New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-09-11
PEOPLES Council
Invites Gregory
To Inspect Books
Pacihsts Would Rid Them.
selves of Policeman
Charges

To defend itself against the charge
of being pro-German and accepting
funds from questionable sources, the
Peoples Council, whose officials have
lust returned from the Chicago peace
conference, yesterday issued an invita-
ton to Attorney General Thomas w.
Gregory to inspect all its books and
correspondence showing the hnanclai
backing of the council and its expendl-
lures.
Louis P. Lochner, executive secretary
OF the council, explained that this cha'-
lenge to the Department Of Justice was
the answer Of the pacifsts to persons
who have impugned the motives OF the
organization. He said the hue and cry
raised against the recent peace expedi-
ton. which wandered on special trans
oil over the Middle West before Mayor
Thompson OF Chicago gave 1t refuge
had spurrcd his society TO invite IN
vestigation,
The invitation to Attorney General
Gregory was written after @ long con-
ference in the Office OF the coun-
Gil, 70 Fifth Avenue, yesterday alter
noon. The meeting was attended by
number of pacifst leaders. James H.
Msurer. labor leader and member OF the
Pennsylvania State Legislature, pre-
sided.
Letter to Gregory
The letter. which is addressed to At
torney General Gregory, follows:
"On behalf Of the Peoples Council
Of America for Democracy and Peace
the undersigned officers respectfully in
wife the Department Of Justice 10 make
. full investigation OF the affairs OF
said council. We are ready to submit Tor
YOUR inspection all our books, showing
the sources Of our income and the nat
ure of our expenditures; also, our cor
respondence, minutes OF our general
and executive meetings. material bear
ing upon our methods Of work. and such
additional data as may aid you IN max
ing a thorough investigation.
"Our activities are and have been at
all times open and above-boar we
have nothing 20 conceal. We are moved
to make our request because OF the
malicious attacks made upon US from
outside sources-attacks which, we con-
ficently expect, will be set at rest Tor
ever by an official investigation
Deny Fears of Raid
Mr.. Lochncr was asked if the Peace
Council's officers had been moved 20
ask for investigation to forestall the
fate of the l. W. W. headquarters
throughout the country and various
pro-German Socialist papers which the
government had raided.
I'VE. did not fear being raided, b..
cause we have nothing 20 hide said
Mr. Lochner. 1--WE issued our invita-
tion 10 the Department of Justice sim.
ply because we are getting tired Of
being the target of unjust abuse. We
have been attacked persistently as
being pro-Gernan. traitors and cow
ards. We have been accused of taking
German funds TO further our propa-
gands.
"Our pesce meeting in Chicago has
made our movement a national one.
We are now more than local organ
ization. We eve it TO ourselves 20
clear our name, and that is the sole
reason for inviting the Department OF
Justice to investigate all our affairs"
Insist Upon Stockholm
Mr.. Lochner said the Chicago meet
ing had been q great success. He said
the council had no plans for an immc-
date international peace conference.
The governments expose Of Sweden's
activity as dispatch rider for Germany,
no said. would not deter the council
from demanding Americas participa
ton in Socialist peace conference IN
Stockholm in the future.
Charles Sonnenschein, organizer Of
the League Of Conscientious Directors,
whose meeting was raided Sunday night
by United States Marshal Thomas ID.
Mccarthy, yesterday announced that
he would "have the law" on Marshal
Mccarthy if he did not behave him
self
81 will not tolerate this interruption
OF our meetings again By the United
States Marshal" said Sonnenschein.
IF he dares to interfere with one of
our meetings again, ! will apply for a
writ Of mandamus and stop him by
law"