The Detroit times. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1903-1920, 1914-05-26
RAYMOND w. PULLMAN.
Times Washington Bureau. NO. 'V'
Metropolitan Bank Building.

Metropolitan Bank Building.
WASHINGTON, May 2G.-ohieials
OF the biological survey Of the United
States department
Enemies Of OF agriculture have
the Birds. become interested
in the efforts OF a
number OF Missourians who have been
trying for weeks 10 break into lall'
and who can't quite make II. Inc
men from the show-me state declare
that they have openly and dellDer-
ately violated one OF the statutes OF
the United States-the migratory Dird
law-and that they have offered 10
furnish evidence TO this effect TO the
authorities. They have begged and
implored that they be taken into Gus
tody, and upon refusal OF the oHlcers
or the law they have again gone out
and once more committed the crime.
They have appealed TO united
States commissioners and ieueIai
Judge In their state that tney De
Jailed. but TO no effect. Flnally lhey
have petitioned their senator, james
A Reed. 10 aid them, and as II Is one
OF the solemn duties OF a member Oh
congress 10 please his constituents, ne
has done everything In his power 10
have them arrested. The senator mas
even gone SO far as 10 present the
evidence against his people TO ANY,
Gen. McReynolds with the prayer that
these persons be hailed before the
courts 10 the charge OF breaking one
OF the laws OF the United states. III
this he has failed, and now he Is SAD
81 liberty has indeed sunk TO a low
ebb when a citizen or the repuphc
cannot get himself arrested on re-
quest" says Senator Reed. .
This Is the latest phase in the con-
ltroversy over the constitutionality OF
the law for the conservation or the
migratory game and lnsectiVorous
birds which was enacted about year
ago The object OF the friends OF TINS
legislation was not only TO stop the
! Wholesale slaughter OF birds by game
hogs" but 10 also make sure or the
perpetuation OF these insecteatlhe
birds SO that the crops OF the country
would be protected against pests.
Last October, carrying out the
provisions OF this statute, Presiden'
Wilson issued proclamation when
proyided in general for closed season
1.-The wear round on all insectivorous
birds and a five-year closed season on
certain game birds The regulations
aroused practically every sportsman
In the country, for their enforcement
meant practically stopping or al
hunting for some time. According te
Senator Reed the sportsmen OF the
country have quite generally been VIC
Hating the law in the belief that II Is
Unconstitutional. He is quite sure
that the sportsmen OF his own state
have paid no attention 10 the ne"
statute. as evidenced by their appeal
10 him TO have one or more OF theli
number arrested The senator him
self Is of the opinion that the federal
law Is an interference with the laws
of the states and has steadfastly op
posed its progress.
The other day. during discussion OF
the agricultural bill in the senate,
! proposition to provide $4,000 for the
! enforcement OF the migratory bro
law brought on with much vigor the
old controversy between Senator lleeC
as representing the sportsmen view
and Senator George p. Mclean o
Connecticut. the author OF the law
land champion OF those who woulC
have the birds preserved. II was dur
INC the dialogue between the two tina
senator Reed told OF his vain endeav
or 10 have his friends arrested. Sen