The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1899-05-01
TREASON THROUGH THE MAILS.
Steps Taken Toward the Suppression
of SeditiOus Tracts

The first steps toward the suppression OF
the circulation of seditious and treason
able literature, such as is published by
the Anti mperialist League, and which
has caused so much discomfort among the
American soldiers in the Philippine ISL
ands. viii be taken by the Postofice
Department this week, when an order
prohibiting the use OF the mail by
Edward Atkinson for the circulation
of his pamphlets, on THE He'll of
War" and Criminal Aggression" will
be promulgated. The order now lies
on the desk of Postmaster General Smith,
and viii probably be signed by him today,
when he returns from his trip to illinois,
Since the exclusive publication of the
information, printed in The Times, that
the Administration was much worried over
the circulation of these reasonable PAM
phlets among the American troops at Ma
Mia, strenuous efforts have been made by
the War Department to detect and expose
the author and distributor of the objection
able literature, which has caused consid-
cradle discomfort and muntinous feeling
among the troops, who, through the PAM
phlets' Misrepresentation of the sentiment
OF the people OF America, believed that
their services were not appreciated, and
that they were being made TO battle for
the glory of the Republican party rather
| than for their country and that the SEN
remaining in the army. With the PAM
phlets there were sent to Manila many
anonymous kilograms, which were vari-
| ously signed Committee" and THE Com
mittee," and some bore no signature at all.
| The kilograms urged the soldiers not to
re-enlist. 1t is believed that these mes
sages were sent by the senders OF the
circulars, and the department is still
| gathering evidence against them in order
/ no
The first intimation OF an existing
scheme to compel the United States. by
reasonable means, to relinquish control
of the Philippines, by depriying 1t OF It's
army was received from General OTIS.
| who sent a communication to Secretary
Alger, announcing that "seditlous ana
reasonable letters" were being circulated
among the soldiers and were having a
very demoralizing effect upon them. He
requested that efforts be made to suppress
their circulation as the soldiers were be-
ginning TO express a desire to return TO
the United States, when only few days
previous to the arrival OF this literature
| they we're enthusiastic TO remain in the
| Philippines until the insurrection was sup
pressed. Secretary Alger brought the
matter before the Cabinet officers and in
structions were sent General OTIS to pro-
| hibit the entrance OF the offensive PAM
| This is now being done, but does not al
| together prevent the circulars from reach
| ing the soldiers. The War Department
has therefore concluded to have the Post
office Department promulgate the coming
order, which will bar from the mails the
circulars published by Atkinson alto
| gether.
The matter was first brought to tht
attention of Acting Postmaster Genera
| Merritt, indirectly by the War Department
| Thursday, with request that the ordel
be issued at once. Postmaster Genera
Smith was at that time out of the city
and Mr.. Merritt did not feel empowered
to promulgate the order without first con
sulting his superior. Mr.. Merritt sale
that while the department was in full au
thority to take the action, inasmuch al
two or three days would not have an!
material effect on mails sent to the fa
distant Philippines, he would leave th'
issuance OF the proh!bitory order TO tht
Postmaster General Mr.. Merritt. referrinl
TO the announcement that the order hat
already been promulgated, as was printed
in one of the evening papers OF WASH
iugton. said to Times reporter last nlgh
that the statement was made without IN
Ioart authoritly and was untrue.