The New York Times/1918/11/11/Upheaval in Berlin and Throughout Germany
Upheaval in Berlin and Throughout Germany Told in Wireless Messages to Washington
Special to The New York Times.
WASHINGTON, Nov. 10.—The following dispatches were given out by the State Department today. In each case the dispatch was preceded by the following caution:
The following dispatches were given out by the State Department. In each case the dispatch was preceded by the following caution:
"The Department of State makes public the following message received by the United States Naval Radio from the German Station at Nauen. The Department of State does not, however, in any way vouch for the accuracy of the statement except as to the fact that it was sent out from Nauen."
The dispatch made public follows:
From Nauen, November 9, 1918.
On the morning of Saturday, November ninth, Socialist Party declared that (it ?) leaves Cabinet. Since then Socialists and Independent Socialist Committee were holding permanent joint sitting in Reichstag; there soon afterwards appeared delegations of various regiments garrisoned in Berlin and neighborhood towns in order to express their allegiance to new popular government.
Building of Socialist newspaper Vorwärts was occupied by squads of 300 riflemen in order to protect it against possible eventualities on side of former régime. Movement among troops had originated by speech made by Reichstag member Wels in courtyard of barracks of Alexander Regiment, upon which regiment, together with large number of its officers, decided upon sending mentioned delegation to Reichstag. At noon Socialists Ebert and Scheidemann went in military automobile, accompanied by troops, to Chancellor and declared that (they?) were decided (?) by 3,000 sailors who are marching in direction Berlin and are expected during afternoon. It is reported that they equally are ready to express allegiance to new popular Government.
Extends Throughout Empire.
Transocean, Berlin.
From Nauen, Nov. 9, 1918.
Reports come in from all parts of German Empire of similar disturbances which remain almost everywhere workmen (within?) the limits of economic order. Everywhere Workmen's and Soldiers' Councils are rapidly forming which act with already existing authorities, result of which is that carrying on of public service—partly under control of Workmen's and Soldiers' Council—continues to work undisturbed. Concerning events of 9th November in Berlin, semi-official telegraph bureau under control of Workmen's and Soldiers' Council gives out following report:
"This morning at 9 o'clock workmen of great industrual enterprises went on a general strike. They hastened in processions before which red flags were carried and at head of which armed soldiers of all branches of the service marched from all suburbs to interior of city. First processions arrived in interior of city from Homer and Brunnenstreet. AT first soldiers and officers were commanded to take off their cockades and shoulder straps. To a large extent this took place voluntarily; general fraternization of sailors, soldiers and workmen took place, many went into the barracks and found also here enthusiastic reception from the soldiers. Military garrisons of factories had laeft the workshops in common with workmen and acted together with them. So far as is now known it came only to a collision between the crowd and the armed force in the case of the garrison of the Guard Fuseliers' barracks, but here also there were only two officers who were shot. It is to be regretted that there were three killed and one wounded. Taking possession of most of public buildings and institutions was without difficulty, after it was clear that the military had gone over to the side of the people. Procession of striking workmen to Society for Wireless Telegraphy arrived at half-past 1 before Reichstag. A deteachment of Chasseurs occupied the open steps before which the crowd assembled. Reichstag Member Scheidemann made a speech:
"Emperor and Crown Prince have abdicated. Dynasty is overthrown. A splendid victory for German people. Ebert has been requested to form a new Government with participation of all branches of Social Democratic parties. Ordinances of Government have only validity with Ebert's signature; ordinances of War Ministry only when countersigned by Social Democratic Assistant."
Scheidemann called upon the crowd to preserve order and to avoid disturbances. Parliament Member Vogherr and some soldiers spoke from an automobile. Delegate of officers' corps of a guard battalion stated that officers were on side of people. Stormy applause and jubilation accompanied all speeches.
Courier Delayed by Explosion.
Transocean, Berlin.
From Nauen, Nov. 9, 1918.
It has been officially reported concerning the delay in transmission of armistice terms:
The courier commissioned to bring armistice conditions sent in night of 9th of November, by wireless from Eiffel tower, (made?) statement that he could not pass the lines since Germans had not ceased firing. He was probably led to this statement by circumstances that on German side an ammunition depot had caught fire and was blown up with the continuous detonations. Courier had the circumstances explained to him by wireless and received directions immediately to cross the lines. Arrival of armistice terms in Berlin can be expected at any hour.
Strike Call Published.
From Nauen, Nov. 9, 1918.
Extra edition of Central organ of Social Democratic Party of Germany, Vorwärts, publishes following call for a general strike:
"Workmen's and Soldier' Council of Berlin have determined upon a general strike. All works are at a standstill. The necessary provisioning of the population will be maintained. A large part of the garrison has placed itself in organized bodies of troops with machine guns and rifles at the disposition of Workmen's and Soldiers' Council. Movement is directed in common by Social Democratic Party of Germany and by Independent Social Democratic Party. Workmen and soldiers, take care for maintenance of quiet and order. Long live the Social Republic.
"WORKMEN'S AND SOLDIERS' COUNCIL."