MUNICH -- General Ludendorf was acquitted today on a charge of treason for his share in the embryonic beer cellar putsch of November, 1923.
Adolf Hitler, one of eight other defendants, was found guilty, and sentenced to five years' imprisonment.
Feared outbreak.
Troops and special police kept people moving on the streets and broke up all gatherings of two or more, fearful of a nationalist demonstration.
Word that General Ludendorf had been freed was received with enthusiasm.
Reichswehr, marching with rifles on their shoulders and "potato masher" hand grenades stuffed in their belts, prevented any outburst, however.
Of the defendants, Ludendorf was the only one completely exonerated. Hitler, together with Weber, Kriebel and Poehner, was found guilty of high treason. They were fined 200 gold marks and sentenced to five years in the fortress.
Has comedy aspect
The whole affair had its comedy aspect, however. It was explained that these four would be freed on probation within six months and that they need not serve longer "if they behave themselves."
The remaining defendants, Bruekener, Roehm, Pernet, Wagner and Frick, were found guilty of aiding high treason. They were fined 100 gold marks each and sentenced to 13 months' imprisonment. These latter sentences were immediately commuted and the defendants will be released on probation.
