South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1917-11-25
LICENSE REQUIRED
FOR EXPLOSIVES
Federal Law Now in Effect
Penalty is 1000 Fine or
Imprisonment.

WASHINGTON, Nov. 24.-Any
person in the United States found
with explosives in his possession,
and who does not have license
issued by the federal government
showing the purpose for what the
explosives are to be used, will be at
once arrested and fined up to $4,000
or sent TO prison for one year. If
the circumstances warrant the per-
son may be fined $1,000 and in ad-
dition given the one year in prison.
This is the principal clause in a
war measure passed by the last con-
| gress which is now being put into
| effect by the bureau Of mines, de-
partment of the interior, which
bureau has been charged with its
| enforcement. Francis S. Peabody
OF Chicago. a we'll known coal OPP
/ orator familiar with the use of ex-
plosives, large amounts of which are
/ used in the coal mining industry,
has been appointed by secretary Of
the interior lane to act as assist
i
mines. Van II. Manning, in the en-
| forcement Of the law.
Under the law. the director of
the bureau is empowered to utilize
the services of all United States of
ficers and all police officers of the
states, including the city police
forces, county sheriffs, deputies,
constables, and all officers in any
way charged with police duties. The
police of the cities have already
been organized for this work, head
ed by a committee of chiefs of po-
lice in the big cities. of which Maj.
r. w. Pullman, superintendent of
police of Washington, d. c., is
chairman. The police are not only
to look after the enforcement of
the law, but are also TO make
thorough Investigations of all dyna-
mite outrages and fires in factories
and warehouses, and to make their
4 reports to the director of the bureau
of mines.
Persons apprehended in plots to
blow up factories and bridges will
be turned over to the authorities
for prosecution under federal or
state laws. Most states have spec
tally severe punishments for these
crimes. New York has an extreme
penalty of 25 years Imprisonment
for the placing of dynamite with
intent to blow up property. The
penalty provided in this federal war
measure is merely to cover the IL
legal possession of explosives.
Must Have License.
The law provides that everyone
who handles explosives must have
a license. The manufactures, the
importer and the exporter must
have licenses issued by the bureau
of mines in Washington. The seller
of explosives and the purchaser of
explosives must also have licenses,
these to be issued generally by coun-
ty clerks, or other local officers who
are authorized to administer oaths.
There will be at least one licensing
officer in each county, and more
agents will be designated If the
county is sufficiently large to war
rant it. If a state has laws provid-
ing for a system of licensing persons
manufacturing, storing, selling or
using explosives the state officials
authorized to issue such state IL
censes shall be designated as fed
eral licensing agents; also city Of
fcials qualified to issue city explO-
slves licenses will be given authority
to issue federal licenses. A federal
license will not relieve any person
from securing licenses required
under state laws and local ordin-
ances.
In each state there will be ap-
pointed a state explosives inspector
who will represent the bureau of
mines in the administration of the
law within the state
Only citizens of the United States
or of countries friendly TO the
United States and the allies may so
obtain licenses.
Contractors, mining companies,
quarrymen and others using large
quantities OF explosives, which are
handled by employees. may issue ex-
plosives TO their employees only
though those employees holding a
license, called a foreman's license.
The purchaser Of dynamite, in OBJ
tanning a license, must state defin-
!tely what the explosive is to be
used for and will be held account
able for its use as stated and the
return of any explosives that may
be left.
With the strict enforcement Of
this law, the federal authorities
hope TO prevent explosives falling
into the hands of evilly disposed
persons and to put a stop TO all fur
Their dynamite plots