The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1920-03-27
TO Be NO SOVIET
Workers of SaXOny Hold Power
But Are Conservative.
Are Working With Local Of
ficials Keeping Order.
FEAR WRATH OF FARMERS
Realize That Red Revolt Can
Be Starved Out.
Took Control in Protest Against
NOske MiIitarism.
FEAR WRATH OF FARMERS

10y inc ASSDfluteu ITeSs-l
Falkenstein. Saxony March 81
Workers have taken over control in
towns and cities of Lower Saxony, but
there is an impression their accen-
dancy viii be short lived, as they are
not sufficiently organized in a mill
tary way TO resist pressure success
FULLY. 1t is noticeable that the nearer
one comes to districts where govern
ment troops are in power. the weaker
is the workers hold on affairs.
Max Hoelz, whose regular duty is
lecturer in a moving picture theater.
IS directing affairs. Widespread re-
ports that he had established a soviet
republic here made him famous thru
out Germany a few days ago. But
these rumors are declared untrue, and
II is asserted there is no soviet here.
The burgomaster fled when the up
heaval came two weeks ago and work
ers have since been cooperating with
the other town officials, none of whom
has been removed.
Is Protest at Militarism.
One hundred workers under the di-
rection Of Hoelz entered Plauen in
motor lorrics Sunday night and kid
naped City Attorney Hubert and held
him as a hostage until he had given
up data he had gathered for the prose-
cution Of trade unionists and COM
4AA-+-A1NP eANNuNtu VI pbllllCdl dBlldllOn.
Huberts wife came to Falkenstein
and secured the release of her hus-
band after he had been a prisoner for
five hours.
He is a small. young appearing man
with thin face and sparse hair. but
with glowing eyes. He talked freely,
saying;
The time is not ripe for the estab-
lishmente of a soviet form of govern
ment- The agriculturists would not
approve of it and we would be quickly
starved out. We recognize the abso-
lutte helplessness of workers in case of
armed conflict and we will not at
tempt physically to resist military oc-
cupation of Falkenstein. If the troops
appear we will again call a general
r. strike
Hoelz. for whose arrest there is a
reward of 5000 marks. said the work
ers' grievance against the government
was its militarism and asserted they
would try to weaken the government
by agitation. The principal industry
OF this district is the manufacture of
Falkenstein lace, but 2,400 of the pop
ulation of 1850 are out of employ
ment and in considerable distress
Falkenstein is on the edge of what
has been called "Germany's starvation
belt"
Are Firmly Entrcnched.
Chemnitz. Saxony, March 27.-Com-
munists are firmly intrenched in con-
troll here and prepared to resist attacks
by government troops which may be
sent against the city. In the event
the troops secure control. a general
strike may be called. Heinrich Bran
dler. chairman of the executive com
mittee of the workers. declared today
his followers were closely cooperating
with workers in the Ruhr valley.
We do not expect an attack as the
governments forces are too weak he
said, but if it comes we will resist"
To Be No Soviet.
I'VE expect to retain control" he
asserted, until our demands are
granted. 1t is all nonsense to imagine
we intend to establish a soviet form of
government" The mayor of the town
confirmed BrandEer's declaration that
workers were cooperating with the
municipal authorities without interfer-
ing with the latter.
There is no friction or disorder"
he said, land I do not believe the gov
eminent will attempt TO coerce work
ers by the military. Existing differ
ences will be adjusted by negotiation"