leaving the S.D.F., and becomes a different body to that which I first joined. I should therefore be forced, to my very great sorrow, to leave it, not for the purpose of sulking in my tent, but in order to try some other form of propaganda. I ought now to explain what would drive me out of the League, and how far I could meet our friends who are so anxious to have us take a part in Parliamentary action:
A mere abstract resolution that we might have to send members to Parliament at some time or other would not drive me out. But I believe, with you, that, whatever they may think, our Parliamentary friends would not be able to stop there, and that a necessary consequence of the passing of the Croydon resolution would have to be the issue of a programme involving electioneering in the near future, and the immediate putting forward of a programme of palliative measures to be carried through Parliament, some such programme, in short, as the 'stepping stones' of the S.D.F., which I always disagreed with. Such a step I could not support, for I could not preach in favour of such measures (since I don't believe in their efficacy) without lying and subterfuge, which are surely always anti-social.
As to my conduct at the conference, my branch has instructed me as delegate to try to get the furtherers of the Parliamentary resolution to pledge themselves against this palliative programme (in case the Croydon resolution is carried). If they will do that I personally can still go on with them; if not, I cannot, much as I should wish to do so. I almost fear that they cannot give this pledge; but at the same time I do not think they wish to drive matters to extremities. The best plan therefore would be to withdraw their resolution, and so avoid committing themselves to a course of action which would risk breaking up the League.
I hope you understand my position; I recapitulate.1st, under no circumstances will I give up active propaganda.
