members in Nanaimo for doing as they did? I regret that the executive has seen r fit to advance this resolution and ask you to consider the feelings of men and women who, whatever their views, are just as sincere a you are.” : Trevos Davis (Courtenay): “T Want to warn the executive against further loss of its prestige on the island by passing such a vote of censure. The prestige of the execu_ tive on the Island is already none too high, and a vote of censure will not help matters.’ Roger Bray (North Vancouver): “I don’t think that such a vote of censure is dratsic enough for those who are at the bottom of this trouble. I think that those elubs en- dorsing Stephen should be suspend- ed pending reorganization.” Clash on Telegram. George Lestrange referred to a telegram sent by Dr. Telford. Dr. Telford professed not to remember the contents, and Lestrange said he had no copy. Matthew Glenday (Parksville) rose to State that he was not prepared to concur in a vote of censure until he had suffi- cient evidence—the telegram, for instance. He then produced a copy of a tele €tam which he said had been sent by Secretary Gargrave to Golin Cameron. He proposed to read it. Gargrave jumped to his feet. “Comrade chairman, T[ Want to know where Comrade Glenday got that telegram?” he demanded. “On the Island,’ was the reply. “Where did Comrade Glenday get that telegram?” Garerave reiter- ated. Glenday would not give the in- formation, and the chairman ruled that he could not be permitted to read the telegram. Later in the debate Gargrave read the text of the telegram, as follows: “Executive cannot upset council decision. Will not oppose inde- pendent candidate.” Cameron volunteered the infor- mation that he had destroyed he telegram because he had learned later from Dr. Lyle Telford that, in the president’s opinion, Secretary Gargrave had exceeded his author— ity. John McInnis (Prince George) pleaded with delegates to take a reasonable attitude. “If we keep-on as we're £oing,”’ he remarked, “we'll soon be like the cld Socialist party—a wonderful or- Ganization, but nobody in it.” S In Favo On United Action Solid Bloc of 40 tep Backward Ousts Resolutions Of Progressives r of Unity Amendments To Grant Local Autonomy To Clubs With Progressive Groups Turned Down 23. they belong. 5. his mouth twisted, concluded Dorothy Steeves ‘She thought Stephen was Iool- ing ahead. Trotskyist To Remain Suspended Gargrave Brands Rodney Young as Disrupter in CCF Despite efforts of Matthew Glen- day and Joe Round to lift the sus- Pension of Rodney Young, youns Vancouver Trotskyist, the GCF con- vention here Saturday upheld the decision of the executive which, three months aso, suspended Young from the CCF for one year. Angus MacInnis, MP. Round both fought to prevent limit being’ placed on Younes. and Joe a time Young's appeal, couched in hypo critical languase, was based on the sround that he had broken no con- stitutional rules. Secretary Herbert Gar ive, pre- sentins the executi views, branded Young as a constant dis- rupter who had fomented discord in the movement to such an extent that the chairman of Vancouver Centre district council had resigned his seat and had not since retummed. Matthew Glenday, defendin gs Young, referred to him as one who “has paid the supreme penalty,’ a statement which evoked laughter from delegates. Arthur Turner. pointed ont that Youngs: was by no means “the simple, unsophisticated youth” his appeal might lead one to believe. Delegate Sullivan (Hastines charged Youne with having on continuous disruptive activiti first in the Economic and Employ- ment Conference and second in his club and district council. Motion to sustain Woune’s sus- pension was carried overwhelmingly. ee LOS ANGELES, Calif. — In the last five months more than 45,000 members have - énrolled Rake (GHEG) unions in Southern Califomia. “... And throw the Communists With this final taunt flung at progressive delegates who advocated adoption of a resolution to give clubs local autonomy in the matter progressive parties, Angus MaciInnis, MP, his face flushed, on the dung heap where of co-operation with other a bitter denunciation of the Communist party as his contribution to the lengthy debate on the united front which occupied delegates to the CCF convention here the better part of last Saturday. The whole question Was precipi- ®tated when George Weaver, chair- main, resolutions committee, recom- mended concurrence in a resolution offered by Hastings East club which Stated: s Be it resolved, that this cenvention endorses the action of the past executive in refusing to relinquish Seats to the Communist party and further that we £0 on record as reiterating the poliey of complete political independence for the CCK” There were seven other tresolu- tions worded along similar lines and sixteen, typified by the following, in direct opposition: “Whereas, the unity of all pro- gressive forces in BC is not realized within the structure of the CCF, and it is also necessary to movement united “Whereas, have a unified labor against any contemplated front of the capitalist parties, “Therefore be it resolved, that we Stand for unity of all left-wing ele- ments e€mbracine the Communist party, Social Credit sroups, Connel- lites and all proesressives on any minimum platform to ensure a wic- tory for the common People in the coming provincial elections.” This resolution was sent in by Vernon CCF club before the pro- vincial election in the belief that the convention would be held before the election. When Weaver read out the reso- lution from Hastines East club, A_ Black offered the amendment to Provide for local autonomy. “J believe that the choice should Jeft to the clubs in Particular electoral ridings to décide Whether or not political co-operation With other progressives is advisable,”’ he stated. SRE be have in mind, particularly, municipal elections,’ he added. He was supported by George Lestrange (Nanaimo) who declared that if it had not been for co- operation of organized labor in Comox riding during the last pro- vincial elections, Colin Cameron would not be sitting in the conven- tion a CCF MLA-elect. Colin Cameron thought that erant- Ins of such autonomy to the elubs Would be an excellent Opportunity to test the theory out and see whether not it were feasible. Opposition came particularly from Joe Round (Victoria), Reginald Bul- loels (North Wanecouver) and J. B. Caird, one of the CGRP candidates in Wictoria in the provincial elections. Support for Lestrange’s contention came from Trevor Davis, campaisn manager for Colin Cam- eron. Harry ager for I: or George Wanxnard, campaign man- A. Shepherd, CCP \LA- elect, stated that Delta had faced a situation similar to that at Comox and he could only concur with the speaker from that constituency. “Whether you like it or not, local autonomy will come irrespec- tive of which Way the vote goes,’ he stated, urging that delegates fake a broad view of the situation. In the afternoon on resumption of the debate, everal of the anti- unity leaders of the CCE rose to follow up the vicious attack on the Communist party delivered by Ar- thur Turner, vice-president, at the Typically demagogie in his utter- ances, Joe Round rose a second time to-a rt: “Economic conditions will deter- mine when the mass of the workers will rally behind the Socialist ideol- Colin Cameron Bitter Attacks On United Front MacInnis Mark Fifth CCF Convention In City He wanted to test a theory. ogy and we must preserve our Political independence so that when the day comes we may be free to give decisive leadership.’’ He was followed by Angus Mac- Innis, MP, who launched into a Stream of invective against the Communist party. So scathing was his denunciation of Communism, in fact, that one delesate Sitting behind him audibly wondered “if it were Tom McInnes or Angus MacInnis speaking.’ MacInnis too, quoted intermin- ably from the People’s Advocate, referring to it as “the so-called Christian—I mean—People's Advo- cate.* He advanced the argument that because the New Zealand, Australian Led By Angus Provincial In sessions marked by bitter attacks on the united front and the Communist party the fifth CCF provincial convention here last week-end took a definite swing : opposition of a solid bloe of some 60 progressive delegates. te the right over whole trend this year was contrast to that of last year’s convention when many pro- Sressive resolutions were endorsed. Present were 178 delegates fepre- senting 136 clubs, as compared with 259 delegates representing= 175 clubs in 1936. In many cases after stormy de- bate, the convention decided to: Expel A. M. Stephen, noted anti-Fascist poet and author, for his persistent advocacy of unity with other progressive