POLICE AND STRIKERS

Taranaki Central Press, Volume IV, Issue 447, 1 June 1937, Page 5

POLICE AND STRIKERS

GUNS AND TEAR GAS USED Four Killed; Many Injured Press Association —Copyright. Chicago, May 31. In a battle to-day between police and striking steel workers who were attempting to enter the Republic Steel Corporation’s plant four wre Killed. The wounded number 84, of whom 28 were struck by bullets. Seventeen policemen and several women were among the injured. One of the strikers had an eye gouged out. A mob of approximately 1000' marched .to the main gate despite the. warning of police who were forced to. ate clubs and guns when some of the mob opened an attlaick with clubs, sling-shots and bricks. The strikers were .finally forced to retreat but reassembled in an attempt to make a second onslaught. Police reserves and tear gas were rushed to the scene.

Police officials alleged that many strikers were .armed and several fired before the police used their guns.. Prior tp this 'tear gas had flailed to halt the mob. The second attack failed to materialise. Difficulty in identifying the’ dead caused the police to believe that outside agitators took a major part in leading the raid. Governor Henry Horner, Illinois, arrived to-night and arranged a conference between both sides. He said he had not decided whether to summon the militia. Many of those less seriously injured were arrested after treatment. The battle occurred upon plant property. The police had previously issued a warning that they were determined' to protect it. The marchers chanted “C11.0.’ C. 1.0.” as they approached the gate A boy, aged 11 years; was shot in the ankle. Another, aged nine years, was shot in the leg. Pickets who had been patrolling the plant for five days were immediately withdrawn following the battle without explanation.