Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1901-09-09


plot against the lives OF European ruiz
erss and, notwithsta ding the incrsd-
ulity Of some ofiicials Of this point, itsi IL
quite certain that conspiracies have
been Matched here with the purpose Of
taking the life OF more than one foreign
ruler While Cxolgosz has emphatt-
cally denied that he Is affiliated with
any anarchistic organization, and as
serts that hesis acting Independently, a
strong belief prevails that his repre-
sensations are untrue, and that he is
connected with societies the ann Of
which is to murder the representatives.
Of all governments
1t is strange that altho congress has
enacted legislation providing punish-
ment for personal violence to minor
officials. such. az internal revenue
agents. notwithstanding the fact that
two presidents have been assassinated
the national legislation has not seen At
to take steps providing for the sum-
mary punishment OF persons who ate
tempt assaults upon the chief execu-
tive.
It is difficult to understand the fall
ure of congress to do something in this
direction. The question is not q new
one, as it developed today that Roscoe
Conkling, on the day following the as
sassination of President Garfield, wrote
a letter to the department of justice
suggesting that personal violence to the
president of the United States should
be punishable by death. II congress
were in session at this time, in response
to the strong public demand it would
take the necessary steps to enact laws
on the line suggested Dy the late Sena-
tor Conkling.
IL congress has no power to act under
the fourteenth amendment, and 1t Is
necessary to amend the constitution in
order to make 1t possible to deal with
anarchists, there will in all probability
be prompt action. The procedure is pro.
vided for In article OF the constltu-
tion, which says:
The congress, whenever two-thirds
OF both houses shall deem 1t necessary,
shall propose amendments to this con.
stitution, or, on the application Of the
Legislatures Of two-thirds of the several
states. shall call q convention for pro-
posing amendments which in either
! case shall be valid to all intents and all
purposes as part OF this constitution,
when ratified by the legislatures Of
three-fourths thereof, as the one or the
other mode OF ratification may be pro-
posed by congress, provided that no
amendment which may be made prior
to the year 1903 shall in any manner af-
feet the first the fourth clauses in the
ninth section Of the first article: and
that no state without its consent shall
be deprived Of Its equal suffrage in the
senate
There is scarcely any doubt that the
necessary three-fourths Of the leYisla-
ture would rattfy any amendment pro-
posed with this purpose in view.
In addition to the effect OF the at
tempted assassination OF the president
has had toward demanding legislation.
the police officials Of all civilized ma
tions are willing to cooperate with q
view to stamping out anarchists.
1t is believed the dastardly attempt
upon the president will bear good fruit
in this direction, as 1t may result In
concerted action which will free the
heads Of nations from the menace to
which they have been subjected since
anarchistic doctrines have been taught.
There Is also a strong sentiment in
favor OF taking measures which will
| permit the confiscation and destruction
OF all literature emanating from those
who preach the doctrine OF hate and
dlscord. and who advocate the destruc-
ton Of all governments and the erection
of others which suit the peculiar ideas
OF those whose chief aim is ass0ssina-
ton and murder.
Notwithstanding the ordinary precau-
tons that are taken to protect the chief
executive and his confidence in his PEG.
pie. 1t has been demonstrated beyond
question that under existing conditions
1t Is impossible to Illustrate the das-
tardly attempts OF anarchists and that
some action must be taken.
Congress will. therefore. undoubtedly
respond to the demand OF the entire
country and take steps for adopting a
law providing for punishment so ter
rible that 1t will have a wonderful effect
toward stamping out anarchy. or ex-
terminating the breed entirely.
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