Evening star., 1932-08-01
JOHNSTOWN FACES
CLASH WITH REDS
At MASS MEETING
Communists Defy Mayors
Order Not to Address
B. {. r. Tonight.
GOV. PINCHOT PROMISES
! TO SPEAK TO MARCHERS
Gen. Butler Also Invited to Talk.
Food Situation Becomes
Grave.
BY the Associated Press.

JOHNSTOWN, Pa, August IA
clash between city authorities and Com
munists appeared imminent today as
Mayor Eddie McCloskey served notice
that the Communists cannot address
the Bonus Expeditionary Force in Gen.
trail Park tonight.
Police authorities said that the Com
munists plan to defy the mayor. Nc
Closkey said he would lead the police
in person to stop any gathering at the
park.
On the heels of an announcement
that Gov. Pinchot will address the
bonus seekers encamped here, Mayor
McCloskey said he had asked Smedley
D. Butler, former major general OF the
United States Marine Corps, to visit the
camp to give advice and strengthen the
morale of the bonus army.
The city officials prepared to marshal
their maximum police strength to main
tain order in the event of an attempt
to hold the meeting in Central Park.
Patrolmen on furlough were summoned
to duty.
Meanwhile, a promise that the World
War bonus seekers will not be molested
If they are orderly was given.
The field staff of the bonus army and
Mayor McCloSkey were informed that
the Governor will come here, but the
time of his visit was not announced.
Pinchot Criticizes Eviction.
Gov. Pinchot, in Harrisburg, issued
a formal statement charging treatment
of the marchers in Washington was
''brutal, stupid and altogether unneces-
sary," and stating they had shown far
more restraint than the washington
authorities.
National Red Cross officials in Wash
ington decided to take no part in aid
ing the Johnstown campers.
The Chamber of Commerce plans TO
have the State health department in
spect sanitary conditions. The cham
Der officials said there is danger OF
disease.
AS the food situation grew grave
Mayor McCloskey drew 5000 in advance
on his salary and went shopping for
food this morning.
City authorities urged camp officers
to watch closely any persons who be-
come i'll. A score of persons already
have received medical attention. Many
became i'll from sleeping on the colo,
damp ground.
Staff officers pointed out the contrast
of the crowded encampment today with
the dismal spectacle which greeted the
leader on his arrival from Washington
yesterday.
Sullen despairing, they sprawled
about the sun-baked field, as officers in
shirt sleeves worked with telephone,
paper and pencil to replenish a fast
diminishing supply of food. Then
Comdr. Waters came.
Bareheaded he stood before them and
shouted the news that ne had acquired
a deed to rs acres of land near Laurel,
Md: that he can obtain 25 additional
acres and is privileged to use 209 if
need be.
From the heavy timberland men can
build cabins, he said. They can plant
gardens, establish dairieS, raise chickens,
rabbits and other live stock and make
the new camp self-sustaining.
The announcement brought the camp
ers TO their feet with roar OF cheers.
Battered hats few into the air and vet
Grams who a few minutes before lis
tened with only trace of interest sud-
denly were transformed into a happy,
singing, shouting multitude.
Khaki Shirts" Forming.
Other waves of cheers and applause
greeted Waters announcement that
plans for the Khaki Shirts" semi
military political organization, are being
pressed "in every State in the Union"
Waters emphasized that Il do not
intend to make another march to
Washington Get that straight. Well
f1ght our battles at the polls.
We'll try to have this great outfit
ready for the next election, but if we
cannot, We'll certainly be on the jot
for the next one and the next" he
shouted.
He explained that in the meantime
he intends to center his attention or
the camp. He said the land was Of
fered to him by Maud Edgell, who wa;
prompted to action by the recent dis
orders in Washington.
We'll build our shacks there" he said,
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