The daily worker. [volume] (Chicago, Ill.) 1924-1958, 1934-11-26
Continued from Page y


band of hired butchers is universally
known to comprise escaped convicts,
murderers, mercenaries, and the
worst 6regs Of the underworld of
every land. White Guard Russians,
chased out of other capitalist coun-
tries because of their criminal deeds,
Riffs, who were paid to kill their
own people for Spanish imperialism
in Morocco-all under the leader
ship of General Ochoa, the Spanish
Gallifet, hangman of the prole-
tariat, were the shock troops used
BY the hypocritical Catholic fascist
rulers to teach the Asturias pro-
letariat lesson of Christian ethics.
The defeat of Asturias was made
possible only because of the treach-
cry of the anarchist leaders in Cata-
lonia, permitting the Lerroux-R Robes
regime to concentrate the bulk Of
its armed forces against the AS
turias Soviets.
Held Power IA Days
For IA days the workers and
peasants in Asturias held power.
But these were IA days of endless
fighting, when most of the Red
Army had no respite. Yet in spite
Of this, the Commune set up its
governing apparatus, decreed all
lands belonged to the peasants who
toiled them; requisitioned food and
supplies for the toiling masses and
the Red Army; established its press:
took over the big industries and
utilized them for the manufacture
of arms. for the revolutionary strug-
giles; seized the largest bank in
Oviedo, and confiscated $4,000 900
pesetas for food, clothing and
shelter for the unemployed, and for
the necessities of waging war against
the fascist regime.
Sent Radio Message
On Oct. IL, the Workers and
Peasants Government of Asturias
set up its wireless communication
with the rest of Spain and sent a
message to the Central Committee
of the Communist Party in Madrid,
declaring: "All of this region is
in our hands. We have proclaimed
the Republic of Workers, Peasants
and Soldiers. We have 100000 work
ers under arms, and shock bri-
gade Of 10000 men. We have taken
the factories producing war mate
rails. On october 8 we occupied all
OF Oviedo, after besieging the city
for five days. Then We proclaimed
the power of the workers and peas
ants. A number of the Civil Guard
and Storm Guard gave up to us.
I'VE declared the abolition of pri-
vate property. Alcoholic drinks were
prohibited. A company of machine
gunners coming from Leon were de-
stroyed by us at Campomanes after
hard battle. Since Monday, Oct.
8, planes have bombarded us. We
shot two down with machine guns.
Nater they shot down five more,
though they did not have anti
aircraft equipment.) The columns
OF General Ochoa, which penetrated
Avlles, opened cannonade on the
workers homes; they killed women
and children and the best known
revolutionists. When General Ochoa
penetrated AViles he did not dare
to enter the interior of the city.
The women fight heroically in
the front ranks. We have replaced
the proletarian prisoners by capt.
tallsts whom we are guarding as
hostages. /. We possess resources
and materials to resist for three
months. By radio we know the sit
uation of the rest of Spain.
But nevertheless, if you cannot
impede the concentration of forces
against Asturias, we will not declare
ourselves vanquished."
The heroism of the Asturias prole-
tariat, fighting against superior
forces, striving by might and main
to retain the Soviet power, feeding
the hungry masses, attempting to
establish its stern discipline and or
der in the face of the bombardment
and sabotage of the fascist hordes,
aroused the admiration and respect
even of its enemies in Asturias, as
we shall learn.
Ruled Against Odds
Every bit of food and supplies
requisitioned was done so on the or
der and receipt of the Revolution
airy Committee. The workers showed
the greatest revolutionary initia-
tive and ability to rule in the face
of the greatest odds.
Instructions were issued by the
Revolutionary Committee against all
acts of pillage, with orders to arrest
and shoot pillagers. All of the work
ers' parties and organizations were
called to the central headquarters
! OF the government to participate ir