New-York tribune., 1922-06-25
Foreign Minister Is Shot
Down While Leaving
His Residence and Auto
Is Wrecked by Grenades
Reichstag Wildly
Excited by News
Long Live the Republic'
Cry Deputies, as They
EuIogize Dead Leader
BY Joseph Shaplen
Special Cabie 10 The TribuAs

fLrSFlHnfs
BERLIN, June 24.--Dr. Walther
Rathenau, German Minister Of For
eign Affairs, was shot and killed this
morning by three men as he left his
home in an automobile for the For
eign Office.
The crime, feared in many quar-
ters as the first blow in a monarchist
coup d'etat 70 overthrow the repub-
lican government, resulted in imme'
date declaration Of state Of semi
martial law. Chancellor Wirth,
after an extraordinary Cabinet ses-
sion, announced that special courts
would be set up Immediately 20 deal
with all acts against the republic
and special prosecuting attorney'
would be appointed TO bring enemies
Of the state 10 justice. All news
papers advocating the overthrow OF
the government would be suppressed
he said, and all monarchist and anti
government propaganda forbidden
Other strong measures are expected.
Eight shots were fired by the as
sassins, who had been waiting near
Or. Rathenau's home in the Grunc
wald suburb. They were in a motor
car which they drove slowly past the
minister's machine. dropping harg
grenades in il 10 make sure OF the.f
fatal purpose. DR.. Rathenau VS.
killed instantly, and the trio Of a.
sassins drove swiftly away, ba'iiins
pursuit.
ReIchstag Adjourns in Turmoil
News OF the crime spread quie.i
through the city. Upon announeemeni
in the Reichstag several Socialis. Deg
uties dashed at the Nationalists and 'n
a few seconds there was free-for-all
fight in which General Sehoeh' Ma
tionalist Deputy, was severely mauls1'
President Locbe Of the Reichsisg wa
compelled to adjourn the session i'
order to prevent bloodshed. Flags on
all government buildings were immea''
atcly placed at half staff.
Rathenaus assassination follow
closely reports that monarehist reae'
tionary conspiracy had been organized
TO kill other Cabinet ministers and
republican leaders. including Char
cellor Wirth and Philip Sehneioo'
mann, who had narrow escape from
an asssssin's bullet a few days ago
After to-dsy's murder Il was learned
that Berlin's leading hotels were hlied
with monarchist officers from Munieh
and other reaetionsry stronghold'.
who are believed 10 have come 10 par
ticipate in another revolt. Among
them are Or. Eseherieh, organizer and
leader OF the movement In Bavaria
and General von der Tam.
Political Consequences Grave
Whether Rathenau's assassination
was intended as a signal for a general
monarchist uprising or premature
move on the part Of nationalist hot
heads. which may make the talked-of
revolt abortiye, remains 20 be seen,
hut Il Is certain that IL will have the
most profound political consequence
over the body Of DR.. Rathenau the
German republic deci. rcd war on the
monarchists. With cries OF Long live
the Republicl" that shook the massive
walls Of the old Reiehstag building,
Chancellor Wirth turned on the Ns-
tionalist Deputies At Reichstsg ses.
sion tonight that took on the form OF
a memorial TO the dead minister, ana
declared:
"Gentlemen, this is the end. This Is
the end From now on things take a
different turn
Denounced as Murderer
A tremendous cheer from the hoor
and galleries greeted the Chancellors
statement. The atmosphere OF the
Reiehstag was charged with a terrine
tension as deputies drifted in for the
late session. Every glance was d.
yeeted toward the doors through which
the Nationalist Deputies depart and
enter. With the presidents chair suli
empty the Nationalist, led by Kari
Helferich. came in quietly and went
toward their seats. No sooner hsd
they entered the hall than Independent
Socialists and Communists, rising en-
masse. rushed toward them and with
cries OF "Murderers, sssa.sins," de-
msnded they leave the building;
one group OF Socialists dashed az
Helfsrich, who was protected by wall
Of Nationaiists. As the cries Of "Mur.
derers, bandits, highwaymen, ssssssins,
continued, Heinerieh, Hergt and their
colleagues stood dumfounded with
bowed heads. unable 20 utter . sound.
"Throw them outl out with them
their hands are dripping blood" con
tinued the Socialists, as Paul Loeos
President OF the Reiehstsg. who m:sn,
while had occupied the chair. vs'nl,
tried 20 restore order. wirth. who wa'
sitting all the time next TO Rsthenau'
crepe-draped chair, came down from
the platform and entered the strug
cling crowd with the plea that th'
deputies take their seats.
Aout with murdefers; this ~
place for ssssssins!" eontinuss-th'