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Communists, Socialists Assail Hitlerism in May Day Parades

May 2, 1934
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While capitalism came in for its customary share of uncompromising lampooning on May Day paraders’ posters, it was Hitler, Nazism and Fascism in general on which floats, bunting, flags and banners of New York’s marching Communists and Socialists concentrated their attacks yesterday.

Hitlerite suppression of all liberal and radical movements and their adherents drew the heaviest fire of the painters of slogans in the parades. Spread of Fascism in this country and local Nazi activities were not overlooked and “Keep Hitler Out of America” set the tone of many a banner.

The Communist parade, during a two hours’ hike from the Battery to Union Square, held frequent demonstrations against the “Hitler Terror.” Americans of all national extractions took part in the procession, which was organized under the auspices of the United Front May Day Committee.

Thousands of regular and special police maintained order during the parade and cleared the way for the marchers at Union Square where Communist leaders spo### against capitalism and Hitlerism generally and institutions typical of these specifically.

Among unusual features of the Communist demonstration was the appearance in Union Square of a man dressed as an old bewhiskered German Jew led in chains by a number of “Storm Troopers.” Every gesture of protest from the Jew brought him in contact with the butts of his guards’ rifles.

The Deutsche Arbeiter Klubs protested against the present form of government in the homeland.

Both floats and speakers in Union Square voiced opposition to racial discrimination and hatred, particularly between Negroes and whites, and Jews and Gentiles.

Estimates of the number of paraders differed widely, Communis### enthusiasts claiming anywh### from 150,000 to 250,000. Socialist fans claimed that their line march embraced from 70,000 100,000. More conservative cal###lators estimated that 100,000 ### ered both, with probably plent### spare.

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