them literally out of the hall. After five minutes I could see hardly one who was not stream¬ ing with blood. I was beginning to know their quality ; at their head my splendid Maurice, Hess, my present private secretary, and many others who, though badly hurt, continued to attack as long as their legs would carry them.
A large crowd still remained in one corner of the hall, still resisting stubbornly. Then suddenly two pistol-shots were fired from the entrance in the direction of the platform, and a wild din arose. One’s heart almost rejoiced at such a revival of old war memories. It was impossible to distinguish by whom the shots were fired ; but at any rate I could see that my young men renewed the attack with increased spirit, until finally the last disturbers were driven from the hall.
It had all taken about five and twenty minutes, by the end of which we were masters of the situation. Hermann Esser, who was Chairman for the evening, announced : “The meeting will continue ; let the speaker proceed”. So I went on with my speech.
Just as the meeting was over, an excited police lieutenant suddenly rushed into the hall and roared, waving his arms : “The meeting is closed !” I had to laugh ; it was real official pomposity.
We learned much that evening, and our adver¬ saries also did not forget the lesson they received.
Up till the autumn of 1923 the Münchener Post omitted all mention of the fists of the proletariat.