The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1924-05-28
FIRST SESSION
TURNS TO RIOT
OF COMMUNISTS
Won Tirpitz And Luden-
dorff Hooted By OPP
posing Members
DAWES PLAN FATE
IN HANDS OF MOB
Campaign Of Obstruction
Seen In Opening Day
Tactics
Nv ERIC KEYSER,

(By Leased Wire to The Age-Heraldl
BERLIN, May 27.-As President
Ebert struggled with the difficult
task of finding someone capable OF
heading the cabinet, the new Ger
man reichstag on whose words
hangs the fate of the Dawes report
opened with a vaudeville-like show
in which bowling communists taunt-
ed enraged fascist.
Members came to blows. before
the session was adjourned in dis
order late Tuesday, with the com.
munists shouting ''internationaie'
to drown out the voices of fascist,
who were Justify singing "Deutsch-
land Ueber Allies"
Marx Busy
At that time Germany was still in
the throes of cabinet making. Ebert
had commissioned Chancellor Marx
still temporarily carrying on despite the
resignation of his government--to re-
build a cabinet. The commission had
not yet been accepted, however, due to
internal developments in the folks
party.
The excitement of the reichstag meet
ing, however, thrust the cabinet situa-
ton into the BACKGROUND.
The reds" had opened their cam.
paign of disorder at the session by
gaiiy blowing a tin horn as General
Ludendorff answered roll call he was
met with "a ATe-miuute barrage OF
5eers and laughter. -ss.a,
.our people are jailed-and this
pig is free" the communists yelled.
The facisti supporters of the general
manfully attempted to shout down the
''reds," while Ludendorff remained 81
lent, his lips curled in q scornful
smile.
Won TOrpitz Jeered
When Admiral Won Tirpitz answered
the roll, another tumult rose from the
communist benches. Through the cham
Der rang shrill long drawn whistles,
meant to initiate a ships siren.
where are your submarines" jeered
the communists.
Won Tirpitz, masked behind his
bushy white whiskers, maintained grim
silence. Ruth Fischer, wild-haired
girl communist leader, spurred on her
colleagues, her shrill voice rising above
the rest. Finally the tight-lipped, shaver
headed fascist, glaring through naughty
monocles, could stand the attacks no
longer, and burst forth with counter
jeers.
Through the storm came the futile
tinkle of a tiny bell, rung time and
again, as Herr Book, acting president,
vainly called for order. Book, a So
cialist, temporarily held the chair by
virtue Of his position as oldest mem
Der Of the house. He had a thanklesS
task.
When an attempt was made to elect
chairman the communists crowded
forward, demanding attention for their
resolutions calling for the release of
recently arrested communist deputies
and other political prisoners.
Spectators Join In Row
Spectators in the galleries lifted their
voices, taking sides in the noisy con-
test. Someone started a song. 1t was
not clear which side sang first, for
almost simultaneously the benches and
galleries Joined in warning with music,
the thunder of Deutschland Uber
Allies" growliing beneath the tumult of
the "Internationale."
The conflicting songs and curses rose
to a crashing finale of pandemonium.
Herr Book, the Oldest member, got
up. He slowly donned his silk hat
and walked from the chamber. The
socialists and the centrists followed
him, and finally the others dispersed.
The first session of the new reichstag
which is to decide the fate of the
Dawes plan-was at an end.
1t was obvious that the communists
had begun a campaign of obstructionist
tactics, but the next session undoubted-
ly will see some elections.
While Berlin's people, according to
their political color, voiced amusement,
indignation or approval over the reich
stak show, word Of threatened disorders
came from the Ruhr.
Thousands of persons Joined in great
demonstrations at Gelsenkirchen, Buer,
Muelheim and Duisburg Tuesday, but
thus far reportes indicate that the
crowds were dispersed quietly.