Weisbord Abdicates

Last week began the 31st week and a settlement seemed possible in the textile strike in Passaic, N. J. The United Textile Workers, an offspring of the languid, conservative American Federation of Labor, has agreed to issue a charter to the 16,000 Passaic strikers, on condition that "Albert Weisbord and his associates" be denied membership. In other words, so-called "Communist" Weisbord (TIME, Aug. 16), who has led the workers for so long, must peacefully, gracefully get out. He said he would as soon as the charter is granted, then pronounced his own funeral oration:

"It seems strange that my head should be demanded as a punishment for the sole crime of having served the interests of the working class loyally and faithfully. . . .

"I feel that when I retire from the situation leaving, as I shall, a victorious textile union in Passaic, well established and well recognized, I shall have retired with the respect and love of the workers in Passaic and throughout the country."

It is likely that the mill owners will be more inclined to listen to the tame United Textile Workers Union than they had been to Albert Weisbord's bellicose United Front Committee; in fact, ambidextrous Senator Borah may be called in as mediator before the summer is over.

Attempts to unionize the Passaic textile workers at various times since 1912 have never been permanently successful, partly because of the vigorous opposition of the mill owners, partly because of the indifference of the workers and their neglect to pay regular dues. Dethroned "Hero" Weisbord will continue to live in Passaic; perhaps he suspects the permanence of the new union arrangement.