Fascist ‘peril’ Dissipates in Face of Los Angeles ‘shirt’ Probe

If investigation by the Congressional Committee on un-American activities has proven anything during the past week, it is only that the United States is still safe for democracy.

Neither the Fascist nor Communist elements have shown themselves a menace in this part of the country, although the investigation inspired large headlines in the daily newspapers here for five days running.

The Silver Shirts, stronger in Los Angeles than in any other part of the country, have been exposed as one of the minor cults in which this particular part of the West seems to abound.

KEMP BEATS PUTSCH

The fanatical W. W. Kemp of San Diego, who envisoned violent overthrow of the Government, and who prepared for this great day, so it was testified, by drilling secret Silver Shirt units and caching arms and ammunition near his country place in Southern California, has fled in the face of his folly. Many of his staunchest supporters were Government agents seeking the lowdown on the man’s operations. He is German and is understood to have attempted to make possible the realization of his putsch plans by drawing liberally from the funds of his wealthy American wife.

The failure of the Silver Shirts may best be illustrated in figures. West of Omaha there are about 600 members in good standing. Throughout the entire country there are not more than 2,500. The wide circulation of Shirtissimo Pelley’s publications and the inordinate queerness of his ideas which have gained unmerited publicity for the gentleman and his pack have served to give an illusion of strength.

PELLEY AFTER THE $

Pelley has further been charged with having sought to grow rich on his movement, and these charges are not restricted to Los Angeles. In Washington, as well as in Los Angeles witnesses testified to the mercenary aspects of the leader’s principles, and, generally, those who know him well are frank in expressing their opinion that Pelley is inspired by dimes and dollars rather than reform ideals.

No less innocuous than the Silver Shirts are the Communists here. It is learned that one of the witnesses against Communist activities admitted on questioning in private hearings that a fair proportion of Communists are agents paid by “patriotic” societies and industrialists. Further, it was admitted that some of the funds collected to fight a largely imaginary Red Menace were diverted to other more sensible, but perhaps less honest, personal purposes.

SAN FRANCISCO, CHICAGO ON LIST

One committee attendant said of the Communist hearings: “The Communists themselves supplied us with far more factual information on their operations than the Government and organizational spies. The latter seemed inclined to make speeches.”

Investigation is being undertaken in San Francisco and parts of the Middle West, particularly Chicago. It has been stated that no open hearings will be held in San Francisco. Most of the information gained there is only corroboration of testimony already taken and will be used as such.