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From Fourth International, Vol. I No. 3, July 1940, pp. 66.
On the masthead of the June issue you probably noticed the phrase “2nd class mailing rights applied for.” The same phrase is there again on this issue. All of which means that the Fourth International is again being mailed to you at the all but prohibitive 3rd class mailing rates. It is impossible, of course, to judge when the Post Office department will act upon our application, or even if their decision will be favorable to us. We can only hope that by the time the August issue is off the press we will have obtained our 2nd class permit. And in the meantime? We are desperately short of postage money.
A great majority of our foreign comrades are now unable to contribute to the support of our magazine. And yet it is our duty to continue getting to them each issue where there is any possibility of it reaching them. And, be assured, we find ways and the support of the Fourth International falls now, more than ever before, upon the shoulders of the American comrades and friends.
Evidence of insufficient support is the fact that this issue is only 16 pages instead of the regular 32. This must be only a temporary retreat. Whether the warring imperialists strike a bargain or not, America is in for a period of reaction. The Fourth International has work to do; work that cannot be delayed or postponed.
The most efficient way to meet this crisis is by paying all bundle-order bills promptly and in full. Every branch must square its account if we are to continue publishing. Some branches have bills totaling $100. If these comrades make no effort to pay off their indebtedness the time will come when we shall be forced to close their accounts. Don’t allow this to happen! Every single copy of the Fourth International must reach a worker.
Make this possible by paying up. It’s not too much to ask!
Now that we’ve gotten that off our chest, a few pats on the back are in order. With the third issue off the press, it is possible to take a more objective view of the recent subscription drive. The drive was definitely a success. The party responded with discipline and enthusiasm (and a little anger at the theft of the New International, which was an undeniable blow, but also a shot-in-the-arm). The comrades knew how the columns of the New International would be corrupted by the abductors; they knew that its honored career as a true organ of revolutionary Marxism was at a close; and they knew that a successor (not a competitor) had to be established without the loss of a single month. Directives from the National Office were hardly needed, for the branches spontaneously mobilized and flooded this office with subscriptions. Well done! We all deserve a little self-congratulation…but no relaxation.
FLINT is the answer to a Business Manager’s prayer. While the branch is small, it is extremely aggressive. Last week a note came from Henrietta G. which read, “We think that the Fourth International is splendid and the best way that we can show it is to send in subs. Enclosed is $10 for 10 subs. More will follow.” And not only that, but Flint comrades keep their bundle order paid up. What more can be said?
ALLENTOWN will lose Ruth Q. as literature agent for the summer and the party will miss her fine services. She has contributed to the success of the Fourth International and she enters the hospital with all the thoughts and wishes of her comrades for a speedy recovery.
ROCHESTER and K.S. should receive special mention. Immediately after the split there were very few comrades left to carry on the work of selling and distributing the magazine. Far from being discouraged, this branch actually became more active and militant. K.S. has increased his bundle order twice and keeps his accounts balanced. He receives many extra copies of the magazine and uses them to make contact with the workers. There is no question but that the Rochester branch will grow and widen its influence among the workers.
No summer slump in NEW HAVEN either. Nick L. realizes that prompt bundle payments are vitaly necessary. And I.L. of YOUNGSTOWN keeps a steady stream of new subscriptions coming into this office. He doesn’t let them collect in his pocket, but sends in a few each week. That’s the proper way to handle it.
There is a new branch in MILWAUKEE and we expect big results on the Fourth International sales out there. It’s a fine proletarian center and the magazine should be most welcome. BUFFALO is gaining speed in party activity. We hope to report soon that this branch is among the FI activists also.
A final word about local Fourth International parties and promotions. We have on hand a great many bound volumes of ’38 and ’39 New Internationals. They are a necessity for every Marxist and you can have both volumes for $3.80. Used as prizes, or raffled off, they will create great interest and enthusiasm. Conduct local subscription contests, parties and benefits and use these volumes as prizes.
If you want any suggestions and help in planning your affairs, drop us a line. We’re full of merchandising ideas.
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Last updated on 26 February 2016