Honolulu star-bulletin. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu, Hawaii]) 1912-2010, 1917-11-19
LA TOILETTE AND SEDITION.
fSan Jose Mercury

The threatened charges of sedition against oel
ator La Toilette, whose speeches at various poln'S
and more recently in Minnesota are calculated ~
embitter public opinion against the war pollces u
the government will probably cause the senator III
tie annoyance, since he is reasonably certain 'n"'
anything he may say, however RADICAL VIII nave
little effect upon the issues now so fully uhderso
and generally accepted by the country. 1t Is tic
La Toilette habit to be different, just as 1t is the
habit of many others, who find this the easiest
method of attracting public attention
Besides it would be very unwise to draw the line
too taut in an attempt to restrain free utterahce'
even though it involved to its disadvantage gov
eminent policies and converted few weak Souls 10
the extreme and fatuous doctrines of the lobe
different" cult. SeditiOn is capable OF TOO many
interpretations to be idly used or charged, ana the
seditionist socaed always has the defense that ne
is merely giving rein to his individual OPINION. II
is quite impossible to compel everyone to accept the
war attitude of the government or to silence those
dissentors who love the sound of their own rumpets
and blow them all occasions.
If Senator La Toilette or those who follow him
were found secretly in league with the enemy they
would be guilty of treason and would be clearly
open to prosecution, but sedition is by no means
synonymous with treason although its effects might
not be less damaging. Emma Goldman, 5or exam
pie. was a seditionist and for utterances far less
intemperate than those of Senator La Toilette she
was sent to prison for two years, but Emma Gold
man is not Senator La Toilette she is radical So
calst has been for years, while the Voice in WIS
consns wilderness has simply been radical on
the rampage not for the good 1t could do SO much
as for the attention 1t might attract If La Toilette
has left the ranks of plain radicalism to take up
it's severes FORM seditionism it is probably because
the latter will the better stir popular resentment
against him, the thing he most desires.
There is no danger to the country from the notO-
riety-seeker, and hence it is not worth while to
battle him in the refulgent light of public investga-
ton always a doubtful form of chastisement and
government will therefore hesitate to question La
FolIette's loyalty the theory that his influence
is doubtful and his following of sort not caculat-
ed to multiply vastly in numbers. 1t will let him
90 lust as England let Northciffe 60, as Germany
let Harden 90, and as the talking machines in all
lands at this time are let 60. Indeed, the most
effective punishment to impose upon this breed OF
disturbers is to let them go. So long as they are
not in league with the enemy in specific sense
they can do but little harm.
1t is proper enough, however, for Minnesota to
protest to the government against La Follettes sedi
tious speeches, for Minnesota wants the credit of
being faithful to the flag but beyond this it is hard
" worth while to give him the benefit of Il furore
such as would infallbly follow his arrest indict-
ment for his anti-government harangues. So long
as he hires his halls and steers clear of treason
he is better ignored than noticed.