The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1920-05-01
GENERAL STRIKE
CALLED FOR MAY |
FAILED TO BREAK
May Day Saw Many Workers Go
Back to Jobs.
No Disturbances Reported From
Any g. S. Center.
RED FLAG WAVED IN CHICAGO
Only Instances of Petty Rad
icalism Were Noted.
FOrewarned Officials Block Red
Program in Country.
No Disturbances Reported From
Any c. S. Center.
RED FLAG WAVED IN CHICAGO

Washington, May 1.-The general
strike called for May day failed to ma
terialize, reports TO the government
departments today showed.
The strike situation thruout the
country is better than it has been for
weeks, according to Hugh Kerwin di-
rector of the bureau of conciliation.
labor departme
Kerwin was in possession of reports
showing that in the week ending last
night fewer strikes were reported TO
the department than in the previous
two weeks.
At 1913 p. m. the justice depart
meut had received no reports of May
day disturbances, according to Secre-
tary Hunt at the office of Attorney
General Palmer.
The Industrial situation as indicat-
ed by the attitude of labor appears
quite encouraging" said Kerwin. THE
strikes of the railroad yardmen, and
the coastwise longshoremen are now
in the way OF adjustment and the gem
eral situation appears to be clearing.
Waved Red Flag.
Chicago, May Petty radicalism
only was in evidence thruout the mid
west today. Altho officers generally
were prepared for any "red May day"
outbreak, they. found little to excite
them.
In Chicago, 2 red flag bearing the
inscription in yellow: "Hurrah for the
soviet" was nailed to a school flag
pole. Lieut.. John Dixon climbed the
pole to supplant the red flag with the
American colors. The event was turned
into a patriotic meeting with several
hundred spectators cheering and sing
ing.
Small stickers blossomed on store
windows in Indianapolis. They read:
Loaf, May 1, 1920-international la
Dor day. c. L. P.'
The printing was in red.
Seven hundred suspected radicals
were held in police cells here today
as a result of raids.
1900 Radicals Arrested.
In Chicago more than 1900 radical
suspects and undesirables had been
taken early today in a police round
up. Scores were formally escorted out
of Chicago when it was found they
had criminal records. One thousand
policemen in civilian clothes patroled
the streets on guard for possible radl-
cal outbreaks and guards were estab-
lished about public buildings
Three mass meetings were called in
Chicago by the Industrial Workers OF
the World Socialists and the Russians
of the city. Federal officials planned
to attend these meetings. Members of
the Amalgamated Clothing Workers
of America remained away from work
but today was said to be holiday
for these workers, recognized in thelr
union contracts.
Legion Helps Officials.
Altho there we're no open threats of
radical demonstrations on the Pacific
coast federal and police officials had
nrepared carefully to meet any s1tua-
lion that might arise. Federal Off
ciaIs in St Paul anticipated no trou-
ble in the northwest and were said 10
have taken no unusual precautions.
Members of the American Legion IN
indianapolis planned to parade this
afternoon in a protest against red nag
Demonstrations
The entire police force of Cleveland
was ordered on duty and supplied with
night sticks and extra ammunition
In the southwest reports indicated
no organized demonstrations were
planned. and at Kansas City, Mo, the
dav was observed as Characterization
day."
pearance in st. Louis. but federal Of
ficials said they had no reports of or
ganized demonstrations.
X. c. Takes Precautions.
Kansas City. May Federal agents
thruout the southwest were reported
on guard today without any possible
disturbance that might arise in con-
nection with the observance of May
day.
TCelNe0
untoward events were to be expected.
In Kansas City meetings wert
planned in compliance with Mayor
Cowgill's proclamation urging that the
day be observed as Americanization
day.
Added to the efforts of the federal
agents to forestall any May day out
break of radicalism. extra police have
been sworn in for the occasion. Early
today. two men found lurking In the
packing house district, who fled when
police attempted to detain them,
dropped a package containing incen-
diary literature evidently intended for
distribution.
New Workers on Watch.
New York. May IAN unusually
quiet night" was reported by police
authorities here today. on alert for
May day disturbances.
The entire force of 12, 900 men were
held in reserve for duty in case of an
outbreak.
Federal forces were working with
the police to keep order.
Homes of financial and industrial
leaders we're closely guarded.
State Troops on Guard.
Hartford. Conn. May State
suardsmen and police guarded the cap
itol. state srmory and East Hartford
tip that these structures were to be
blown up by radicals.
Mobilization of the troops began at
a. m, under orders of Col Charles
". Burpee OF the First state guard
regiment
100000 Resume Work In Detroit.
Detroit MAY l.-Instead Of a gem