City Councilman Advocates Ban on Radical Marches

Cambridge City councilman Walter J. Sullivan announced yesterday that he will propose changes in the city ordinance at the April 27 city council meeting which would deny parade and assembly permits to radical groups with histories of militant activity.

The ordinance presently includes no provisions for denying permits for gatherings and marches.

Sullivan also will propose mandatory bail bonds of $100,000 for any member of a radical group whom police arrest on changes of damaging city or private property.

"I mean by 'radical' any group which openly advocates the destruction of public and private property and the harassment of private citizens." Sullivan said.

Wednesday the Cause

"The events of Wednesday night convinced me that we can no longer tolerate people coming into the city whose only aim is to cause destruction," he added.

Sullivan said he also favors legislation which would make colleges that allow radical groups to meet on their property liable for police costs and property damage caused by these groups off the campus.

"The riots in Harvard Square were the uncontrolled acts of a mob," Sullivan said.

"The police did a fine job controlling the demonstrators, although some of them might have done things they weren't supposed to do," he added.

An independent on the council, Sullivan is also chairman of the Cambridge School Committee.

Temporary Ban

Because of Wednesday's disturbances, a temporary ban on assemblies has been imposed in Cambridge; the only exception is today's kick-off parade for Bicycle Week.