" With Head Erect "

"With Head Erect"

William Z. Foster, Charles E. Ruthenberg and Robert Minor, the three chief defendants in the Michigan criminal syndicalism trials, spoke at Webster Hall, New York, before a cheering audience of 600 ardent radicals.

Foster received an ovation of several minutes when he stepped upon the stage. He reviewed the trial and likened himself and his colleagues to Christ, whom he called " the original Communist."

"The capitalists of His day," shouted Foster, " crucified Christ because he tried to teach the world. He ran the capitalists out of the temple and they hated him for it. To-day the capitalists don't crucify us for preaching overthrow of their rule. They simply try to send us to jail for ten or fifteen years! The trials at St. Joseph were unique, because we were not charged with favoring any of the doctrines opposed by the syndicalism law of Michigan. We were tried merely for being present at meetings of a party that believes in revolution."

Foster attacked Premier Mussolini of Italy as the favored statesman of the capitalist classes. " Mussolini's followers wear black shirts," said Foster. " In America the men who favor the ideas of Mussolini wear black robes and sit on the bench as Justices of the Supreme Court! "

"Twice before I was sent to prison for conducting this fight for the working classes," said Ruthenberg in his speech. "Each time I came out I took up the task where I had left off. . . . If we lose this fight we shall go to prison with our heads erect-- bleeding but not bandaged."

Police reserves were unable to disperse the crowd until the Communist leaders left the hall, when they were followed for blocks by the cheering radical sympathizers.

*William Z. Foster was the first defendant tried. The jury disagreed and he must be tried again.