The Penn's Grove record., 1899-05-05
BARRED FROM THE MAILS
Edward Atkinson's ti-Expansion
Pamphlets For Manila to Be Seized.
DOMESTIC MAILS STILL OPEN.
Atkinson'B Writings D~enounclng the
War TO BE Taken From the Mall at
San Francisco by Order of the POST
master-G encral-Barred From Intro
duction In the Philippines.

Wal TO BE Taken From the MAN Az
San Francisco by Order of the POST
MASTER eneral-Barred From Intro
duction In the Philippines.
WASHINGTON, D. c. (speclaD.-The Post
master-Gener has directed the Postmaster
at San Francisco to take out of the mails
foreManila three pamphlets issued by Ed
ward Atkinson, OF Boston, ~viee-president
OF the Anti-Imperialisti5 League.
This order does not upply to the circula-
ton of the pamphlets by mail in this coun-
try, but bars their despatch from this
country tc the Philippines, 1t being stated
by the Department that promotion Of dis
content and even mutiny among the SOL
diers is the design OF these publications.
The three pamphlets are specifically de-
scribed, and in no circumstances are they
to be forwarded by mail to the Philippines.
TIL pamphlets have the following titles:
"Criminal Aggression by Whom2" THE
Cost Of Il National Crime" and "rhe He'll
of War and Its Penalties According to
Mr.. Atkinson's own statement, as reported,
n large number of the pamphlets have been
sent out.
The matter was carefully considered by
the Cabinet. From information in the pos.
session of the authorities 1t was evident
that many Of the communications which
have been sent TO the volunteers around
Manila, and which have been interrupted
by General Otis, were clearly OF character
to incite mutiny among the troops, and evil
IDENTIFY sent with that intent.
In the future this matter will be consid-
cred ia the light Of the provisions OF the
law.
The manner of dealing with those publ
nntiono 1ac haan n1naa1 In the hands nf
Postmaster-General Smith, with instruc-
lions to take immediate action. The POST
master-General has Used an order forbid
ding the passage Of such literature through
the mails. Special attention will be given
to the literature which is delivered to the
troops in the Philippines in the future.
Acknowledgement Griggs In speaking OF
the matter said that Edward Atkinson, of
Boston, who is believed to have been
largely instrumental in the preparation
and sending out Of these circulars, was IN
questionably guilty of assisting an insur-
reetion against the authority OF the United
States, and was subject to q term OF i'm
prlsonment or Il heavy fine, or both. The
law, which, it is said, has been violated is
section 1894 Of the Revised Statutes which
is as follows:
Every person who ~incites, sets on foot,
assists or engages in any rebellion or in
surrection against the aut horlty OF the
United States, or the laws thereof, or gives
aid or comfort thereto, shall be punished
by imprisonment not more than ten years,
or by n fine OF not more than $4,000, or
by both of such punishments; and shall,
moreover, be incapable Of holding any
Office under the United States"
What action If my will be taken In the
matter has not been determined, but 1t is
said that he Government Is disposed to re-
gard the &C is of Mr.. Atkinson as those OF n
person without any proper conception of
the gravity of the oifenses committed and
the Government may not at this time take
action against Mr.. Atkinson and the assist
tant. Members OF the administration re-
gard Mr.. Atkinson's alleged action as sed-
itious and e'sgraceful, and 1t is not i'm
probable ths repeated, prompt and en-
ergetic action Ill be taken.
Postmaster-General Smith says that 1t
matters little how much of their literature
the anti-expansionists circulate in this
country, but that no more of 1t must go
to the volunteer troops at the front.
The order OF the Postoflee Department
relative to the treatment of this literature
is intended also to be q warning to the
politicians and others who are endeavor-
ing TO defeat the aims Of the Government
by seeking to influence the troops. 1t is
not known whether any steps are contem-
plated against individuals or not. That
rests with the Attorne y-General. But 1t is
not considered probable that any criminal
proceedings will be entered upon except in
case OF another attempt by these persons
to circulate their literature among the
troops.