The sun., 1919-03-05
SPARTACANS ROUT
TROOPS IN BERLIN


munist organizations instructed their
followers to assemble at factories to
prevent work. The same orders directed
the leaders to avoid street demonstra-
tons that the Government might have
no opportunity to crush the movement
by force. Meetings were held at various
factories throughout the city to-day to
decide whether to respond to the strike
call.
The first response came from the
workmen at the Schwartzkopf plant, who
are among the most radical In Berlin.
Twelve thousand workmen are employed
here and they have voted for a general
strike.
This afternoon It was reported that
1000 employees of the factory and office
stan of the Hemmingsdorff General
Electric plant had walked out. The
strike also has affected parts OF the
Spandau arsenal and sections Of the
plant have been closed down.
According to Vortpderts the majority
of the workingmen in the metal trades
and the railway workers favor a general
stoppage of work. The same paper says.
however, that there is every assurance
that the Government will be able to
prevent the breaking out of disorders in
Berlin and to keep the strike within
ordered limits. Vortoderts asserts that
Russian money is playing a large role
in the present agitation.
Some 300 business ana professional
men and officers In the city. mostly ad-
herents Of the old order, held a meeting
and decided to take immediate steps for
oSganizing a general strike Of all the
non-Socfalist classes as q counter meas
ure. 1t was asserted in the debate at
the gathering that the Government Of
f1cials believed such a strike would as
sist them effectively in the struggle
against the Red terror" and that they
considered It necessary to show the En-
tente that the people supported the Ma
tional Assembly.
Il seems doubtful. however. whether
the speakers had any authority to speak
for the Government, or whether the or
ganizers OF the meeting will be able to
sway any considerable numbers.
As regards strikes outside Berlin. re-
ports from the Essen district show that
the miners strike has been renewed
there. but that 1t has not as yet reached
large proportions. The men are de-
handing the shortening OF their day by
half hour. The miners in the Alien
burg coal district. In Central Germany,
have voted to return to work to-day.
This Is believed to mark the beginning
of the end Of the coal mining strike in
Thuringia.
Aim at Soviet Rule.
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 fac
tories, the dismissal Of the Government
troops and the d 'sarmament of all nom
Socialists. the withdrawal OF all troops
from Westphalia. Bremen and other re-
gions designated. and the formation of a
Red Guard under the control OF the So
VETS, which would take over all military
and police powers.
The liberation OF all political prisoners
and the establishment of a revolutionary
tribunal to try the chief culprts OF the
war; the Hohenzollerns. Field Marshal
Won Hindenburg, Gen. Ludendorff. Ad-
miral Tirpitz and the TRAITORS to the
revolution" President Ebert, Chancellor
Scheidemann and Gustav Noske. the
Minister of Defence, are also called for.
The immediate conclusion OF peace with
Russia and the establishment OF diplo-
matte relations with the Russian Soviet
Republic are likewise demanded
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 work 'ngmen 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 officate after the
manner OF factory councils.
Warn of Catastrophe.
The procla nation against the strike
get forth that a general strike at this
time would prove catastrophe in its eff
fects as II would be inimical to the
early conclusion OF peace and the eco
nomic recovery of Germany.
The Independent Socialists who are
holding n meeting this morning, will
not, 1t Is said, act on the strike issue
before Tuesday.
Spartacan bands are on their way TO
Frankfort from Westphalia. according