The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1899-05-03
The Government Finally Forced to
Clique of UnpatriOtic "Aunties."
FEDERAL LAW is STRINGENT
CIRCULATORS OF THE DOCUMENTS
LIABLE TO SEVERE PUNISHMENT.
Statement from Edward Atkinson,
Who Has Been Most Active in In
citing the SeditiOus Movement.

general has directed the postmaster at San
Francisco to take out of the mails for Ma
nila three pamphlets issued by Edward At
kinson of Boston, vice president of the Anti
Imperialistic League This order does not
apply to the circulation of the pamphlets by
mail in this country, but bars their dispatch
from this country to the Philippines-dis-
content and even mutiny among the soldiers
being stated by the department to be the de-
sign of these publications. The three
pamphlets are specifically described, and in
no circumstances are they to be forwarded
by mail to- the Philippines.
The absentees from to-day's Cabinet meet
ing were Secretaries Gage, Long. Alger and
Wilson. One of the subjects of discussion
was the circulars which were mailed to the
troops at Manila criticising the Philippine
policy of the government and advising vol
unteers whose terms of service is about TO
expire not to re-enlist. A member of the
Cabinet, in speaking of the matter, said that
Mr.. Edward Atkinson. of Boston, who is be-
lieved TO have been largely instrumental in
the preparation and sending out of these
circulars. was unquestionably guilty of
sisting an insurrection against the authority
of the United States, and was subject to
term of imprisonment or heavy fine or
violated is Section 1894 of the Revised Stat
utes. which is as follows:
Every person who incites sets on foot.
assists or engages in any rebellion or insur-
rection against the authority of the United
Comfort u thereto shall he punisbed s bx 1'u inn n
prisonment OF not more than ten years, or
by tine of not more than $4,000. or by
both of such punishn ents and SHALL more
over. be incapable of holding any office un-
der the United States"
What action, If any, will be taken in the
matter has not been decided, but it is said
that the government is disposed to regard
the acts Of Mr.. Atkinson as those of a per-
SON without any proper conception of the
gravity OF the offense committed, and the
government may not at this time take action
against Mr.. Atkinson and his assistants.
The postmaster general stated at the Cabi-
net meeting that he had ordered the circu-
lars stopped at San Francisco. Members of
the administration regard Mr.. Atkinsons 9
alleged action seditious and disgraceful
and it is not improbable that If repeated,
prompt and energetic action will be taken.
THE BARRED PAMPHLETS.
The three pamphlets placed under the ban
are those which have the following titles:
Criminal Aggression" 1.-The Cost of a Ma
tional Crime and The He'll of War and
Its Penalties" These, unless something
should develop to necessitate further action,
may circulate through the mails within this
country. According to Mr.. Atkinson's state
ment large number of the pamphlets have
been shut out. The matter was brought TO
the attention Of the postal officials by the
War Department, whose authorities were
greatly exercised over the suggestion that
action be taken. 1t Is thought there is lit
tie possibility of any of these publications
getting past the San Francisco office. but
IL few should the military authorities in
the Philippines will probably suppress them.
Postmaster General Emory Smith made
the following statement: These pamphlets
actually incite mutiny and ii would be ut
terly unjustifiable to permit circulation
among the soldiers in the Philippines. Their
circulation is a movement to induce the
soldiers to disobey orders, and. in effect.
to embarrass and resist the government in
whose services they are engaged. Their cir
culation except in the mails for the Philip
pines is not interfered with. because in
being sent TO Manila they are destined for
soldiers fighting our battles; but in this
country the effort 10 incite to mutiny could
have no result. Not only are they designed
to incite to mutiny the American soldiers
in those islands, but also to foment and
encourage insurrection the part OF the
Filipinos themselves.
such seditious literature as now estopped
might have an effect on the forces we now
are dealing with that would be incalculably
to their advantage, and certainly would
tend TO stimulate and strengthen their al
ready weakening opposition. The law cover
ing the case is ample. What action might
be taken-and the offense is OF the gravest
character-is not to be discussed. 1 do not
believe there is any intention to prosecute
Mr.. Atkinson as the matter now stands
The authority 10 do so. however, is plain.
He not only attacks the President and the
government in the most virulent language
and disputes the nationa, policy, but also
calls on the American troops TO defy the
government. Certainly this government is
empowered to stop or check as Ii sees fit.
the circulation of these seditious publica-
tons"