The Daily Star Mirror

NATIONAL CAPITAL MAY BE PLACED UNDER MARTIAL LAW

Washington, capital of the United States, may be placed under martial law to suppress riots and lawlessness and murder, which will be interesting news to the Bolsheviki and communists of Russia and Hungary and the Spartacans of Germany. Riots in which many have been killed and injured have been occurring there for 24 hours and heavy reinforcements of federal troops have been summoned by Secretary of War Baker. The riots began yesterday and are continuing. It is reported that five are known to have been killed and 50 wounded in the battles between whites and negroes.

May Proclaim Martial Law.

WASHINGTON.-(By the Associated Press.)--The proclamation of martial law may be necessary to end the race rioting here which resulted last night in the killing of five persons and the injuring of at least 50 others.

For several days disorders, following a wave of attacks on white women and robberies and assaults by negroes culminated in a series of race battles during the night hours with which the police were unable to cope fully, despite aid by the military provost guards.

Heavy reinforcements have been ordered from Camp Meade to assist the local police and military provost guard in Washington to prevent a repetition of race riots during the past three nights. While refusing to give the number of troops ordered here, Secretary of War Baker said the number "will be substantial."

White Woman Assaulted by Negro.

WASHINGTON.-The first police reports today were that another white woman was assaulted and injured by a negro at the suburbs northeast of this city. The assailant escaped after she had scratched and bitten him badly.