FATAL CHICAGO RIOTS

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXIV, Issue 19339, 1 June 1937, Page 5

FATAL CHICAGO RIOTS

FOUR PERSONS KILLED TRACK’ STRIKE -MARCH CHICAGO. May 30. At least four persons were killed and 84 wounded in a battle between the police and the striking steelworkers who were attempting to enter the Republic Steel Corporation’s plant. A mob of approximately 1000 men inarched to the main gate, despite the warning of the police, who were forced to use clubs and guns when some of the mob opened the attack with dubs, 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. The wounded number Si, 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. Arms Used By Strikers The police officials allege that many of the strikers were armed, and several fired before the police used their guns. Prior to this, tear-gas had failed to hold 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. The State Governor, Mr. Henry Horner, arrived and arranged a conference with both sides. He said that he had not decided whether to summon the militia. Many of those who were less seriously injured were arrested after receiving treatment. The battle occurred upon the Steel Corporation’s property. The police had previously issued a warning that they wore determined to protect it. The marchers chanted “C. 1.0., C. 1.0.! ” as they approached the gate. A boy of 11 years was shot in an ankle, and'another lad aged nine years was shot in a leg. Pickets who had been patrolling the plant for five days were immediately withdrawn following the battle, without any explanation.