THE I.W.W.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXI, Issue 63, 11 October 1916, Page 8

THE I.W.W.

GIGANTIC CONSPIRACY. TREASON CHARGES. WHOLESALE INCENDIARISM. Press Association —Copyright. Sydney, October 10. Startling revelations in a gigantic conspiracy to cause havoc and destruction and endanger the lives of the people were made at the opening of tile treason charges against twelve members of the 1.W.W., namely, Charles Reeve (a native of England), Thomas Glynn (Ireland), Peter Harbin (Ireland), John Hamilton (Victoria), Bernard Besant (England), Donald McPherson (Scotland), William Teen (Tasmania), William Beatty (England), Norris Fageu (Russia),' Donald Grant (Scotland), Thomas Moore (New Zealand), John King (Canada). Besides the allegations of treason, the accused were further charged with conspiring to burn down buildings in Sydney and elsewhere by means of phosphorous, inflammable material iu i order to intimidate and overawe the State Government. The Crown Prosecutor, in outlining the case, said the charges had arisen over a series of city fires which, ii successful, would have caused .damage of at least a million. The evidence would show attempts had been made to place difficulties in the way oi fire brigades stopping the outbreaks. The associates of accused were the notorious German escapees from the internment camp. How far German influence had affected the fires it was impossible to show, but the tactics adopted wore pleasing to the enemy. The I.W.W. adopted a deliberate system of sabotage, in order to force the Government to release Barker!, of the I.W.W.

The fires commenced on June 1, and aimed at a building owned by the Government. Further it was alleged that the object was to force the Government to abandon its conscription policy. Many fires occurred after Mr Hughes’ declaration. On the very day of his speech the Co-operative Stores were ablaze, due to one of accused. Another declared he was prepared to burn down Sydney, and that it would cost capitalists £IO,OOO for each day Barker was imprisoned.

It was believed the organisation had started ten fires, including Winn’s, Simpson’s, Mark Foy’s, Stedman’s, Riley Bros.’, Brown’s furniture warehouse, Board’s, Watson’s, Burns, Philp and Co.’s wharf, Buck* ingham’s, and Brennan’s (Newtown).

The evidence would show how an Austrian participated in drawing lots to carry out the plans. The Austrian then indicated which places to attempt to destroy.

FURTHER STARTLING EVIDENCE POLIQY OF INCENDIARISM. Press Association—Copyright. (Received 10.25 a.in.) Sydney, October Jl. The Crown Prosecutor added :hat after the fires in September, > cciist-d desired to prevent the Government submitting the question of conscription to the country. Moore was picsent at the drawing of lots, and was afterwards seen near Mark Foy’s. A detective hoard Moore say: “This must go; ten ought to be let go at once.” Later, Moore stated that it was bad luck so many fires missing, as thirteen should have gone.