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From New International, Vol. VI No. 10 (Whole No. 49), December 1940, p. 194.
Transcribed & marked up by Einde O’Callaghan for ETOL.
Due to unforeseen technical obstacles, it was necessary to omit the November issue of The New International. For our subscribers this does not mean that they will not receive the number of issues that they subscribed for. If a subscription runs out in December, for instance, a subscriber will receive the January issue before his sub is renewable.
As to the branches, it is unfortunate that the continuity of the N.I. sales had to be interrupted. But without going into detail, the branches themselves are in a great measure responsible for the condition that prevented the November publication.
Ever more pressing becomes the need to utilize every means at the disposal of Revolutionary Marxists and their sympathizers for the enlightenment and education of the masses who inherently are opposed to imperialist war. The anti-war sentiment of the American people is a living fact as shown by the Gallup and other polls. Before it becomes too late, this sentiment must be channelized and coordinated or we will find ourselves participating rather than staying in that vague state described as ‘short of war’. ‘Short of’ in the imperialist language has already become ‘the drive for’.
Listening to the radio; reading (anything but Marxist literature); listening to speeches of liberals, Browders, Thomases and those who give distorted versions of Trotskyist theory should have by now impressed our readers with not only the duty but the desire to make The New International a real force in molding the opinion of increasing numbers of people.
The New International is already such a force. All it needs is the ‘push’ of its present readers to expand its influence. If you think it over and come to the realization that The New International is the only theoretical organ of Revolutionary Marxism published in this country; and that only Revolutionary Marxism can produce October Revolutions; and that only October Revolutions can produce Socialism; and that only Socialism can solve the contradictions of capitalism and its imperialist wars; then you must come to the realization that your role is to help The New International in every way you can. There are many ways to help – new subscribers, greater group distribution with increased bundle orders, contributions, word of mouth advertising, etc.
Speaking of contributions, we need money for foreign mailings. Last month this column mentioned how eagerly The New International is waited for by comrades and sympathizers in foreign countries. It is becoming increasingly difficult to send it due to the terrific expense involved. For instance, no bundles can be sent to any part of the British empire – only single copies – which means postage on each copy and its no small item. Anything from a nickel up earmarked for foreign mailing will be used for this purpose only.
We would like to hear from more of our readers. Comments, suggestions, criticisms – favorable and otherwise. It helps us if we know how you react to each issue.
There has been some improvement in bundle order payments since the October issue made its appearance. But there will have to be a great deal more if The New International is to be sustained. Again we repeat that bundle orders are the only source of income that can and should be stabilized. The number of subscriptions that come in vary from month to month. Donations are sporadic. There is no income from advertising. We must insist again that bundle orders be paid for promptly if the theoretical income on which we operate is to become actual. Our editorial department is well equipped to dispense theory but unfortunately they cannot support the press with what it takes to make it up, to print it, to buy the paper and to run it on the press. This task and duty remain with our readers who, we feel sure, will come through.
We are able to report an increase in bundle orders from: Boston, who pays its bill promptly; Washington, D.C.; the Debs branch in Akron has ordered a new bundle of 75 but unless it is paid for we’ll have to take drastic action.
We are sorry to report that Lynn has reduced its bundle by 5, Newark by 10.
Reading, Pennsylvania has sent in money in advance for a new modest sized bundle. The same with Kansas City, Mo.
New York has just appointed a new literature agent from whom we expect great things. We firmly believe that he can double the sales of the N.I. in a very short time. We’ll tell the rest of the country how he does it – if he does.
Another plea for subscriptions. They can be had with very little effort. One additional subscription from each reader will change the entire picture of the business end of the N.I.
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Last updated on 9.7.2013