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following: the number of books published by the small native republics in 1928 was 2,721,900 copies; in 1930, 11,650,000, -- an increase of over 400%.

Women Emancipated.

Together with the political and economic advance came the emancipation of women: in Kasakstan, where, under the Tsar, 99% of the natives were illiterate, 24% of the judges and 21% of the members of the local Soviets are women.

The native tongue had to be developed in many regions. A written language had to be invented where there was one. This was done, not because of nationalism but because the native tongue was the instrument best adapted to lift the masses out of the mire and to make them participate in the up-building of the country. The national republics speak 70 tongues, but the meaning is one; building socialism.

No Jim-Crowism.

Anybody traveling through the Soviet Union cannot fail to compare the situation of the natives in the "national republics" with the situation of the Negro masses in the United States or in the colonies. Here Jim Crowism is upheld by all the forces of the state; there--full equality, economic, political and social, of all colors, races, nationalities, upheld and cultivated by the proletarian state. Here, semi-slavery for Negro workers, worse pay for equal work, lynch law for an attempt to fight oppression; there--special attention and particular care for the needs and requirements of the local population. Here, Scottsboro; there, representatives of the native republics sit in the Kremlin at the session of the All-Soviet Congresses.

Socialism--The Road to Freedom.

The road to freedom and equality for the exploited Negro masses is the road indicated by the life experience of the Soviet workers; it is--a united struggle of Negro and white workers, of Negro and white farmers, against their exploiters, a struggle for a Socialist Soviet Republic.
(Reprinted from "Soviet Russia today".)

[[image - cartoon]]
Chase out the Slave drivers"
Forced Labour
[[caption]] Down With The Slave Drivers! Long Live The Freedom of Africa![[/caption]]
22

World Congress of Seamen[[/boxed title]]

The first world congress of seamen, dockers and other water transport workers took place in Altona, Hamburg on May 20th-23rd.

There we about 193 delegates from 29 different countries. Many delegates directly from the colonies and semi-colonies, -- South and Central America, Africa, India, etc. -- were either detained on their way or unable to obtain passports.

Nevertheless, the congress showed a very enthusiastic fighting spirit and can truly be said to mark a step forward in establishing a united front among the water transport workers of the world against wage cuts, lengthening of the working day, unemployment, the imperialist war danger and the intervention against Soviet Russia.

These facts should serve to remind the white workers of England that they have a great obligation towards the colonial peoples in supporting their struggles for freedom from the yoke of British imperialism.

[[image]]
[[caption]] Comrade G. Kouyate, African revolutionary leader from the Soudan [[/caption]]

Great Ovation for Scottsboro Mother.

As soon as the Congress was declared open, the delegates and visitors gave Mrs. Ada Wright, mother of two of the Scottsboro boys, a tremendous ovation and on the motion of George Padmore, the Secretary of the International Trade Union Committee of Negro Workers, elected her an honorary member of the Congress presidium.

Mrs. Wright and J. Louis Engdahl, the secretary of the I.L.D. afterwards addressed the Congress, telling the story of how the 9 little Negro boys were framed up by American ruling class justice.

A resolution of protest demanding the freedom of the boys was unanimously adopted. The delegates also pledged to carry the struggle for the liberation of the Negroes into every ship and harbour where defense committees will be organized. A resolution calling for the liberation of Tom Mooney and other political prisoners in the U.S.A. was introduced by Geo Minck, of the Marine Workers Union, and adopted.

The United Front.

The Congress agenda covered three points:

(1) organization of a united action front against the shipowners' offensive;

(2) struggle against the developing imperialist war; and

(3) how to assist the organization of colonial workers.

The first point was dealt with by comrade A. Walter, the secretary of the