CROAT LEADER DIES

Hokitika Guardian, 10 August 1928, Page 2

CROAT LEADER DIES

GREAT FEELING OVER SHOOTING

Australian Press Assn.—United Service BELGRADE, August 8. The death has occurred at Zagreb, in Croatia, of M. Stephen Raditch, the Leader of the Croatian Peasants’ Party in tho Serbian Parliament, who on Juno 20th last, with two other Deputies was shot in the -Skupstchina. by a Montenegrin Deputy, Racliitcb. BELGRADE, Aug. 8. Stephen Raditcb’s" condition was complicated by diabetes, but lie appeared to recover slowly. He was able to receive supporters, and to transact business. He was normal at eight o’clock in the evening, but at 8.50 o’clock he suffered a heart attack. Doctors were hurriedly summoned, hut their efforts were unavailing. Tho news of his death spread like wildfire.

The late Stephen Raditch was born of |ieasaiit parents. He was a bookseller in Zagreb. lie became the Leader of the Croatian Peasants’ Party, and a stormy petrel of politics. Raditch first created a sensation by refusing to take an oath of allegiance to the Serbian King, and lie was imprisoned. When be was released lie later made a. speech comparing the Queen of Jugo-Slavia witli Madame Pompadour for her extravagance. Other outbursts occurred in Parliament and elsewhere, till matters came to climax in Parliament, as cabled on June 20tli when M. Raditch was shot at and wounded by a Montenegrin, Deputy Racliitcb, one shot killing M. Paul Raditch, who had attempted to shield bis uncle Stephen. After a period in hospital in Belgrade, Stephen Raditch insisted on returning to Zagreb. His t journey throug Croatia was marked by scenes of intense enthusiasm. His illness had been watched with anxiety, the authorities fearing that his death would accentuate the bitterness existing, and would lead to an outbreak of Croatian anger. It is known that the Serbian Government has taken measures which it considered necessary for any eventuality, but it is hoped that order will e preserved. The latest reports state that no demonstrations have occurred. Grief at the death of M. Raditch is the predominant note.