Evening star., 1930-12-02
FIVE COMMUNISTS
IN CAPITAL MELEE
FINED IN COURT
Those Convicted, Including
Three Women, Declare They
Will Go to Jail.
BLACKSMITH CHARGES
OFFICER BROKE NOSE
Policeman Asserts Citizen Came to
His Rescue and Felled
Russian.


rested by police during the imbroglio
on Capitol Hill yesterday, were con-
victed on charges of disorderly con-
duct in Police Court today and fined
by Judge Isaac r. Hit. The five who
were convicted, including three women,
declared they would serve jail SEN
tences rather than pay the fines.
One of the defendants, John zillic,
41-year-old Russian blacksmith of Nc
Keesport, Pa, had a broken nose and
black eyes when he faced the Judge.
Zilic said the policeman had presented
him with the fracture while he was
prisoner bound for the precinct in a
taxicab.
On the other hand, Oficer P. S.
OBrien of No. precinct declared zilic
felled him with blow to the stomach.
The officer testified that an unidentified
citizen came to the aid of the Metro
politan police and swung a powerful
left hook at the Russian, knocking him
down.
Zilic Fined SIS.
Zilic drew a $25 fine, while the others
were assessed $40 each. The blacksmith
can either pay the fine or serve 80 days
in jail. He assured the attorney for the
five defendants, Charles E. Ford, that
he would serve his time. Zilic was
taken to the hospital for treatment fol-
lowing the trial.
The others fined were:
Helen Roberts, II years old, presser,
of Baltimore; Rose Stein, 38 years old,
Russian dressmaker, of New York
City; Rose Markle, "a years old, Rus
sian, of New York City, and Paudelis
%@wl~I -. IL u r1..riy f.fC
A similar count booked against
Fioreto de Angelo, 35 years old, an
Italian cook of Akron, Ohio, was dis
missed when it was brought out that
the ofense which police charged him
with was committed on the Capitol
grounds.
Julia A. Whitfield, 80 years old, of
Youngstown, Ohio, was arrested, but
never formally charged. She was dis
missed after questioning
Captured>at Peace Monument.
The police captured all their prisoners
in a warlike demonstration which
revolved about the Peace Monument, at
the foot of Capitol Hill. The crowd
which was swinging fists there had
either retreated or marched from the
Capitol PlazaS where yesterdays dem-
onstration broke up under the COM
pelling influence of tear gas.
The arresting officers declared that
the Communists we're shouting a rally
ing cry of Follow on, comrades" scuf-
fling with citizens and, in some cases,
blocking the traffic.
The Districts case was presented by
Raymond Sparks, assistant corporation
counsel. John r. Fitzpatrick, assistant
United States attorney, declined to
draw up any charges on behalf of the
Government in connection with the
disturbance on the reservation. He did
not feel there was sufficient evidence
to subStantiate charges in any Of the
cases.
A large crowd was in the court room
during the trial. Attorney Ford argued
that his clients only exercised their
constitutional rights in bringing a pc
tition to the House of Representatives
and the Senate. He denied that there
had been any Intentional violence, nor
anything un-American in action.
Delegates TO Conference.
All of the defendants were delegates
to a conference called here Sunday to
protest alleged discriminatory legiSla-
tion toward the foreign born. In par
ticular the wrath of the foreigners was
drawn to bill now pending, to pro-
vide for the registration of aliens. An
other sore spot with the some 500 dele
gates, who represented labor unions of
pale pink and outright red tendencies,
was the report of the Fish Committee,
which has been investigating Commu-
nistic activities.
yet unknown, although the foreigners
have felt it would be prejudicial to
their interest since Representative Fish
has made several speeches which they
feel were unfriendly to them. .
Following the conference Sunday the
plan to stage demonstration before
the east steps of the Capitol was pub
licly announced The Communists
gathered on Capitol Hill by twos and
threes. They mingled on the grounds
with a large throng of visitors and
attendants at the opening of the pres
ent session. Just at noon an uniden-
titled Communist ran out into the cen
ter of the plaza crying, Comrades, as
semble."
Communists Form Column.
Then the Communists rushed together
from all parts of the Capitol grounds
and formed a rude column which moved
upon the east steps. At least 25 large
placards, bearing inscriptions protesting
reputed discriminatory legislation, were
ripped from beneath overcoats and held
aloft.
A heavy detail of Capitol police and
headquarters detectives were on hand
awaiting developments. They rushed the
assembly and bedlam ensued as they
tore the placards from the hands of the
and tramped them un-
derfoot. Brisk fighting developed be-
tween about so policemen and 800 Com
munists who were dispelled only after
police resorted to tear bombs.