BATTLE IN CHICAGO

Evening Post, Volume CXXIII, Issue 128, 1 June 1937, Page 9

BATTLE IN CHICAGO

POLICE AND STRIKERS

' PROTECTION OF STEEL

PLANT

' CHICAGO, .'May 31

Four people were killed and 84 wounded in. a" battle between police and striking steel workers who were attempting to,enter the Republic Steel Corporation's plant.

The battle "occurred upon the plant property. The pojice had previously issued a warning that, they were determined to protect it. Marchers chanted "C.1.0., C.1.0.," as they approached the gate.

A crowd of approximately 1000 men marched to the main gate, despite the warning of the'police, who w^re forced to use clubs and guns when some of the men opened the attack. with. clubs, sling-shots, and bricks. The strikers were forced to retreat, but are reported to be reassembling in an attempt to make a second onslaught. Police reserves arid tear gas are being rushed to the scene.

Twenty-eight of the wounded were struck by bullets. Seventeen policemen and several women were among the, injured. One of the strikers had his eye gouged out..

A boy of 11 years was shot in the ankle'and another of nine ms the leg.

Police officials allege that many of the strikers were" armed and that several fired before the police used their guns. Prior to this, tear gas had failed to halt the mob.

Difficulty in identifying the dead has caused the police to believe that outside agitators took a major part in leading the raid.

The Governor, of Illinois. Mr. Henry Homer, has arrived and arranged a conference with both sides. He said he had not decided whether to summon the militia.

Many of those less seriously injured were arrested after treatment.

Pickets who had been patrolling the plant for five days were withdrawn immediately after the battle without an explanation.