The Worcester spy. [volume] (Worcester, Mass.) 1898-1904, 1899-05-03
so DECIDES.
Senator Hoar Refuses to Discuss the Mat
ter-Speaker Bates, Congressman Thay-
er, ]. II. Walker and Others Talk
FreeIy-Might Be Prosecuted for
Treason Says ostmaster-General.

Washington, May 1.-The postmaster
general has directed the postmasters
at San Francisco to take out of the
mail for Manila three pamphlets issued
by Edward Atkinson 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 dis
patch from this country to the Philip
pines, discomfort and even mutiny
among the soldiers being stated by the
department to be the design of these
publications.
The three pamphlet copies are those
which have following titles; Criminal
Aggression by whom?" THE Cost of a
National Crime" and "The Hell of
War and Its Penalties"
These. unless something should de-
velop to necessitate further action, may
be circulated through the mails within
this country. According to Mr.. Atkin-
sons own statement, as reported, a
large number of pamphlets have been
sent out. The matter was brought to
the attention of the postal officials by
the war department, whose authorities
were greatly exercised, with a sugges-
ton that some action be taken. 1t
is thought there is little possibility of
any or these publications getting past
the San Francisco office, but if a few
should the military authorities in the
Philippines will promptly suppress
them.
Postmaster General Smith made this
statement to the Associated Press to-
day: These pamphlets actually incite
to nutiny and it would be utterly I'M
jUstifable to permit their circulation
among the soldiers in the Philippines.
heir circulation is movement to in
duce the soldiers to disobey orders, and
in effect to embarrass and resist the
government in whose service they are
engaged.
Their circulation, except in Sde mails
for the Philippines, is not interfered
with because, in being sent to Manila,
they are destined for soldiers fighting
our battles. but in this country the eff
fort to incite to mutlny could have no
result. Not only are they designed to
incite to mutiny American soldiers in
those islands. but also to foment and
encourage insurrection on the part of
Filipinos themselves.
Such seditious literature as that now
stopped might have an effect on the
forces we now are dealing with that
would be intellectually to their adj
vantage and certainly would tend to
stimulate and strengthen their al
ready weakening opposition.
The law covering the case is ample.
What action might be taken-and the
offense is of the graVest character-is
not to be discussed. l do not believe
there is any intention to prosecute Mr..
Atkinson, as the matter now stands.
The authority to do so, however, is
plain. He not only attacks the pres
ident and the government in the most
violent language and disputes the ma
tional policy, but also calls on Amer
lean troops to defy the government.
Certainly this government is empow
cred to stop or check, as it sees fit, the
circulation Of these seditious publica-
tons"
The absentees from today's cabinet
meeting were Secretaries Gage, Long
Alger and Wilson. The principal sub
ject of discussion was the circulars
which were mailed 10 the troops at
Manila, cr1ticising the Philippine policy
of the government and advising VOlun-
teers whose term of service is about to
expire not to re-enlist.
A member of the cabinet, in speaking
of the matter, said that Edward Atkin-
son OF Boston, VINO IS DeIleVed TO nave
been largely instrumental in the prep
aration and sending out these circu-
lars, was unquestionably guilty of as
sisting an insurrection against the au-
thority of the United States, and was
subject to a term Of Imprisonment or a
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 rebel
lion. or Instruction against the au-
thority of the United States or the
laws thereof, or gives aid or comfort
thereto, shall be punished by imprison-
ment not more than 10 years, or by a
fine of not more than $4,000 or by both
of such punishments; and shall, more
over, be Incapable Of holding any Office
under the United States
What action if any win be taken has
not been determined, but 1t is said that
the government is disposed to regard
the acts Of Mr. Atkinson as those Of a
person without any proper conception
OF the gravity Of the Offense commit
ted, and the government may not at
this time take action against Mr.. At
kinson and his assistants.