South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1915-12-09
LAWS NEEDED To
PROTECT COUNTRY
Administration Hold Import
ant COnferenCe-LegiSIa-
ton Planned.

Of forcing American neutrality.
legislation necessary TO insure the
punishment Of all who plot against
American industries or institutions
through international methods. and
the Boyd, Won Papen and Won
huber cases were considered at an
extraordinary conference of admin
istration officials Wednesday. Sec'y
OF State Lansing, Sec'y OF the Treas
ury McAdoo, Sec'y Of War Garrison.
Atty. Gen Gregory and Postmaster
Cen. Burleson were present. Coun-
seIlor Frank Polk or the state de-
partment was called i'm several times
in the course Of the discussion. The
only announcement made was that
the conference discussed domestic
affairs which have 81 bearing on H.
ternational matters"
Coming on the heels Of Pres't
wilson's scathing arraignment Of the
creatures OF passion. disloyalty and
anarchy who have plotted against
neutrality, and his demand for ade-
Quate legislation 10 crush them out.
in his message TO congress. the con-
ference had peculiar significance. Il
was generally accepted as the begin
ming OF a vigorous, aggressive cam
paign by the administration against
the class of Americans denounced by
the president. One of the immediate
results OF the conference is expected
10 be the drafting OF the adequate
federal laws" on neutrality demand
ed by the president.
Canvass Situation.
The conference. il was understood,
canvassed the whole neutrality situa-
ton, just now a serious problem
because OF the delicate situation
growing out Of the demand for the
recall Of Capts. Won Papen and Boy.
Ed and because Of the numerous
charges and counter charges involv-
ing Alexander Won huber. the Aus
TRAN cOnsul-general at New York
and various other officials and indi-
viduals now under investigation by
the department of justice.
1t was learned at the German en-
bassy Wednesday that the whole
situation precipitated by the refusal
OF this government 70 submit the
proof against the two attaches is
now before Emperor William him
self o.. decision viii fix the posi-
ton IF Germany. which up 10 now
has ben firmly and positively
against recalling the attaches unless
the proof demanded was shown. At
the embassy, while officials were
loath 20 discuss the situation. il was
made clear that the attitude of the
United States has aroused strong re-
sentiment In Germany. It was stated
that the emperor Will await reports
from the heads Of the German war
and navy departments and the for
eign office before acting on the case.
An extended delay is not expected,
however.
Usefulness Ended.
Embassy officials Wednesday night
expressed the belief that Capts Boy
Ed and Won Papen viii ultimately
be relieved of their duties here.
They take the position that the atti-
tude Of the United States govern
ment has put an end to their use
fulness.
Evidence tending to show a plot
60 incite revolution in Mexico
headed by former Pres't Huerta and
financed by German capital the de
partment OF justice announced
Wednesday. will be introduced 20
federal grand jury at San Antonio.
Tex. early in January.
In view OF all these matters which
were before todays conference. one
Of the results Of the discussion is
expected TO be the drafting by the
attorney general and Counsellor Polk
of legislation to provide heavy and
adequate penalties for interference
with industrial property i'm the
United States and also new legisla-
aion 10 regulate the powers. duties
and limitations of representatives of
foreign governments i'm the United
States
Doubts Cause Trouble.
tt IS not understood that any laws
90 be suggested to congress can be
retroactive. To is stated however
that a great deal of the trouble of
this government in the past year has
been due TO doubt as 20 what statute
or statutes apply TO foreign repre-
sentatives who are under investiga-
ton by the department OF justice.
IL is intended that in the future
shere viii be no difficulty in dispos-
ing OF foreign diplomatic representa-
tives accredited 90 this country who
conspire I'm any manner against this
government.
II is not denied that the govern
.nent is keenly interested i'm the dis
positions of the cases of Capt. Boy
Ed and Won Papen OF the German
embassy Neither the secretary Of
state nor any other cabinet officer
has ventured an opinion as To what
would Doe the first step OF this gov
eminent 81 the kaise- should refuse
10 recall the officers.
.-.