At Leeds the idea of an international labour organization appeared in a trade-union text which also drew attention to the danger to the working classes inherent in the existence of international capitalist competition.

True enough, nature has endowed me with a fair measure of patience and composure, yet I should be lying if I told you that, having seen the reporter off on his way to make his deadline, I fell peacefully asleep.

This led me to understand that trade unionism, the instrument of working-class liberation and of social change could, and indeed should, be also an instrument of industrial progress.

This disaster did not force us to abandon our ideal; on the contrary, from the very first months of the conflict, it led us to define precisely the conditions for its realization.

Expressing the thoughts of my comrades, I suggested, among other means, the organization of an international information service on inventories, on production, and on the needs of the various countries for raw materials.

The working classes were becoming more and more sharply aware of the complex causes of international malaise.

The trade-union movement was emerging from its infancy and beginning to be aware of the magnitude of its future.

When I was sixteen, I became a member of the trade union at the match works where I had rejoined my father. I did so without question.

My father's vigorous example and my own experience led me quite naturally to participate in the worker's movement.