Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1913-10-20

| it had. That surely sets at rest that
| report.
Referring to a statement of Mr..
Reeves that Mrs. Pankhurst was a
prisoner at Ellis island, Commissioner
Caminetti said emphatically:
Mrs. Pankhurst is not prisoner as
that term is used in law. In no proper
way can it be said by her or by her
counsel that she is a prisoner. A
prisoner is one involuntarily restrain
cd of his liberty. Mrs. Pankhurst
came to this country entirely volun-
tarily and with absolute kowledge
that she would have to conform to the
ordinary administration of our laws"
Mr. 0'Neil said Mrs. Pankhurst had
hoped that she might be permitted to
land, today, at least under bond.
There is no authority" interjected
Commissioner Caminetti, cas- | am ad
vised for this department to release
on bond any alien whose case is yet
pending before us under an order of
deportation. The question of bond
may come up later, but not now"
Referring to Mrs. Pankhurst's story
of her arrests, Mr.. Gaminetti said he
cared nothing about her arrest for po-
lice interference in an endeavor to
present to the British authorities pc
titions for woman suffrage.
II should not hold for an instant a
person convicted merely for exereis-
ing the right of petition. This case
cannot and will not he decided on SEN
timent. The principal question in this
case is the arrest, conviction and SEN
tence of Mrs. Pankhnrst for conspir-
acy and whether that crime involved
moral turpitude in the meaning of the
law. l will ask yon To address your
selves to that point
I'VE are brought by Commissioner
Caminetti's request" Mr.. O'Neil re-
sumed, ito Mrs. Pankhursts indiet-
ment to destruction of property, last
spring, and to her trial and conviction
on the charge of conspiracy in the de-
struction of the home of Lloyd George,
chancellor of the eXchequer. Our
contention is that that was a crime,
which does not involve moral turpi-
tude, a term vague and undetermined.
Such a crime must be one involving
baseness and depravitY. Congress new
#er intended to bar an alien convicted
of a crime that did not involve moral
depravity."
Mr.. Reeves contended that Mrs.
Pankhurst could not be fairly accused
of being immoral.
''she was charged" he continued
with melting her followers to such a
state of frenzy that they destroyed
Lloyd Georges home and perhaps COM
mtted other unlawful acts. Mrs. Pank-
hurst did not actually participate in
those crimes She did make some strong
statements in her speeches. For these
she stands responsible and she does not
retract them
Her offences were political and, in
my judgment, she is entitled. under the
law. to admission to this country as she
is only political offender against the
laws of another country
Commissioner Caminetti at the con-
clusion of the arguments announced:
1.-THE bureau having considered the ar
guments and petition as presented in
behalf of applicant, finds nothing therein
setting forth any reason why any actor
| of this bureau should be taken or order
| made at this informal hearing for tenn
| 1eileI 'ptHdlHB Hidl
of this appeal such as would properly
be considered on holiday in cases OF
vagraney.
The bureau orders That the decis-
| ion of the petition for admission, made
| as aforesaid in behalf of the applicant
he. and the same is hereby continued
until o'clock. Monday morning, Oct.
| 20. 1913, when the same will be formal
| ly taken up and further considered, 1t
being understood that if counsel for
applicant desire further hearing i'm
| this matter, or have any authorities
| to present. such hearing will he per-
mitted and the authorities received. at
| the time to which this hearing has
| been postponed.
Comment on the points raised bear
| ing ON the argument on the petition
if any should be found necessary. is
| reser. ed until the final decision here
| in."