South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1919-04-03
BY FRANK j. TAYLOR.
b. United Press

By United Press
BERLIN. March 10.--( BY NALL
Bolshevism = recent struggle In Ber-
i'm was I'm many ways like an Amer
lean Indian war carried on in a mod
ern city. if you can imagine that.
The Spartacus group went on the
war path after the fashion of prairie
tribes In America three generations
ago. In their lighting the Spartacans
showed about the same degree OF
civilization as did the Indians.
To understand how such a war
fare could take place in a modern
city one has 20 realize that Berlin
was harborfng many convicts re-
leased from prison By the turn Of the
earlier revolution Most OF these
desperadoes are not political vic
Tins. but were jailed for killing and
robbing. Since they had everything
TO gain and nothing 20 lose by the
bolshevik movement, they ieagued
themselves with the Spartacus
group. and for good pay were ready
10 commit any outrage prescribed.
The bolsheyiks were simply wild men
run riot.
After the governments volunteer
army had defeated the organized
Spartacus resistance, trouble did not
stop. Spartacans lurked in hundreds
OF buildings. more or less fugitives
from justice. From roofs. behind
chimneys. from attics and windows.
they sniped ar government guards
and even civilians, with no chance
OF accomplishing anything other
than killing.
Have Many Outbreaks.
In the course of a days work YOU
would run into three or four or pos
sibly half a dozen OF these outbreaks
or street fights, as they were report
ed in the papers. At the first shots,
crowds would dive into dOOrways
The incident ended with few shots
from the government troops TO re-
store public confidence and the
crowd went on about its business.
Berlin's population soon became ac-
customed 70 the outbreaks. Not in
frequently huge crowds would gather
70 watch movements OF the govern
ment troops against the Spartacans.
and persistently stuck around 10 see
the show. Hundreds were injured,
solely due TO curiosity.
More than fOur-fifths Of the Spar
tacan prisoners captured in the up
risings were deficient, either mental
~ or physically or both. according
TO experts who are investigating the
bOlsheviks. The discovery may lead
TO some important conclusions re-
garding bolshevism in general. Ac-
cording TO the doctors examining the
prisoners. the Spartacans are weak.
mostly from under nourishment and
some chronically. and they are not
in a condition TO be responsible for
their acts, and should not be at
large.
The German provisional govern
ment is inclined TO accept the views
OF the scientists, and will keep this
In mind in the trials and punish !
ment OF the lawbreakers.
Revolutionary outbreaks in Ber
lin drop upon the city like lightning.
II is impossible 10 foresee them. They
Just happen. when the situation
seems entirely unencouraging to
them.
No United Demand.
Berlin's revolution is different
from others In that there is no
united demand for any one thing.
There are as many demands as there
are Germans in Berlin. and some
people have more than one. Until
ngitators begin their work there is
practically no action. Thus Berlin
IS filled with crossing currents OF
opinion. with each faction not
knowing just what il wants. Fac
lions seize upon any pretext for a
demonstration There IS no clean
cut issue which unites Berlin into
parties. A strong rOyalist attempt
TO regain the government would
probably unite Berlin and save the
revolution. The majority stands on
The sidelines, watching agitators toss
the revolution up and down, to no
Dne's gain and Germany's danger.
Germsny's lack Of leaders has
been one of the most outstandings
features Of the revolution. In the
hour when Germany needs big men.
none has been found. The situation
seems 20 be brought about by the
old system. when leaders. as soon as
lhey were recognized as such. We're
hustled into the junker party. They
became junker leaders. and most Of
the men capable of governing were
IN the party.
Lack Big Men.
The result is that Germany finds
herself with second rate men trying
To construct the new republic. They
have continually showed lack Of
force and qualities OF leadership.
until the people no longer have con
ndence. still no one moves. and the
great middle class is idle while poll
ticians struggle with the radical
group which wants 10 overturn the
entire order Of society
Occupation Of Berlin by allied
troops has changed steadily from