SIT-DOWN STRIKERS

Bay of Plenty Times, Volume LXV, Issue 12257, 22 February 1937, Page 3

SIT-DOWN STRIKERS

TEAK GAS USELESS MEN BIOTA HATH 15V THROWING WEIGHTS Chicago, Fob. 20. A telegram from Waukegan, Illinois, states that 120 policemen and deputy-sheriffs failed to dislodge more than 100 sit-down strikers from two plants of the Fan Steel and Metallurgical Corporation, makers of line parts for motor-cars. Tear gas bombs were exploded inside ( the buildings, but the strikers mopped their streaming eyes and held off the attackers by hurling at them bottles of tungsten and tantalum valued at 500 dollars each. Fragments of molybdenum and heavy steel weights were also thrown at the police, and lire-extinguishing acid was poured upon them through hoses. The commander of the attacking forces later announced that he was obtaining a "Knock-out” gas. When this was used, he said, the strikers would "fold up” and they could be led out “by their ear lobes.” ■ The strikers are demanding the recognition of their union, and company officials allege that the strike was called merely to injure the company's business. Six men were injured, three of whom were strikers who refused to have medical aid sent to the plants. A policeman ami a deputy-sheriff were burned with acid, and another deputy-sheriff was hurt by an exploding gas bomb. The attackers anounce that they will make no further move to storm the plants until the outcome is known of peace efforts by State and .Federal conciliators.