Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1919-03-04
DECLARE SIEGE
STATE IN BERLIN
Prussian Regime Fights
Terror as Spartacans Call
General German Strike
BEGIN PUSH ON MUNICH
Bavarian Troops March on
Soviets-Reds Would Try
Kaiser and Ebert

Government has declared a state of siege
in the police districts of Berlin, Span
dau, Teltow, Niederbarmen and other
suburbs Of Berlin in order TO protect
the bulk of the working people from
famine and the terror of the minority
Minister of War Noske. a dispatch
from Berlin says, has assumed executive
power.
Paris, March 4.-(By A. P.0-
Bavsrian troops opposed to the radical
government in Munich are marching on
that city, according to dispatch from
Zurich to the Petit Parisien. This an
nouncement was made at the Soldiers
and workmen's Congress in Munich by
Ministers Jaffe and Cntcrleitner. 1t was
confirmed by several other delegates.
Details of the movement are lacking,
but 1t is known the dispatch adds, that
strong detachments of troops already
have left Nuremberg. News of the re-
ported advance on Munich caused COM
motion among the delegates and the
congress adjourned at once.
The National Spartacus League and
the Greater Berlin organizations have
issued an appeal for an immediate gen
eral strike and the overthrow OF the
National Assembly and the present re-
public.
The aims of the proposed strike as
called by the Berlin Spartacans include
the Introduction of factory councils in
all plants to regulate factory affairs
and ultimately the taking over of the
factories, the dismissal Of the govern
ment troops and the disarmament of all
Socialists, the withdrawal of all
troops from Westphalia. Bremen and
other regions designated, and the for
nation of Red Guard under the con-
troll of the Soviets, which would take
over all military and police powers.
Would Try Kaiser
The liberation of all political prs
oners and the establishment of a revo-
lutionary tribunal to try the "chiof cul-
prits" of the war. the Hohenzolerns.
Field Marshal Won Hndenburg. General
Ludendorff, Admiral Tirpitz and the
traitors to the revolution" President
Ebert. Chancellor Scheid,mann and
Gustav Noske. the Minister of Defense,
are also called for.
The immediate conclusion of peace
with Russia and the establishment of
diplomatic relations with the Russian
Soviet republic are likewise demanded
The organizations instruct their fol-
lowers to assemble at factories to pre-
vent work and direct them to avoid
street demonstrations in order that the
government may have no opportunity to
crush the movement by force. Meet
ings were being held at 1880 today at
various factories for the purpose Of de-
Gliding whether to respond to the ap-
peal.
The worllmen of the Schwartzkopf
plant, who are among the most radical
hap cd
strike. 10000 being affected. This is the
first response to the Spartacan appeal.
According to the Norwaerts. the
majority OF the workingmen in the
metal trades and the railway workers
favor n general stoppage of work,
Plan Commensurate
Some 900 business and professional
men and officers in the city. mostly adj
herents of the old order. held a meeting
and decided to take immediate steps for
organizing a general strike of all the
non-Socialist classes as a counter
measure against the red terror"
Spartacan bands are on their way to
Frankfort from Westphalia, according
TO special dispatch received today from
Cassel. about ninety miles northeast OF
Frankfort. This dispatch reported
twenty armored automobiles bearing
en- route from Westphalia TO Frankfort
Messages from Bavaria state that the
troops at Munich have declared they
will stand back of the city military COM
mander, Herr Duerr, in the demand for
purely socialistic ministry. They an
nounce their refusal to cooperate with
the Spartacans and Communists, and
that they are prepared to oppose all
street terrorism. The troops also have
called for the abrogation Of the press
censorship.
In the Essen district the miners strike
has been renewed The miners in the
Altenburg coal district in central Ger
many have voted to return to work to-
day. This is believed to mark the be-
ginning of the end of the coal mining
strike in Thuringia.
The national governing board of the
Majority Socialist party, the delegates
to the National Assembly and the local
board OF greater Berlin have issued an
appeal to the workingInen to refrain
from taking part in the general strike
They promise that the government will
use all efforts possible to hurry along
social legislation in which the retention
OF the principle of the workingmen's
councils will be Incorporated. Such
councils later would officiate after the
manner OF factory councils
The proclamations against the strike
set forth that general strike at this
time would prove catastrophe in its
effects, as 1t would be inimical to the
early conclusion of peace and The eco
nomic recovery of Germany.
The Independent Socialists, who are
holding meeting this morning, will not.
II Is said, act on the strike issue before
Tuesday.