The New York herald., 1920-01-10
SILENCE STRIKE
BEGUN BY REDS
ON ELLIS ISLAND
Aliens Held for Deportation
Adopt New Tactics to
Cause Trouble.

Aliens held In the detention pen at Ellis
\ Island for deportation because they have
been shouting for the destruction of Amer
lean institutions went on silence strike"
yesterday and declined to talk to immi-
grafton officials. The strike" was called
by the Ellis Island Soviet, which was or
sanized for the purpose of causing the
government as much trouble as possible.
How long the reds can stand the strain
of keeping their mouths shut is problem
atical. but the authorities expect some
OF them to collapse today and agree to
answer the questions of the inspectors
The strike" was called after Gregori-
Witch Weinstein, chancellor of Martens
Soviet Bureau, refused 40 answer questions
Of the inspectors on the ground that he
might incrirninate himself. Last night his
counsel obtained a writ of habeas corpus
from Judge John c. Knox, in the United
states Court. which is returnable today
In the application 1t was set forth that
'Weinstein. while held on Ellis Island. was
denied counSel1 and refused bail. Francis
@. Caffey. United States Attorney is pre-
pared to contest fixing bail in this case
unless Weinstein submits to the preIin-
mary examination OF the immigration
authorities.
Only Ten Examined.
Because of the strike" only ten reds
were examined during the day as against
thirty on Thursday. In addition to re-
manning silent the reds" complained
about the food served to them. They
could not complain about the quality of
the food so they protested about the
quantity. Every time meal is set i'm
front OF them they begin shouting for
more. The keepers describe them as
bread hounds because of their constant
appeals for more bread which they do not
eat when served. Byron II. Uhl, Acting
Commissioners, said last night that they
, are be4g well fed and would be sup
piled vDth all they wanted to eat Mr..
Uhl is under the impression that the
reds are just demanding more food
thinking they are causing trouble by do
ing so.
Harry Weinbergcr, counsel TO Alexander
Berkman and Emma Goldman and a
score of other anarchists, has been cassi-
fled as an undesirable tenant because Of
his clientele, and must leave his offices at
No. 26l Broadway ON May ]. t. A. Tired
well. of No Al Broadway, agent for the
building, has served notice on Mr.. wein-
berger that his lease will not be renewed.
Weinberger yesterday issued a long
statement in which he asserted that he
is preparing paLers in an action against
Mr.. Tredwell Cor 10000. alleging SANDER
defamation OF character ana persecution.
Mr. Tredwell. when informed OF the con-
tsmplated action, said that Weinberger is
not a tenant, but a sub-tenant of David
Bernstein. a lawyer.
Frank Francisco and Morris Traub yes
terday arrested Michael Yakorler. of No
h25 Sixth street. and John Smith, OF Phila-
delphia, who were sought on deportation
warrants charging activities in the Com
nunist party. Smith was sent back to
Philadelphia and Yakorler Joined the red"
colony on Ellis Island.
Deny Alleged Attacks.
Charles Recht, who is attorney for
aliens held on Ellis Island, sent letter
to A. Mitchell Palmer. Attorney General,
in which he alleged that two of his clients
were beaten end cuffed fer failure to sign
statements in the offices OF the Depart
Jnent Of Justice after they were arrested
in raids. George +. Lamb. superintendent
of the Department of Justice, emphati-
cally denied that any Of his men had
forced aliens to sign statements against
their will. or had beaten them
Charles Scully head OF the Red Squad
cf the Department of Justice, whose men
examined the sliels. when informed OF
Rechts statement, called it ar eleventh
hour appeal for sympathy and expressed
surprise that such a charge had not been
made before
NO man was allowed to sign a state
rnent until ne had read st." said Mr.
Scully. II have received no information
"a
IL I did ! would prefer charges against
rim. Reoht is either misinfor1ned or is
deliberately trying 10 create an impression
that the prisoners were msireated"
Miss Helen Todd. OF the committee or
ganized to give aid to the Bolshevsts
-aid that William B. Wilson. Secretary
Of Labor, had promised that no aliens
with wives and families here would be
deported unless their people were sent
with them. Her committee h trying to
orange ~ pay the passage of women
and children TO Soviet Russia