Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1919-01-03
BERGER IN BAD LIGHT.
pisIoyaI Editorials Read Into Records
at Socialists Trial.

at SOCIALISTS triaI.
Chicago. Jan, 3.-On cross cNamina-
ton Congressman Elect Victor l. Ber-
ger of Milwaukee. at tho trial of five
socialists leaders charged with viola
ton of the espionage law, was con-
fronted with an article printed over
his signature in the Socialist Demo-
cratic Herald of Milwaukee, on July
81. 1909, in which he advised working
men to use rifles if necessary to obtain
their rights.
On direct examination Berger had
repeatedly declared that he was a
conservative and constructive social
list and that he never advised the use
Of violence.
Assistant Attorney eral\F'lcminS
read the article from tho Milwaukee
paper. which contained, among other
things. the following:
Every work inSman ought to have
a good rifle with plenty of ammunition
at home SO as to be ready when the
time comes to take up the battle for
his rights. deny that any change
can ever be brought about by peace
able means. 1t cannot be done by the
ballot alone. Workingmen must be
prepared to back up their ballots with
bullets"
Questioned in regard to these radical
sentiments expressed, the witness said
that he mean that il majority OF
rallots did not get the desired results.
that force might be necessary.
| After Berger had testified that he
was opposed to this country's going to
war with Mexico. telegram was pro-
duced which Berger had sent to the
editor of New York socialist paper
in March. 1916 insisting that the
United States send an army into Mex
leo to punish Villa.
Counsel for the government read to
the jury an editorial written by Ber-
ger in the Milwaukee Leader in which
defendant declared that capitalism was
only one cause of the war. and that the
principal cause was nationalism and
class hatred.
Berger admitted that in 1916 he ia
vored a general strike to prevent this
country from entering the war. He
said he was opposed to the principles
Of the I. W. W.. despite the fact that
he contributed $40 to the defense fund
of the leaders of the organization
when they were on trial in Chicago for
violation Of the espionage law. He
said the I. w. w. hadSstood the test as
a class organization and was superior
to the American Federation of Labor.
Berger admitted that he was OPP
posed to the war, even after this coun-
try had entered it. he admitted hay
ing voted for the anti-war proclama-
ton Of the socialist party and of hav-
ing used his paper to urge the adop-
ton by the membership Of the party
at referendum vote.
Assistant Attorney General Fleming
read an editorial by Berger in the Mil
waukee Leader in which he demanded
that every member Of the party stand
squarely on the anti-war platform of
the socialists. or get out of the party,
whether he be mayor or constable.
did you believe that American
rights had been violated by the sinking
Of the Lusitania?" the witness was
asked.
mo, did not" replied Berger.
1T was an English vessel and was
carrying war munitions. think It was
beastly thing to do. but not sufficient
reason for this country to get into the
war"
Berger's cross-examination had not
been concluded when court adjourned.