Vincent Saint John

Name: The I. W. W. and political parties
Author: Vincent Saint John

The I. W. W. and political parties (c/1924)

Summary

“The I. W. W. and political parties”, published in c/1924, is a work by Vincent Saint John. It explores elements such as workers, organization and capitalists.

Quotes from The I. W. W. and political parties (Vincent Saint John)

Vincent Saint John, The I. W. W. and political parties (c/1924)

“ With such an organization, knowing that an injury to one member of the working class is an injury to every member of that class, it will be possible to make the use of injunctions and the militia so costly that the capitalist will not use them. None of his industries would run except for such length of time as the workers needed to work in order to get in shape to renew the struggle.
A stubborn slave will bring the most overbearing master to time. The capitalists cannot exterminate a real labor organization by fighting it; they are only dangerous when they commence to fraternize with it. ”

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Source: Wikisource

Vincent Saint John, The I. W. W. and political parties (c/1924)

“ The capitalists' political power is exactly the measure of their industrial power—control of industry; that control can only be disputed and finally destroyed by an organization of the workers inside the industries—organized for the every day struggle with the capitalists and to carry on production when capitalism shall have been overthrown. ”

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Source: Wikisource

Vincent Saint John, The I. W. W. and political parties (c/1924)

“ A little investigation will prove to any worker that while the workers are divided on the industrial field, it is not possible to unite them on any other field to advance a working class program.
Further investigation will prove that with the working class divided on the industrial field, unity anywhere else—if it could be brought about—would be without results. The workers would be without power to enforce any demands. ”

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Source: Wikisource

Vincent Saint John, The I. W. W. and political parties (c/1924)

“ The work before us is to build up an organization of our class in the field wherein our power lies. That task must be accomplished by the workers themselves. Whatever obstacles are in the way must be overcome, however great they seem to be. Remember that the working class is a great class and its power is unbounded when properly organized.
As we organize we control our labor power. As we control our labor power a little we control industry a little; as we organize more we will control more of our labor power, and also control industry more. ”

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Source: Wikisource

Vincent Saint John, The I. W. W. and political parties (c/1924)

“ Neither can the capitalists and their tools exterminate the working class or any considerable portion of it; they would have to go to work themselves if they did.
It is true that while the movement is weak they may victimize a few of its members, but if that is not allowed to intimidate the organization the employers will not be able to do that very long.
Persecution of any organization always results in the growth of the principle represented by that organization—if its members are men and women of courage. If they are not, there is no substitute that will insure victory. ”

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Source: Wikisource

Vincent Saint John, The I. W. W. and political parties (c/1924)

“ In answer, ask yourself what will stop the use of the same weapons against you on the political field if by the political activity of the workers you were able to menace the profits of the capitalist? ”

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Source: Wikisource

Vincent Saint John, The I. W. W. and political parties (c/1924)

“ Why, then, should not all stress be laid upon the organization of the workers on the industrial field?
The illustration used by our fellow worker in which he likens the economic organization to a one legged concern because it does not mention political action, is not a comparison that in any way fits the case. ”

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Source: Wikisource

Vincent Saint John, The I. W. W. and political parties (c/1924)

“ The proposition, then, is to lay all stress in our agitation upon the essential point, that is, upon the places of production, where the working class must unite in sufficient numbers before it will have the power to make itself felt anywhere else. ”

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Source: Wikisource

Vincent Saint John, The I. W. W. and political parties (c/1924)

“ Will it not follow that, united in sufficient numbers at the workshops and guided by the knowledge of their class interests, such unity will be manifested in every field wherein they can assist in advancing the interest of the working class? ”

Vincent Saint John

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