Page:Platform and Constitution of the Socialistic Labor Party (1885).pdf/7

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— 6 —

1. a. A number of persons may form a Section, providing they acknowledge the Platform and Constitution and resolutions of the Party and belong to no other political party.

b. They shall demand admission to the Party by sending a list of members and dues for the current month to the National Executive Committee.

c. Each Section shall send each month a report of its numerical and financial condition, also its progress and prospects, to the National Executive Committee,

2. Only one Section of one nationality shall be established in each city or town. Branches shall be formed by the Section wherever necessary. Those branches shall be designated numerically in the order of their organization in the town or city. These branches shall be permitted to transact business of a local character, but all matters of a general nature shall be settled by the Central Committee, in which all branches shall be proportionately represented.

3. Sections shall have jurisdiction over their own members.

4. Al Ward and District organizations, including all branches in suburbs, shall belong to the Section.

5. No Branch or District organization shall conduct business of an important local character, independently of the Section.

6. Should a protest be entered against the admission to a Ward or District organization, or to a Section, of any person making application, a two-thirds vote of all present in the regular business meeting will be necessary to admit him.

7. A majority of two-thirds of votes in the business meeting shall be sufficient lo expel any member.

8. Each Section or Branch shall hold an agitation meeting at least once every two weeks, and a regular business meeting at least once a month.

9. Three-fourths of the members of a Section must be wage-workers. This restriction shall not, however, apply to agriculturists (farmers).

10. The names of all persons applying for admission to the Party must be voted upon in a regular business meeting of the Section or Branch.

CENTRAL COMMITTEE.

1. In every city where two or more Branches exist, all local business of the Section and dealings with the Party authorities will be carried on by a Central Committee.

2. The Central Committee will be composed of delegates elected by the Branches, the basis of representation determined by the Branches collectively.

3. The Central Committee shall have power to assess the local membership in a sum not exceeding two and one-half cents per member per month for funds necessary for local purposes. This assessment to be deducted from the regular dues.

4. The Treasurer of each Branch will report monthly to the Central Committee in writing, concerning the financial standing of his Branch, and will pay to the Financial Secretary of the Section the dues of each member five (5) cents to the National Executive Committee, and also ail dues and assessments belonging to the local Central Committee. All other money of the Branch shall be held