The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1920-01-03
GIGANTIC PLOT
FRUSTRATED BY
BIG DRAG NET
Government Prepares New
Cargo for Soviet Ark.
American Citizens Caught in
Haul To Be Prosecuted.
CATCH 900 IN n. Y. ALONE
Big Bolshevik Conspiracy Re-
vealed by Documents Captured.
Kansas City Yielded Crop of As
Kansas Only One.
CATCH 900 IN n. Y. ALONE.

Washington, Jan. S.-More than
four thousand five hundred alleged
radicals have been taken into custody
in the nationwide drive, 1t was
learned today at the department of
Justice
The result, which is not yet COM
pleted, exceeded expectations
The reds are still being apprehend-
ed, 1t was stated. and the great raid
will show total far above that of the
combined red roundups of last year.
Complete evidence against more
than 1000 of those now held is in the
hands of the department and their ex-
portation is expected. it was stated.
The opinion was expressed that 90
per cent of those held will be deported
or convicted of criminal anarchy and
the advocacy of violence to overthrow
the government
Representatives OF the department.
Of justice and other government agen-
cies the same men who combated the
German spies during the war, wer
busy this morning in scores of 81
cross examining the men and won.
gathered in over night. 1t was
pected that large numbers would
set free during the morning, while {
more are being brought in for the IA :
terrogation. Orders were issued that
the dangerous radicals should be
"mugged' and have their finger prints
taken before being turned loose, even
If they were not to be held. In this
way the government is getting a COM
plete record of the men who are con-
sidered at the bottom of much radi-
cal agitation in America.
Were No Leaks"
Altho there had been no leaks" of
plans for this coup, radicals became
aware that the federal authorities
were watching them closely and for
the last few weeks they have been
keeping very quiet. So close was the
surveillance that the Bolsheviki were
unable to go thru with their alleged
plot to mail bombs done up as Christ
mas packages which was part of their
alleged conspiracy to give America a
red Christmas but the exact hour of
the big raid was kept secret and in
most cases the anarchists were taken
by surprise.
Federal detectives believe they have
captured several OF the men impli-
Gated in the May day bomb plot of
1919 and also persons who were in
volyed In a number of other red of
fensives" against law and order.
The governments Counter often
sive" of last night was launched just
in time to prevent fusion of several
radical groups under one leadership
preparatory to the attempt at revolu-
ton. it was learned. The raids have
shattered this plan and thrown the
Bolsheviki into confusion. it is be-
lieyed here. Palmer's men are max
ing every effort to get the big leaders
this time. In previous raids. the big
men have slipped away and within a
few weeks have managed to reorgan-
ize the red forces.
Planned Big Campaign
In connection with their major
scheme of revolution. a number of the
prisoners taken during the night have
been active in certain labor organiza-
tions, it was learned, attempting to
line them up with the rebels" The
labor organizations received them in
nocently. not knowing their mission.
Documents taken, il was said,
showed the anarchists intended to put
forward candidates in elections next
November. These men were TO be sup
posedly reputable citizens. whose Boil
shevik affiliation would not be dis
closed until after they had achieved
public office.
The department Of labor was busy
today getting ready TO start deportE
ton proceedings against many OF.
4 10 a.