ROWDYISM IN REICHSTAG.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19240, 2 August 1924, Page 23

ROWDYISM IN REICHSTAG.

COMMUNIST’S GRIM JOKE. The first session of tho new Reichstag opened in disorder, says the “Daily Mail.” Eor two hours tho scene was one of unmitigated rowdyism. Tho end came when tho Communists sang “The Rod Flag,” and the parties of tho right fried to drown this strident music with “Deutschland Übcr Allcs” and failed. Tho spectator could not help thinking a bear garden must by comparison bo a fairly quiet and respectable place. Trouble began the moment Herr Bock—tho oldest member of tho House, who acts as President till tho new President is elected —began to speak. Immediately tho Communists began to imitate tho howling

of wolves and to blow wheezy whistles. Then a Communist, member jumped up. and in a long- and impassioned harangue demanded the release of certain political prisoners. lie was loudly cheered by his party, and when his speech ended another Communist jumped into tho breach and carried on with tremendous energy. In vain did the President interrupt, in vain did he ring his hell. The speaker—tho editor of the suppressed Communist organ, “Die Rote Pah no,” soared above such trifling noises. The President was helpless, and tho House could do nothing but wait (ill Ihe. storm spent itself a little. Eventually it did, and the roll-call was proceeded with Admiral Tirnitz. looking white and frail, sat where Dr Helflerich once sat, and General TiiidendorfF had Herr St nine's old seat. When “Ludendorfl” was called the Loft boran whistling, shouting, and blowing tin whistles. For a few minutes it was pandemonium, and then a. voice was heard: “Where are your bine spectacles, Luden-

dorfT?'’ General LndendortT added blue spectacles to his make-up when he fled to Sweden after the war. Another such disturbance erected the name of “Otto von Bismarck,” a pale, inconsnicuous young man. who is the nephew of the “man of Idood and iron.” For some reason not a sound greeted the name of Admiral Tirpitz. On the table in front nf the Speaker's tribune ihe Communists had laid a bloodbesnattcrcd bouquet of flowers for I.udnri-

dorff. a pair of blue spectacles, and a tattered glove to denote the “withered band.” When TTcrr Scbeidcrnann was Chancellor he declared. “Mnv the hand wither which signs the Versailles Treafv." 'Hie Communists seemed delighted wdh their grim 'oVc. The performance ended with a wonderful parody of Tsebailfpvsky’s “1S12” overture. The Communists began singing the “Internationale," and got well under wav when the rest of the House commenced “Deutschland TTicr Alios.”