Page:Grigory Zinoviev - Twelve Days in Germany (1921).pdf/18

 leaders." The psychology of Hilferdlng is typical of a shopkeeper, who regards everything from the standpoint of one who is first and foremost afraid of competition. He even uses purely commercial terms. The whole struggle of principles which is now tearing the labour movement in two is reduced, in his eyes, to a "competition among leaders." This pussilanimous fellow can only find one explanation for the difference in opinion which is now dividing the ranks of the German labour movement, and that is, sordid competition.

Although Rudolf Hilferding is the spiritual leader of the Right Independents, their practical leader is Herr Dissman. (N.B.—Dissmann and not Dittmann.) This Dissmann is at the present time the president of the German National Union of Metal Workers. A comparatively short time ago he was in the ranks of those who opposed Legien. Sometimes he pretends to do so now, but that only in words. As to Legien, he is the biggest of the big guns of the counter-revolutionary trade union officials in Germany. But in fact Dissmann is already Legien's right hand. He is the rising star and hope of the whole counter-revolutionary trade union bureaucracy of Germany. Legien is too old. His star is on the decline. Someone more energetic, more persistent and younger is needed, and Dissmann is the right, man. His recent playing up to the "Left" can only enhance his opportunities. In the eyes of the wide masses of workers he has compromised himself less than the others, he is a more suitable person.

Dissmann himself is fully aware of his destiny to supplant Legien, and then to become another Legien. He anticipates that moment impatiently, and is prepared to give anything in order to hasten it. He will welcome that happy moment. Everything else is of minor importance compared to this "ideal," and he is ready to use any means in order to reach his goal. He looks with annoyance not unmixed with indignation at anybody who does not understand the simple fact that he, Dissmann, is marked by the finger of God and by Fate itself to become a new Legien.

The leading part in the Right section is taken by a group of trade unionists numbering 80 delegates—about half of the