The Washington times., 1938-07-19
STEEL GUARDS
STRUCK WOMEN,
WITNESS SAYS
Children Caught In
Gas Barrage

Gas Barrage
I.NSD Darrell S t. h, milk
drivers union official, told the
Senate Civil Liberties Committee
today that women we're beaten
and school children and onlook-
ers in general fell victims to tear
gas in a May. 1885. riot outside
the plant of the Berger Manufac-
turing Company. a subsidiary OF
the Republic Steel Corporation, at
Canton. Ohio.
Smith told mis- story of the clash
between pickets and guards Of the
Berger plant May 81, 1885, as the
Senate committee continued its
investigation into the long-laSting
strife beWteen union organizers
and the great companies known
as Little Steel"
PRESENCE ACCIDENTAL
The witness said his encounter
with Berger Company guards was
unintentional, and charged he
was struck over the head with
an iron pipe when he tried to
escape in an automobile. He
added his car was wrecked.
Smith said he was in his car at
q filling station near the plant
when the rioting began.
IT heard some shots and I
looked around and saw that it
was several guards on the roof
Of the plant shooting tear gas
into and over the crowds, he
declared.
Then is or 20 guards with
clubs got out of the truck driven
out of the company plant. At
the same time about as many
guards rushed from behind the
plant gates and ran to the other
side of the crowd.
BEATEN ON GROUND
Il saw one of the guards strike
q man over the head five or siv
times, and then 1 saw him
beaten after he was knocked
down.
The object of the guards ap-
parently was to get in front of
the crowd, so nobody could eS-
cape. 1t was just about the
bloodiest scene I have ever seen.
/ saw women struck with those
iron bars just as if they were
men.
Il saw several school children
running around in a panic, try
ing to escape the gas"
Later, Smith testified, the
school children were herded into
q nearby restaurant and placed
under tables by the owner. He
said, however, that after they were
evacuated the restaurant plainly
showed stains left by tear gas.
WOMAN ATTACKED
IT saw one woman running
away from the crowd. She was
oVertaken by a guard and either
pushed or knocked to the ground,
I'm not sure which. Another
woman was getting out Of car
when she was struck from be-
hind"
At this point, T. F.. Patton, an
attorney for Republic, objected to
Smiths testimony and addressed
Senator La Toilette P0, WiScon-
sin, chairman Of the committee:
Senator, this man Is doing
a beautiful job, but I suggest
that he stick to the facts"
La Toilette pointed out he had
been lenient with witnesses who
testified for Republic Steel yeSter-
day and said that in all fairness
he should allow each witness to-
tell his own story. in order to bal
ance the record.
CLASHES WITH WHITE
During Smiths testimony, La
Toilette clashed with Charles M
White, vice president in charge OF
operations of Republic Steel, who
laughed outright as the witness
was describing the bloody scene.
Mr.. White, can you restrain
your levity a little bit?" asked
La Toilette. Il don't think any
one else is impressed with it."
well, I am, Senator, but
apologize" snapped White.
AS Smith went on with his story
La Toilette read hospital record,
showing Smith had several
stitches taken in his skull
Smith said that after he was
discharged from the hospital sew
eral hours later he returned to the
scene of the riot and after survey
ing his damaged car. got in touch
with a Republic attorney, who set
tied for $500, upon the condition
he withdrew his personal charge
against the guard who. he says,
struck him.
Murphy Reunion