The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1906-03-17
CLAIMS RIGHT
TO THE SLOGAN
A. B. Bowers of Denver Asserts Copy
right on "See America
First"
MAY HINDER THE LEAGUE
OFFICIALS WILL APPEAL TO THE
LIBRARIAN OF CONGRESS.

What may prove a most injurious move
against the See America league was
unearthed yesterday, according to the
statement of ]. A. Metcalfe who is in
charge of the publicity work of the or
ganizatiOn. A. B. Bowers, publisher of
the Colorado Commercial Tribune, a lead
ing business magazine of Denver, has is
sued statement that he has or is about
to acquire copyrights to the expression
See America First"
This news was received from Major s.
X. Hooper. general passenger agent of
the Denver & Rio Grande railroad yes
terday. If the news proves true, Mr..
Metcalfe states that it is possible that
the league will be forced to change its
name. This may alter the entire course
of the leagues life and doings, it is
said.
Two weeks ago Major Hooper wrote Mr..
Metcalfe that the Rio Grande was get
ting out a large number of pamphlets
and much printed matter of which the ex-
preston See America First was to be
one of the leading titles Major Hooper
asked permission Of the league TO use
the expression not only on the booklets
but on all advertising stationery as we'll
The permission of the league was readily
granted.
Mr.. Bowers Objects.
Yesterday Major Hooper wired that
Bowers had sent him word that it would
be unlawful under the copyright laws
for the railroad to use the expression.
Bowers claimed to have made application
to the librarian of congress for copyright
of the expression, and that, until action
is taken on his application, no person
other than himself may use the words
under penalty of the law
Upon hearing of Bowers claims Major
Hooper telegraphed Mr.. Metcalfe asking
an explanation Mr.. Metcalfe replied
that until something definite was de
cided upon by the league, il would be
better for the railroad company to mold
from the mails all printed matter bear
ing the expression
Already Mr. Metcalfe, has cOmmuni-
Gated with Fisher Harris of the league,
and with the Utah members of congress
Mr.. Harris will go to Washington Mon
day to have. If possible. the copyright de-
MED or revoked as the case may be.
Trying to Call Him off.
Upon hearing of the action taken by
Bowers, Mr.. Metcalfe wired John T
Burns. secretary of the Colorado Com
body take some action in the premises
The Colorado Commercial Tribune for
several years past has been the official
organ of the association. Mr.. Burns re-
piled yesterday afternoon that he had
taken the matter UP with the president
and board of directors of the association.
and that it had been decided to revoke
the right of Bowers in the publication OF
the Tribune as the official organ of the
association. This action was taken 1t is
said in an endeavOr to help the cause Of
the See America league
From one standpoint ] fear the claim
of Bowers said Mr.. MetCalfe yesterday
afternoon. He may set the league back
by taking from us our name. but ne can
not hurt the movement in the end. There
are a thousand ways of saying See
America First If necessary we shall
change our name.
eff this matter is brought before con-
gress in a proper manner, [ believe that
that body will put an end to Mr.. Bowers
claim We shall. if necessary, ask the
aid of congress in this matter i believe
that as a matter of public good congress
would order its librarian TO deny the
copyright Mr.. Harris will go TO Wash
ington Monday to make careful inquiries
as to the probable action by congress de
will also speak there Monday night L
think he will win so many friends for
fhe movement that the action Of congress
and the librarian of congress can be fore
told.
"a copyright of the words See Amer
ica First will be of no benefit to anyone
unless the league endorses the person
holding the copyright. 1t is sure thing
that the league will never endorse Mr..
Rowers Men who will try to prevent or
binder a movement for the betterment of
the whole United States. such as the See
America First movement, should be run
out of the country.
I'VE are receiving aid in this fight from
the persons who are responsible for the
existence of the Commercial Tribune
When the props are taken from under
the paper the owners viii fall with II
THE Colorado Commercial association IS
with us so I am not fearing Bowers
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