Despite a refusal by the city attorney to prosecute, District Judge George E. Page yesterday found 16 radicals guilty of disorderly conduct for participating in a demonstration against Hitlerism during the visit of Dr. Hans Luther, German Ambassador. Page fined each $25 and costs.
Judge Page convicted the 16 after appointing a prosecutor of his own, a move that has been challenged as illegal usurpation of power by the city attorney. This action will be the target of legal attacks on an appeal to higher courts, counsel for the radicals declared.
The arrest and conviction of the demonstrators have stirred widespread bitterness among Socialists and liberals who see an inexcusable supression of the right of free assemblage.
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