CHICAGO BATTLE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23205, 1 June 1937, Page 9

CHICAGO BATTLE

- POLICE AND STRIKERS CLUBS AND GUNS USED HEAVY LIST OF CASUALTIES (United Press Association) IBy Electric Telegraph—Copyright) CHICAGO, May 30. (Received May 31, at 9 p.m.) At least four people were killed and GO wounded in a battle between police and striking steel workers who were attempting to enter the Republic plant. A mob of approximately 1000 marched to the main gate, despite the warning of the police, who were forced to use clubs and guns when some of the mob opened an attack with clubs, slingshots, and bricks. The strikers were finally forced to retreat, but are reported to be reassembling in an attempt to make a second onslaught. Police reserves and tear gas are being rushed to the scene.

FOUR DEATHS REPORTED WOMEN AMONG INJURED CHICAGO, May 30. (Received May 31, at 10 p.m.) The dead number four and the wounded 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. Police officials alleged that many strikers were' armed, and several fired before the police used guns. Prior to this tear gas had failed to halt the mob. A second attack failed to materialise. Difficulty in identifying the dead caused the police to believe that outside agitators took the major part in leading the raid. Governor Horner has arrived and arranged a conference of 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 the plant property. The police had previously issued a warning that they were determined to protect it. The marchers chanted “ Cio, Cio ” as they approached the gate. A boy of 11 was shot in the ankle and another of nine was shot in the leg. Pickets who had been patrolling the plant for five days were immediately withdrawn following the battle, without explanation.