vol. 1, no. 12

AMERICAN CIVIL LIBERTIES UNION-NEWS

FREE SPEECH FREE PRESS FREE ASSEMBLAGE

“Eternal vigilance is the price of liberty.”

Vol. I SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA, AUGUST, 1936 No. 12

$4,000 FOR CIVIL LIBERTIES

At oct time we are making our second annual drive for funds. We must raise $4000 to carry on the activities of the A. C. L. U. during 1937.

A year ago we put the Union on a business basis by setting up a budget of $3600 for 1936, raising the budget and then living within our income. The budget plan was introduced to eliminate repeated appeals to our friends to meet financial obligations.

At that time we said, ‘““We would like to avoid this practice (of emergency appeals) _which is expensive and limits our effectiveness. We want to be free to solve civil liberties issues as they arise without interrupting our activities to raise money to carry on.”

We guarantee now, as we did a year ago, that “If each supporter of the Union will NOW make a generous annual or monthly pledge for 1937, WE WILL PROMISE NOT TO BOTHER HIM FOR FURTHER CONTRIBUTIONS FOR ANOTHER YEAR.” You can help us to fulfill that promise and put the Union upon a secure footing by filling out the enclosed pledge card and returning it to us AT ONCE. Sending as much of your pledge as is convenient or the entire amount will save us the cost of future billing.

Pledge $1.00 A Month

How much should you pledge? If possible we urge you to pledge $1.00 a month or $12.00 a year. We hope, too, that our friends who are able to exceed that amount or who can increase their subscriptions over last year will do so, for there are supporters who cannot afford to give $1.00 a month, and there may be some who will feel obliged to reduce their gifts. : NO OBLIGATION is incurred. by your pledge that cannot immediately be withdrawn. The pledge card reads that, “I reserve the right to terminate this pledge whenever I see fit.”

Paltry Sum

Four thousand dollars is a paltry sum to defend civil liberties in Northern California during 1937. Patrioteers in San Francisco alone are spending tens of thousands of dollars every year through such fascist organizations as the American League Against Communism, The American Warriors, the Industrial Association’s Anti- Communist Bulletin, through the Chamber of Commerce, American Legion groups, Elks, the various Shirt organizations and countless other groups. Our budget is small only because of the volunteer services we receive. Four thousand dollars could not pay the lawyers who have so unselfishly given their services throughout the year. Nor could we pay from our budget the many volunteers who carry on investigations for us, help us with the routine office work and who serve on our committees.

The Record for 1936

The A.C.L.U. is the ONLY organization that defends civil liberties on ALL fronts. When you make your pledge for 1937, remember our struggles in the Santa Rosa tar and feather cases and against vigilantism wherever it crops up, our successful work in the Sacramento flag salute case, our participation in the Salinas lettuce strike difficulties, our opposition to the fascist border patrol, our defense in the Koci and Warnick deportation cases, our activities against anti-picketing ordinances and in behalf of the fullest opportunities for public assembly, our campaign against our fight cru finger-printing, | ‘against the criminal syndicalism law, our activity in the McConnel and Grossman éases, our successful fight against red-baiting legislation and for academic freedom. If you want this work to continue, if you want to receive our monthly NEWS, won’t you please send your check NOW.

AMERICAN LEGION, WEARY OF FLAG SALUTING

When the American Legion with its record of super-patriotis sm opposes flag saluting, that's news.

We therefore reprint the following editorial from the November 1, 1936; issue of The California Legionnaire:

Respect for the Flag

Patriotic citizens are divided into two classes—and we are speaking now only of genuine 100 per cent patriots. There is one class which believes that every respect should be paid to the flag of our country, which pays the respect and asks others to pay the same respect; there is another super-class that wants to go to the other extreme to the extent that instead of engendering respect they breed disrespect.

This thought is inspired by comment of many Legionnaires at the Cleveland convention due to the fact that American flags were carried by nearly every unit in the vast parade and those who attempted to salute every flag that passed were constantly on the jump. In the grand-stand of the stadium where the parade was reviewed this condition was the cause of a great deal of comment and many Legionnaires left the stands rather than spend the time constantly jumping up and down as the flag passed. Many who considered the grandstand as being under cover did not stand on every occasion and were bawled out by some others who are in the second class noted above. In some cases the ensuing debate was hot. The same was true along the sidewalks, where tired bystanders who happened to miss one of the thousands of colors, were yelled at or pointed out as lacking in patriotism. Is it not probable that in the hearts of some this breeds disrespect rather than respect for the flag?

In California parades our colors are massed in one gorgeous ensemble that is not only beautiful to look upon, but which cannot help but inspire pride of country and love for the flag in the most callous heart as he sees the spectacle such as was presented at Hollywood. It might be suggested that those in charge of the national parade in the future adopt some such plan. It might not be practical to mass all colors at the head of the parade, but massed colors as to states would in a great measure solve the problem and add, not lessen, respect for the flag.

COURT ISSUES WRIT AGAINST COMPULSORY FLAG SALUTING; SCHOOL BOARD APPEALS

Superior Court Judge Peter J. Shields on November 5 granted a peremptory writ of mandate ordering Sacramento school = ficials to reinstate Charlotte Gabrielli ‘ a pupil in the Fremont School . Sa. requiring her to salute the flag of the United States or any other flag or to pledge allegiance thereunto ... and without in anywise penalizing or punishing her for her failure or refusal so to do, so long as she shall object to the performance of said acts, or any of them, upon religious grounds.” Shortly after the decision was handed down, the Sacramento board of education voted to appeal therefrom to the District Court of Appeals.

The present decision is Judge Shield’s e second _against compulsory ee See. Pemanart refused to dismiss the petition for a writ of mandate, holding that if all the facts alleged were true, then the right of religious freedom had been denied.

Gabrielli Only Witness

At the hearing on October 5, Joseph Gabrielli was the only witness called to the stand. He testified that the allegations in the petition were true; that his daughter’s refusal to salute the flag is based solely on her religious beliefs as a follower of the society known as Jehovah’s Witnesses; that the child loves and is devoted to her country and that if readmitted to her classes she will stand respectfully at attention whenever a flag salute is given. It was stipulated that the child’s testimony would be the same as the father’s; therefore, she was excused from testifying. No witnesses were called by the School Board.

At the conclusion of the hearing Judge Shields gave a brief oral opinion. He said the writ would be granted on the grounds set forth in his previous opinion. ‘‘There is no political, economic or social question. here,” said Judge Shields. ‘‘The issue is whether the city school board had the constitutional power to bar the little girl from school because of her religious beliefs.”

Wayne M. Collins, San Francisco A. C. L. U. attorney again appeared on behalf — of the child, while school officials were represented by Assistant District Attorney William A. Green.

“False Issues of Patriotism”’

Commenting on Judge Shield’s decision in its issue of November 7, the Sacramento Union stated that ‘‘We hope the Gabrielli case will settle this flag salute matter for all time to come. It’s been an annoying incident, one raising, we believe, false issues of patriotism, one that certainly has challenged the theory of free public education. Let there be no delay in appealing the case, if appeal we must.”

Many other California flag salute cases await a final decision in the Gabrielli case. In Sacramento four children who are also Jehovah’s Witnesses and refuse to salute (Continued On Page 2, Col. 2)

Page 2

Let Freedom Ring

KOCI AND WARNICK

The Koci and Warnick deportation cases remain inactive. The hearing in the Koci case, which had its inception on May 15, has never been completed. The Depart- ment of Labor has given no final decision in the Warnick case, which dates back to October 3, 1935, although the local immigration service has recommended that Warnick be deported to Canada. Both men remain at liberty on $1000 bail.

McCONNEL CASE

Further proceedings on the petition of Frederic J. McConnel for citizenship are expected sometime in December. Naturalization examiner, Stanley B. Johnston, who on October 7 last recommended that the petition be denied, has granted a request to admit testimony to rebut his objections. The examination of two new witnesses op-. posing Mr. McConnel’s petition scheduled i. , for November 13 was postponed | until his torney, George / rsen, concludes appeara the “K ase’) vakland. ; _BERKE NATIONA m ae SNnyoue having information Sbeue he Berkeley Nationals, vigilante group active ‘ during the 1934 general strike, is urged to get in touch with us without delay. We would also appreciate any information about the Berkeley Defense Corps.

STREET MEETINGS

Charges against Lawrence Ross, Communist candidate for Congress at the national election, Dave Saunders and two others for blocking the sidewalk when they held a political meeting on the Embarcadero in San Francisco at 6:30 a.m. September 21, were dismissed by the prosecution when they were called for jury trial on November 4. Bail of $200.00 posted by the A.C.L.U. was exonerated.

VIGILANTISM ON THE LEFT

While selling political literature in front of Dreamland Auditorium, San Francisco, at the close of the Spanish defense meeting on November 15, Bill Green and Harry ~ Becker were assailed by alleged members of the Communist Party, and their literature seized and destroyed. The A.C.L.U. at once lodged protests with the Communist Party. The Union is not interested in partisan political squabbles, and it will oppose vigilantism wherever it occurs. We would appreciate any information that might lead to the identification of the vigilantes.

XMAS GIFT MEMBERSHIPS

One of our members is planning to give memberships in the A.C.L.U. as Xmas gifts to certain of her friends. Perhaps there are others who would like to do the same thing. Don’t forget that the membership is only $1.00 a year and includes a subscription to the monthly A.C.L.U. NEWS. Or, you might subscribe to the A.C.L.U. NEWS. for your friends, at 50 cents a year for each subscription.

SCOTTSBORO BOYS AND HERNDON

The trials in the famous Scottsboro case which were scheduled to resume on November 2 before Judge William Washington Callahan at Decatur, Ala., have been postponed because the judge is seriously ill with a heart ailment.

On Nevember 23 the United States Supreme Court took jurisdiction of an appeal chamber heard representatives ganized labor, the Interprofessional Assoby Angelo Herndon sentenced to 18 to 20 years under an ancient Georgia insurrection law.

VIGILANTES AND COMMUNISM |

Herbert Slaier, blind state Senitor from Sonoma County, writing in the October 29 issue of the Santa Rosa Press-Democrat, had the following to say about vigilantism and Communists:

‘‘Now that the Superior Court has coincided with the decision previously reached by the grand jury in the vigilante demonstration against radicals who thought they would be permited to start a riot in the harvest fields last year, it ought to be suf- ficient anouncement as to how the good people of Sonoma County regard Communists and communism.

“Tt is quite likely steps may be oe in the 1937 legislature to eject the Communist ticket from the ballot in this state. Last year you may recall many organizations in Sonoma County and generally throughout the state went on record in favor of a strong resolution urging the removal of the Communist party from the ballot. Whether this can be accomplished, and some say it can, has not yet been definitely considered.”

MAY TAKE REFERENDUM ON SAN FRANCISCO ANTI-PICKETING LAW

San Francisco’s. anti-picketing law passed during the 1916 war hysteria may again come before the voters at a special charter election in February. A preliminary step in that direction was taken on November 20 when the Judiciary Committee of the Board of Supervisors, composed of James B. McSheehy and Dewey Meade, voted to recommend that the Board of Supervisors re-submit the law to the people for their decision.

The repeal move came at-the instance of the Northern California “Chapter of the Newspaper Guild when it recently sent | a resolution to the Board of Supervisors _ protesting demands of the San PYaneisco: Chamber of Commeree for strict enforce. + ment of the anti-piCketing law, and urging ~ elas that the referendum be taken. eS At the Committee hearing a Gromdea” ciation and the American Civil Liberties Union argue for resubmission of the law to the voters. Will Merryman, representing the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce, was the only person to speak against the proposed referendum.

When the Board of Supervisors received the report of its Judiciary Committee on November 238 it postponed final action thereon until November 30 when it will sit as a Committee of the Whole to hear arguments from any interested citizens.

COURT ISSUES WRIT AGAINST COMPULSORY FLAG SALUTING; SCHOOL BOARD APPEALS

(Continued From Page 1, Col. 3)

the flag have nevertheless been permitted to continue their studies. In Lodi, where two children were expelled some months ago, they were permitted to register at the opening of the fall term.

In Fresno county, however, one child in the Selma School has been refused rein- statement and a like situation obtains in the Atwater School in Merced county. In the city of Merced the two daughters of Mr. and Mrs. Lee Mole were expelled on May 3. Not only have the school authorities refused to reinstate the children but the once prosperous business of the parents has been destroyed because of scurrilous publicity by patrioteers. Incidentally, in Atlanta, Georgia, a member of the Ku Klux Klan, in full regalia, picketed the store of George Leoles whose daughter was expelled from school for refusing to salute the flag. His business was also destroyed.

FLASH! A press dispatch from Merced, dated November 24, announces that Max Smith, city school superintendent, has permitted the Mole girls to return to their classes.

They will be excused from class each day during the flag salute period and be permitted to return as soon as the cere. mony is completed. |

A. C. L. U. FINANCIAL AND MEMBERSHIP STATEMENTS FOR 1936

The following statement indicates how your money was used in the first eleven months of 1986 (Jan. 1 to Dec. 1):

Salaries ...... $1,617.88

Printing and Stationery ... 559.30

Rent... 302.50

Postage .... 233.66

Miscellaneous ... 141.43

Telephone and Telegraph. 88.83

Fuiniture and Equipment. 135.10

Incidental Legal Expenses 76.75

Travelling 45.70

Petty Cash 21.18

Total Expenditures... $3221.83

While the budget was set at $300 a month or $38,300 for the eleven-month period accounted for above, the actual expenditures were below the budget or an average of $292.89 per month. We believe that increased costs of operation warrant the fixing of the 1987 budget at approximately $835 a month, or $4,000 for the year.

The income for 1936 is acounted for as follows:

On hand, Jan. 1, 1936 $ 429.29

Gen’l receipts, Jan. to Nov. 24 ... 2908.95

Pledges uncollected....200

Doubtful pledges ........ 75

Collectible pledges................ 125.00

Total Income and Pledges for '36 ... $3462.24

The standing of special accounts on November 24 is as follows:

Koci Case

“Receipts $130.00

Expenditures .......... 32.50

On Hand ... $ 97.50

Warnick Case

On hand Jan. 1, '36 ... $34.50

Receipts, 1936.... 124,88

Total Income... $159.38

Expenditures... 98.48

On Hand .... $60.90

Flag Salute Case

Receipts ...$200.00

Expenditures .......... 72.83

On Hand .... 127.17

Tar and Feather Cases

Local contributions .... $300

Pledged by N. Y......... 300

On Hand .... 600.00

Total on Hand in Special Accounts (Nov. 24) ........ $ 885.57

The membership record for 1936 is follows: Members and contibubers, Jan. 1 to Nov. 24........... 488

December, 1936, expirations.... 8

Total active membership........ 496

Separate ACLU-NEWS subscriberes ..... 14

Dormant (former members in arrears in dues .... 136

Growth in Membership

Active membership May 1, ’35....236

Active membership May 1, ’36....378

Active membership Nov. 24, 36 496

ARGUE BRANCH APPEAL DECEMBER 1

The appeal in the deportation proceedings against Campbell William Skeoch (Jim) Branch, now entering their third year, has been set down for a hearing in the Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco on December 1. The government has dropped the charge that Mr. Branch is a member of an organization which advocates the overthrow of the United States | government and is merely proceeding on the theory that because Branch taught at the Workers School he was therefore associated with a group which advocates the violent overthrow of the government.

Legion Commander Repudiates Vigilantism

Harry W. Colmery, National Commander of the American Legion, struck out boldly against Legionnaire vigilantes in a lengthy statement appearing in the November issue of The National Legionnaire. Special target of his attack was Legionnaire interference with a radio campaign speech of Earl Browder, Communist candidate for president, at Terre Haute, Indiana. “When citizens take the law into their hands,” said ~Colmery, “when groups determine to suspend the Constitution and invoke force without authority, they are dipping dangerously close to Fascism and Hitlerism, and even to anarchy itself.”? Because only a few sentences from Commander Colmery’s sensational statement appeared in the daily press, we are now printing the major portion of it:

Let’s Be American

The time has come for The American Legion to give serious thought to our traditional Americanism policy and determine whether certain misguided individuals within our organization are setting a good example of true Americanism.

To uphold and defend the Constitution of the United States of America; to maintain law and order, and to foster and perpetuate a one hundred per cent Americanism, are cardinal principles of The American Legion. They are written in the preamble to our constitution and, as such, stand as permanent mandates, which may be changed or modified only by amending that constitution itself. They solemly and unequivocally bind every member of The American Legion not only to preach Americanism, but to LIVE it and PRACTICE Me Un-Americanism

Americanism, TRUE nee means acceptance of and adherence to ALL of the principles and institutions of our American form of Government. We cannot accept only those which coincide y with our individual. ‘point of view and violate those which do not; and we MUST | NOT resort to force to suppress persons or groups whose opinions differ from our own. That is the very essence of UN-AMERICANISM.

The Constitution of the United States guarantees freedom of religion, freedom of speech, freedom of the press, and the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and it declares that Congress shall not make any law prohibiting or abridging the free exercise of these sound principles. They are the most American thing in the Con. stitution. Without these wise provisons, we would have no democratic government; indeed, history tells us we would have had no United States of America.

Free Speech For Those We Despise

It is the sworn obligation of every member of The American Legion to uphold and CHAIRMAN DR. CHARLES A. HOGAN, Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Northern California branch of the American Civil Liberties Union, and defend these principles as faithfully, as courageously, and as impartially as every other article of the Constitution. We must not deny the right of free speech or peaceabie assembly to any.person or any group, not even to those whose theories we despise. Our country has enjoyed a greater degree of progress; our people have been biessed by more happiness than any other country or people on earth because this Government has maintained the principles of freedom and liberty. We must not do anything to undermine them, however well intended our motives may be.

In recent months there have been certain incidents which should give us pause for genuine concern. Unfortunately, either rightly or wrongly, Legionnaires are reported to have been associated with them. In the absence of a competent investigation to determine the accuracy of: these reports, I shall not particularize; but I do feel that it is essential that I should take cognizance of a situation which, if it per- sists, not only will do immeasurable harm to the Legion but will undermine the faith of the people in the Legion and in our democratic form of government.

Mob Tactics

Within the month, according to press reports, there have been instances in various parts of the country where mob tactics have been employed to break up meetings where Communist representatives were to speak in the open forum or by radio. The American Legion is opposed to Commu-. nism. So am I. It is opposed in this country to any form of arbitrary government which harks back to the absolutism to protect against which modern enlightened people have set up constitutional democracies such as we have in the United States. So am I. I believe the great majority of American citizens agree with this policy. I shall stand loyally by our. mandate on this’ ‘subject. and work for its fulfillment. ‘But there is nothing in it which even remotely implies that we should suspend the Constitution of the United States, violate the principles of our own organization, and use force or violence or intimidation to suppress any group.... Points to Lawful Way

The law draws the line between freedom of speech and treason. If the laws are not adequate, the legislative bodies should be urged to make them so. As Legionnaires, you can work in that field. The Constitution was adopted to preserve our Government, not to serve as a protecting screen for those who, claiming its privileges, seek to destroy it. It does not protect him who encourages and counsels violation of existing law. But, even in such instances, you have no right to assume police authority. To enforce the law is the function of the

WHO’S WHO IN THE A. C. L. U.

Dr. Charles A. Hogan, Chairman of the Northern California Branch of the American Civil Liberties Union since its reorganization in 1934, has for the past four years been on the staff of the School of Social Studies, founded by Dr. Alexander Meikle- john. For three years he was an assistant in the philosophy department at the Uni- versity of Califérnia, and also lectured in its Extension Division. A native son and graduate of the University of California (1926), Dr. Hogan holds a B. Litt., degree from Oxford University (19381), and a Ph. D. from the (1932). University of California

Ernest Besig, Northern California director of the American Civil Liberties Union - since June 23, 1935, was previously asso-. ciated with the Southern California Branch of the Union. He is a former setlement worker and before that was engaged in the active practice of law in New York state. Mr. Besig was born in Ravena, New York, and was educated at Cornell University where he received an A. B. degree in 1926 and an LL. B. degree in 1928.

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Legion Commander Repudiates Vigilantism executive branch of Government; to uphold it is the function of the Courts, and | we have confidence in the ability of both -uches of the Government to perform their -responsibilities. Proper complaints. may be filed against those who thus abuse | treedom. of speech, and, in that manner, you can co-operate effectively with the constituted authorities of Government. As Legionnaires, you can work in that field. Freedom of speech does not protect disturbances to the public peace, nor deprive a state of the primary and essential right of self-preservation. As to such efforts, no good citizens will remain unconcerned. Even so, as citizens we cannot assume police authority. We can see that such violators of the law are prosecuted and, by being deputized, assist the law enforcement officers in the preservation of the peace. a you can work in that ield.

For Law and Order

The preamble to our constitution pledges us to maintain law and order, and we are bound thereby to uphold the law, not flout it, even in an unguarded moment of passion; to preserve order by being orderly and proceeding in the orderly way. Likewise,the convention mandate which directs us to oppose Communism makes it equally mandatory upon us also to oppose Fascism and Hitlerism. All three are repugnant to American principles. When citizens take the law into their hands, when groups determine to suspend the Constitution and invoke force without authority, they are dipping dangerously close to Fascism and Hitlerism, and even to anarchy itself.

Right to Advocate Change

My comrades, you and I have faith in | America, and in the American form of government. We do not oppose progress in Government. We eproemize. the right of the citizenry to make such changes, pro: ceeding i in the orderly way provided by the That traditional American ~ principle must not be denied. Every citizen | Constitution. must have his inalienable right to support or oppose changes, as he see fit. We must have faith in the common sense and loyalty of the great mass of American citizens. This nation will not be blown away by the windy ranting of a deluded radical whose following represent a mere fractional per cent of the whole population. Revolution flourishes only in the shadows where freedom and liberty have been strangled by suppression. We must overcome Communism and other subversive movements. But “viewing with alarm,” “red-baiting,’? and “viding professional martyrs on a rail,’’ are not the best way to do it. If an emergency calls for militant action, the regularly-constituted authority of Government can al(Continued On Page 4, Col. 3)

DIRECTOR

ERNEST BESIG, Northern California director ee the American Civil Liberties Union.

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American Civil Liberties Union News

Published monthly at 434 Mills Building, san Francisco, Calif. by the Northern California Branch of The American Civil Liberties Union. Phone: HXbrook 1816 ERNEST BESIG Hditor PAULINE W. DAVINS.....o...22.. Associate Editor Subscription Rates—Fifty Cent's a Year. Five Cents per Copy. :

THE AMERICAN WARRIORS OF THE UNITED STATES, INC.

The latest crusading patrioteers, The American Warriors of the United States, Inc., with national headquarters at 305 W. 8th St., Los Angeles, have opened their “Bay Cities Headquarters” with Charles T. Williams as “deputy national organizer,” at 1604 Humboldt Bank’ Bidg., San Francisco. Headed by “Sgt. ‘K’-No. 1517641” as “Commander-in-Chief” and various “Vice-Commanders” throughout the Country, the Warriors, ‘an organization of men who, like the Crusaders of old, have followed the Stars and Stripes at home and into foreign climes and brought the faith of Washington and Lincoln unto foreign tyrants and despots—men who have proven their rights to citizenship by the offering of their mortal body and immortal souls in sacrifice that liberty should not perish from the earth,” will do battle with “Communism, Fascism, Imperalism and other subversive ‘Isms.’ ”’ .

True Americans

founded in 1980 by a group of ex-service men, “who had plodded through the mud of France to save our Democracy,” the American Warriors, Inc., now claims 83 units in the principal cities of the United States. Its circulars state that “For the past six years we have been gathering information and planning our campaign against Communism and all other isms, giving particular attention to aliens with their subversive activities.” Further, this campaign “‘will be centralized in California,”’ which is to be blessed with the fruits of the _—Six-year investigation by “edvertising, lec. tures, and the radio.” An “Academy of Political and Social Science” is to be established whose tentative curricula ineludes courses in political science, public ~ speaking, municipal government, and sociology—as interpreted by the Warriors. But merely paying the application fee of $2.50 and the monthly dues of 50c will not entitle you to take these courses and become a Warrior. In addition, ‘‘all applications for membership will be rigidly scrutinized by our Intelligence Department and those accepted will be further examined by initiation of 3 Degrees. All passing these tests we will know. are True Americans. To them only will be divulged our exact plan of operation. In the meantime we are contacting business leaders and enlisting their moral support.’”’ Business leaders, evidently, can be contacted and enlisted without rigid scrutiny. The Warriors have already obtained the endorsement of Mayor Angelo J. Rossi of San Francisco.

As Innocent As New-Born Babes

Disclaiming affiliation with other organizations, such as the “Lunacy brigade” and the ‘‘Rabble Rousers,’’ the Warriors, Inc., “will not hide behind Hoods or. Masks or foster a program of Hate, Hysteria or Violence.’ They assert, too, that they are a non-political organization; however, besides examining the records of political candidates and maintaining ‘‘an efficient political intelligence bureau” the Endowment Fund of the organization itself “will sponsor any member selected by its executive and administrative faculty. It will endow him for life, arrange his living expenses, and, if married, the living expenses of those dependent upon him. It will finance his campaign for political offices suitable to his qualifications. All Salaries from such political offices will revert to the American Warriors’ Endowment Fund.” (Underlining theirs. )

RIGHT OF PEACEFUL PICKETING TO ; BE TESTED IN BERKELEY.

Constitutionality of Berkeley’s anti-picketing ordinance will be tested on December 2 in the Alameda County Superior Court. I. Richard Gladst

ein, attorney for the renin nemen eee real threat,” says the. Leagues.

American League Against ~~ Communism, Ine.: What Is It? |

What is, from all indications, one of the most generously financed of all the patri- oteer organizations is now operating in San Francisco at 9385 Market Street. This or- ganization, the American League Against Communism, not only distributes free lit- erature, it does not ask financial support from those who join it.

The Executive Director of the organization is one Harry M. Connelly, III, with whom a Mr. Maisak is associated. Both of these gentlemen emigrated from New York City—ex-newspapermen from the Hearst organization. Mr. Maisak claims they carried on spy activities among subversive organizations in San Francisco, until they were exposed. Thereafter they set up the American League Against Communism, which has just been incorporated under the laws of the State of California. A Mr. John Hall, who claims he knows A. C. L. U. representatives in Washington, D. C., promised to send us a copy of their Constitution and By Laws as soon as they come from the printer.

Against Un-American Activities

The American League Against Communism proclaims it “is committed to a United Front Against Un-American activities and will use every legal means available to silence un-American agitators.’”’ However, what the League is actually committed to is revealed in its statement condemning newspapers for upholding freedom of speech. To quote, “They would perform a greater service to the United States if they would recommend revival of our war-time sedition laws.”’ The League alleges that it is against both Communism and Fascism; but “Fascism is expressed only in disjointed outbursts . . . which can be nipped in the bud.” . . . “Communism presents the | “Words and Phrases” The literature which we have thus far seen consists of an onslaught against Harry Bridges entitled ‘Alien Arrogance,” and four anti-radical tirades full of useful information. For instance, “If a neighbor or an acquaintance habitually uses the words or phrases ‘Production for use instead of profit,’ ‘Religion is the opiate of the people,’ ‘Imperialist Wars,’ ‘Solidarity of rank and file,’ ‘Exploiting Workers,’ ‘Reaction’ —they will also label anything opposed to Communism as Fascism—you may be quite certain that if he is not a radical himself he is apparently sympathetic.” Why not try this simple test on your friends, because “‘not all Communists... are necessarily unkempt, frenzied, wildeyed individuals who rave and rant against our government”... they “may be in your Warehousemen’s Union, affiliate of the LL.A., has sought a writ of prohibition to prevent the trial of Leonard A. Fels, who is charged with peaceful picketing.

18 University of California students and 25 members of the Warehousemen’s Union were arrested last September while picketing the Shattuck Avenue store of the F. Ww. Woolworth Company. A series of trials, resulting in only three convictions as against two acquittals and four hung juries, were finally suspended pending appeal from the three convictions The convictions were based on complaints charging coercion, threats and intimidation, as well as peaceful picketing. The present petition for a writ of prohibition will test merely the legality of peaceful picketing as prohibited by the Berkeley ordinance.

On October 28; the Berkeley City Couitcil conducted a public hearing on a petition: for the repeal of the anti-picketing ordinance. Hundreds of Berkeley residents jammed the council chamber to listen to speeches for repeal in which members of the A.C.L.U. took a prominent part. Opponents of repeal made a poor showing, even failing to use their full hour of argument. The City Council, however, has taken no action since holding the public hearing.

The above article ‘our last month -, ing weeks, the League Against C lodge, your union or perhaps your church.” Pacifism Greatest Menace :

But great as is the threat of Communism, and though the League is bending all its forces against it, nevertheless it is not, according to the League, the greatest danger. No, “The greatest menace to our democracy today is the pseudo-peace organizations. Their sole reason for existence is to weaken our line of national defense so that in the event of a European or Asiatic war, a civil war in the United States might be more easily promoted.”

“Street Corner Meetings’”’

Quite in line with its other misinforma tion is the American League Against Com- munism’s bulletin of October 15, wherein it is stated “Contrary to law, the Commu- nists have been attempting to hold street corner meetings in San Francisco.” The last number of the A. C. L. U.-NEWS printed Ordinance 833 of the City and County of San Francisco, which regulates street meetings. It provides that whenever ' streets or sidewalks are obstructed, the crowd shall move on when so ordered, ‘““except on occasion of a public meeting.” The ingenious explanation of these meetings deserves another printing: “The street corner meetings were a subtle first step and an excuse to canvass the city with a view to determining just which merchants would be friendly to the radicals. They went from store to store asking whether there was any objection to these street corner meetings. Was this a census taking? Will the businessmen who objected to the Red meetings be among the first to have rocks thrown through their windows?” You answer; we can’t.

amunism have bi ntirely directed to Harry Bridges and the waterfront strike. Bridges, according to the League’s statements, is now not only an “arrogant alien,” he is also willing to “sell out” for political purposes by rousing “the people against the cause he is supposed to represent ... and threatening the bread and butter of every man, woman and. child.” For your information, “‘it is all a part of the dastardly program of Red Russia to overthrow our government—to make Market Street, Broadway and Michigan Boulevard and the thousands of other Main Streets of our country flow with blood as in the streets of Spain.”

Recent literature issued by the League names J. A. Hall as Executive Director, and designates an “Eastern Office” at 113 West 57th Street, New York City.

GREEN TAR AND FEATHER SUIT GOES TO TRIAL DECEMBER 15 =

The Santa Rosa tar and feather party outrage receives another court hearing in Sacramento on December 15.’ At that time, Jack Green’s damage suit against Fred Cairns, Secretary of the Healdsburg Chamber of Commerce, and leader of the vigilante mob, goes to trial in the United States District Court before Judge Michael Roche and a jury.

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ways draw on the loyal citizenry to carry out their mandate. Our best weapon is education. Education of the foreign-born — in the history and traditions of America. Education of the boys and girls in the les sons of the struggle of the human race for liberty and the benefits of liberty, justice, — freedom and democracy. Education of the © men and women, old and young, of what 1t means to be an American citizen, and of the responsibility which the citizen has under a free Government, to know, understand and be able to solve the problems of Government, if he is to remain a free