Tulsa daily world. [volume] (Tulsa, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1905-1919, 1917-06-26

ters are examined. but they are free
to send for their friends and TO re-
ceiVe them, and their conversations
are uncensored.
The perils in the situation are best
understood by naval officers. They
know that there are military move
ments in progress, and that the care
ful observer on Ellis Island can tell
with reasonable accuracy the nature
and mission of every ship leaving
port. Many of the Ellis Island prison
ers are trained observers. who have
served in the German navy or in the
German spy service. They have the
special noYledge necessary 10 iden-
tify ship that landsmen lack, as well
as appreciation of the value of the in
formation and natural desire to take
advantage of opportunities to do SO.
But the naval men cannot say
word for publication unless they de-
sire to face court-martial and the
probable loss of their commissions.
Under recent orders of the secretary
of the navy they cannot even discuss
such things with brother officers or
their wives
There is not thing that the Trib-
Tine has said of the situation here In
New York that is not indorsed by
every officer in this district said
seasoned officer yesterday. but what
can we do? If we talk, Off go our
heads. So all that we can do is sit
tight. pray that nothing will result
from this carelessness that is Grim
inal. and wait for a few transports or
other naval vessels 10 be blown up.
Then perhaps the public will wake up
and force Washington to do some
thing besides lecture the Newport
police for their lack of morals"
Capt. j. w. Offley of the depart
ment of justice. in charge of the New
York office. defends the privileges
granted the prisoners. some of whom
are known to be spies or plotters. on
the ground that 1t would be inhuman
to deprive them of the privilege of
writing friends or having visitors.
He Sees No Danger.
"Of course their letters are read"
said he, land nothing suspicious is al
lowed to pass. There is nothing in
that. II a reputable man wishes to
see some of the folks down there, why
should not he be allowed to do so?
There is no danger in it,
While this choice means of securing
information for Germany is provided,
and the cable offices and the mails to
the spy infested neutral countries of
Europe. no step to limit the activities
of the large German population in
New York, tho more than two months
have elapsed since Attorney General
Gregory ordered that they be barred
from military and naval centers, has
been taken.
This order, issued on April 49, speci-
fled the zones from which alien enc
mics were to be barred, in accordance
with the presidents proclamation of
April s. II set June as the limit in
which permits to approach within one
half-hile of these districts would is
sue. Subsequently the time for Ger
mans to register their applications for
these permits was extended to June 3.
No permits have yet issued and, as
matter of fact, applications for such
continue to be received. Washington
having set no time for the actual be-
ginning of a movement calculated to
limit the activities of alien enemies.
United States Marshal Thomas ID.
Mccarthy. in charge of this work. re-
iterated his earlier statements that
the issuing Of permits would be cem-
pleted by July l.
wait until there Is n chance to get
these out" he said. Then you will
see what will be done"