The Guardian

U. S. INDICTS 7 in CICERO RIOTS

CHICAGO—A special Federal grand jury indicted seven Cicero officials Thursday, December 13, for preventing Harvey E. Clark and his family from occupying an apartment which they had rented in lily-white Cicero last summer. Henry J. Sandusky, president of the Town Council; Erwin Konovsky, chief of police; and Nicholas Berkos, town attorney, were indicted on two counts charging (1) conspiracy to prevent any colored inhabitants from occupying and owning property in Cicero and (2) illegal action on their part on June 8, as officers of the law and officials of the township, to deny the Clarks the right to occupy the apartment they had rented. Indicted on the first count with them was Theodore Wesolowski, fire marshal; and on the second count, Police Sergeant Roland Brani and Patrolmen Frank A. Lange and Frank Janicek.

In their first attempt, on June 8, to move into the apartment, the Clarks were forcibly turned back by Konovsky and other members of the police force and were warned not to return. When, on July 10, the Clarks again attempted to occupy the apartment, a mob of 6000 Ciceronians, undeterred by the police, destroyed their personal property and wrecked the 20-apartment building, driving 19 white families out. Order was restored only after the Illinois National Guard was called out. Twenty-three soldiers, policemen and civilians were injured.

In New York, following the indictments, NAACP Secretary Walter White wired U. S. Atty.-Gen. McGrath, expressing "appreciation for ordering the special federal grand jury . . . which resulted in indictments in connection with the notorious rioting at Cicero. We believe that this corrective action will help to undo some of the harm to democracy and will serve to retard mob violence in the Chicago area against colored persons attempting to find decent places to live."

Michael Mann, regional director of Chicago, C. I. O., who joined with others in petitioning President Truman for a Federal investigation of the Cicero race riots, wired the President, as follows: "In these days when the evils of totalitarianism are riding rampant throughout the world, it is heartening to know that where local law-enforcement breaks down in America, the Federal Government stands ready to uphold the civil liberties of our citizens."

President Nelson M. Willis of the NAACP, Chicago Branch said the grand jury's action "has saved Cook County from disgrace in the eyes of the world." The Federal jury which returned the indictments was convened on October 10. Forty-five witnesses were heard. Conviction on each count carries a maximum penalty of $1000 fine and a year in jail.