South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1917-05-28
ISSUE RULES To
GUIDE j. s. PRESS
Everything Specified as
Dangerous Already EIimi-
mated by Papers.

pers have imposed upon themselves /
since the United States entered the !
war were issued Sunday by the com
mittee on public information. Vir- |
tually all OF the matter specified by /
the committee as dangerous and /
/ liable to be of value TO the enemy |
is of the character which most Of !
| the newspapers of their own ac-
cord scrupulously have eliminated |
/ from their columns.
In making public the regulations |
| copies OF which have been mailed |
to every daily paper in the country, |
George Creel, chairman. announced |
| that its censorship function will be
subordinated TO the task of giving
the people information.
To Open News Channels.
The one effect will be to open
| up the business of the government
/ as far as may be proper and pos
/ sible TO the inspection of the peo-
pie" he said. Channels of infor-
\ nation will be cleared of dead wood, |
permitting a freer and more con
/ tinuous flow, and in every sane and
| prudent manner officials of the gov
/
| fullest recognition TO the truth that
public support is largely a matter
| of public understanding"
The committee was appointed and
Mr.. Creel named chairman by Pres't
| Wilson. There is however, no law
vesting it with censorship powers.
The Regulations.
! In order 10 prevent the use OF
our press by the enemy it is neces-
sary TO avoid the publication of news
items or articles which will interfere
with our plans Of campaign or rem
| der more easy the work of hostile
| spies. The suppression of all news
matter which is obviously likely to
be of direct utility TO the enemy is
urged and expected Such matter is
indicated specifically as follows:
! "A-General.
News regarding naval and
military operations in progress ex-
cept that officially given out.
! "2-News of the train or boats
schedules of travelling official mis-
sions in transit through the United
States It is the duty of hospitality
TO surround distinguished foreigners
with every protection.
Plots Against OhiciaIs.
"3-Threats or plots against the
! life of the president or other high
| officials unless announced from au-
| thOritative sources. In such times of
tension unbalanced minds are es-
pecially susceptible TO suggestion
and all accounts Of such crimes and
|
ly TO influence weak minds and in
cite to criminal acts. When arrests
are made the specific charge should
be minimized by mere mention as
'disorderly conduct.
News relating 10 the activity
of the secret police. Their work in
protecting the country from the
enemy's agents in our midst is
handicapped by publicity.
News of possible or observed
movements of alien labor through
the territory of the United States
or their arrival at or embarkation
from any Of our ports.
"B-Naval.
Naval Operations.
News relating TO the naval OPP
erations as follows:
1.-THE locality, number. or
identity OF warShips belonging 20
our own navy or TO the navies of
any country at war with Germany.
"2-Secret notices issued TO ma
rines or other confidential instruc-
tions issued by the navy or the de-
partment of commerce relating to
lights, lightships. buOys. or other
guides TO NAVIGATION.
"3-AIl information concerning
the departure of merchant ships
from our ports.
ALL information indicating
the port Of arrival of incoming ships
or after their arrival indicating, or
limiting at the port at which the
ship arrived. These rules apply
with equal force TO information in
dicating ports from which they
sailed. II is suggested that arriv-
ais of merchant vessels may be pub
lished under a general heading sim
liar TO the following:
Arrivals OF vessels-at Atlantic
ports: suffolk Neptune. at Pacific
ports: Mankato."
"Details as 70 conveys and as
tQ the sighting OF friendly or enemy
ships whether naval or merchant.
Conformation concerning the
I laying of mines or mine fields by
our own navy or by the authorities
OF any nation at war with Germany.
Information regarding sig
nails, orders, or wireless messages
. 10 or from war vessels.
'S-InfOrmation regarding opera
lions by o. against submarines. In
respect 10 unverihed reports Of sub
marine victories or submarine disas-
tiers the committee goes no further
than 10 urge restrain and to request
that the greatest care be taken TO
avoid confusion between mere ru-
mors and official announcements.
"9-lnformation relating 20 dry
docks and 10 all classes of work re-
pairs. alterations. or construction
performed in connection Herewith.
Military.
News Of possible or observed