PASSAIC STRIKE WILL END WITHIN A WEEK SAYS COLEMAN, LEADER OF RELIEF FORCE

"The strikers in the textile mills in Passaic will win within the next week." This was the statement made in an interview given to the CRIMSON by McKenzie Coleman, a graduate of Columbia in the class of 1909, who spoke at a luncheon at the Liberal Club yesterday. Mr. Coleman has been closely associated with the strike since its beginning, being Chairman of the Strikers' Relief Committee, a part of the League for Industrial Democracy.

"You see," said Mr. Coleman, when he was asked on that he based his opinion, "when the workers first struck 102 days ago the mill owners absolutely refused to negotiate with them. Now, however, they have offered to do so, with reservations, and in a week's time, they will have to concede to the strikers' demands. This strike is not a spasmodic revolt; it is a long, determined struggle on the part of about 1600 textile workers to obtain a decent American standard of living, a 48-hour week, and improved working conditions.

Not a Communist Revolt

"Neither is it a Communist uprising, as some have tried to make it appear. Weisbord is, as a matter of fact, a member of the Communist party, but all shades of advanced, or, if you will, radical opinion are represented in the strike. Socialists of the old line, of whom the Communists are generally distrustful, have spoken from the same platform with Weisbord. All groups are working together, and the system and smoothness with which things are being done at Passaic is nothing short of marvelous.

Women are Best Picketers

"It is a fine sight," continued Mr. Coleman growing more and more enthusiastic, "to watch groups of people marching up and down the streets, singing and cheering; and to see the men and women standing in the picket lines. As a matter of fact, the women do best in the lines, much better than the men, and if the strike is won, as it undoubtedly will be, it will be as a result of the efforts and bravery of the women.

Weisbord Has Offered To Quit

"As I said, this strike is not a spasmodic affair; it is one of the most significant events of the last five years in the history of the country. At the beginning, the old time Unions kept off, largely because of the fear of Communism, but lately they have become more favorable. Of course, the most important reason for this better feeling is the example and attitude of the strikers themselves. Beside this, Weisbord, of whom the Unions were most suspicious, has said that he will retire from the leadership if his personality is objectionable to them."