George Matulaitis Journal

people. They told me how the Jews are being mistreated at the hands of the Legionnaires. A great many completely innocent people are being arrested and harassed. Those two Jews had been arrested because they were in the crowd which I had observed while standing at the window. I had, in fact, seen that crowd of Jewish people and how abominably they were treated. Having arrested them, they dragged them along the streets, pushed them around, then herded them to prison. In some places they shot completely innocent people. They burned the beards of some of the Jews, even the Rabbi of Lentvaris, a seventy-year-old man. He covered his face with his hand, so they hit him on the hand and now it is swollen. The Jewish leaders also complained about the house searches: they take whatever they want—money, valuables. The soldiers themselves create provocations. They throw bombs and start shooting, then they arrest innocent people and demand ransom. After I had heard all this, I promised to speak up for them wherever I could, and, in fact, did so. I have heard the same complaints from the Lithuanians. They have searched the houses of many Lithuanians three or four times, confiscated their money, and stolen their things. Lithuanians are being watched and turned in to the authorities. Various false rumors have been passed around about the Lithuanians. On April 27th I ordained several deacons. Monsignor Wo = o d{k o celebrated Mass for the Legionnaires at the Gate of Dawn Chapel. On this occasion there was a Polish nationalist demonstration. Before leaving, P i= sudski sent his adjutant to bid me farewell. During these past few days, with the arrival of the Polish Legionnaires, the appearance of the city has become almost purely Polish. The Jews are hiding in their homes, and only a few dare to leave their houses. The Lithuanians, dejected and depressed, are also staying out of sight. The Legionnaires have armed the men and even the youths. All the Poles have decorated themselves with little eagle pins and ribbons in the national col- ors. The whole city was supposed to be decked out in the national colors. On April 26th Pi=s udski’s portrait was displayed in many Polish shops and other buildings. There were festivities to honor the Legionnaires, the soldiers and the officers. The Polish element has made itself felt everywhere. Those ladies and gentlemen who have just lately been in hiding under the Bolsheviks have come out of their hiding places. Just a little while ago everyone was dressed in ordinary 261