COMMUNISM IN AMERICA.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17010, 7 April 1923, Page 8

COMMUNISM IN AMERICA.

AN UNUSUAL TRIAL. By Telegraph—Frees Association—Copyright Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. NEW YORK. April o. A telegram from St Joseph. Michigan- states that one of the most unusual trials ever held in the United States has ended in a hopeless deadlock, the jury being divided, six for a conviction and six against. The State of Michigan attempted to secure the conviction of William Foster for a violation of the State law which makes criminal anarchy and felony punishable by ten years’ imprisonment. Foster was one of the thirty-two alleged members of the Communist Partv in AmeHe was arrested more than a year ago during a secret conclave, at which prosecuting counsel averred plans were formulated under the direction of the Russian Soviet for a proletariat- revolution in America. Foster’s trial lasted for two months, and there was much sensational evidence, purporting to show the machinations of the Communists in America, and the Soviet’s furtherance of their insidious propaganda. The defence, which did not denv Communist principles, declared that no violence had been advocated, and declared that the law was a violation of the constitutional right of free speech. The jury was discharged. and the Judge ordered R-uthenherg. another of the arrested men. to be tried on April 16.