Bolshevik revolution sparks suspicions in Scranton
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The Sunday Times file Scranton Police Super-intendent Lona Day started as a patrolman in 1894, becoming Superintendent of police in 1901. He served in that post until 1922.
Police Superintendent Lona B. Day got word that there was to be a "suspicious meeting" on Sunday night, June 29, 1919, at Lincoln Hall in Scranton. He stationed several plants at the hall that night.
Joseph Jukelis of New York had been speaking for an hour when one of the plants reported that the man had attacked the United States government in his speech. Mr. Jukelis and three others were arrested on suspicion of stirring up support for a Bolshevik-style revolution.
State Trooper Leo Jarteopsky had been in the hall that night and, two days later in court, testified that Mr. Jukelis had urged the crowd to find police officers and soldiers who understood the Lithuanian language and to provide them with circulars. Those circulars were, the authorities alleged, of a "revolutionary nature."
"When we get the soldiers and policemen with us, we will have the power to work against the government," Mr. Jukelis told the crowd, according to Trooper Jarteopsky.
Roy McHenry, an agent with the Department of Justice, was the next witness. "First he attacked the Catholic Church, priests and capitalists, and then the United States government," Mr. McHenry told the court. "Then he talked about spies."
Prosecuting Attorney Scragg asked that the man be held without bail, and Magistrate Williams ordered the defendant back to his cell.
Defending 'Reds'
Edward Robling, a former Socialist candidate for mayor of Scranton, was in the courtroom that day. When he heard the magistrate's order, he jumped from his seat.
"I protest against this man being sent to jail without a chance to give bail," Mr. Robling said. "I protest against these high-handed police court methods and demand that this man be given justice."
Magistrate Williams warned Mr. Robling: "Go back to your seat. Sit down. This is no place for a speech," and two policemen headed for Mr. Robling.
Then, the other three men who had been arrested with Mr. Jukelis, all of them residents of Scranton, were taken before Magistrate Williams. The same witnesses testified that these men had been selling literature of a seditious nature which violated Pennsylvania's antisedition law.
Mr. Robling again jumped to his feet, saying that he would like to defend the men. Magistrate Williams again ordered Mr. Robling to take his seat, and the prisoners were led from the courtroom.
But the events of the day were far from over. On his way from the courtroom, Mr. Robling stopped to protest to a reporter. While he was speaking, an off-duty police officer told Mr. Robling that he should be ashamed of himself and that he should be an American and not try to defend "the Reds."
The two men argued, then Mr. Robling moved out into a corridor where a crowd had been waiting. When the police officer came out, Mr. Robling began denouncing the police.
"Get out of here with that stuff," the police officer yelled. Then someone from the crowd rushed at Mr. Robling. With that, the entire mob attacked the man. The policemen in the building tried to stop the mob but couldn't. Mr. Robling was punched about the face, head and body.
Robling released
Mr. Robling finally made his way from the building. Once outside, he made another remark to the crowd, and they went at him again, knocking him to the pavement. Several patrolmen grabbed Mr. Robling and pulled him away from the crowd. They took him to a police cell for his own protection.
Mr. Robling was released later that day on a $25 deposit. He was charged with disorderly conduct. In court the next afternoon, his attorney asked for his dismissal, claiming the methods that had been used against him the previous day were against all law and order. Mr. Robling complained that police had led the attack on him and that there wasn't a "civilian" in the crowd that mobbed him.
Revolution abroad
Magistrate Williams chastised Mr. Robling for his actions in court the previous day and dismissed him, saying he had been "acting foolishly." Then the magistrate dismissed the man from court.
Mr. Robling was known about town before this incident. Not only was he a Socialist, he had been a Socialist candidate for mayor of Scranton.
The very day these court proceedings were taking place, the wireless in London reported that Bolshevik armies had taken control of two Russian cities: Perm, 70 miles east of Moscow, and Kungur, 50 miles southeast of Perm.
CHERYL A. KASHUBA writes on behalf of the Lackawanna Historical Society. She is co-author of the book "Scranton." Contact the writer at localhistory@timessham rock.com.
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