The Oskaloosa herald., 1917-02-22
PRESIDENT HINTS
Of GERMAN PLOT
kAisER's AGENTS ALREADY BUSY
SAYS WILSON,.
COLOMBIA PACT o. KID
Makes It Clear in Letter to Chairman
Stone Of Senate That Certain
Teutons are Trying to
Cause Trouble.

cause trouble.
Washington, Feb 20.--I'reSident
Wilson has sent letter to Chairman
Stone Of the senate foreign relations
committee urging action during this
session of congress on the treaty TO
indemnify Colombia for the separation
from Panama.
The presidents request Is said to
have been based on fear of eomplica-
lions that may arise on the Panama
canal II the relations between Germany
and this government result in war.
The president is said to have made 1t
clear that German agents in Colombia
are already active with view t0mak-
ing trouble for this government along
tire canal
The failure of the senate, through
the opposition of Republican senator's
led by Senator Lodge, TO ratify the
treaty whereby Colombia was to re-
ceive S15000,000 in payment for the
loss of Panama and the canal rights,
has. II Is said, aroused much hostility
TO this country among influential per-
sons i'm Colombia, of which the German
agents have not been slow to take ad-
vantage.
100000 Spies In U. S.
Opposing amendments by Senator
Cummins TO temper some Of the
stringent provisions of the espionage
~ In hn fn tnr
Overman of North Carolina declared he
had been told there were 100000 spies
in the United States and that it was
absolutely essential that drastic laws
he enacted 10 protect naval stations,
submarine bases and other national de-
lenses.
Senator FAN, Republican, Of New
Mexico, argued for stringent laws and
declared that the government Of the
United States was on trial for eff
cheney to perpetuate itself.
Senator CumminS' first amendment
to modify the first section of the bill
was rejected. s. 90.
d. ~. III Provisions Of Bill. II
The espionage bill provides:
Against the entrance of any person
.'for the purpose of obtaining Informal
ton" upon any naval or military reser-
walton, vessel, radio station or NUM-
ton plant.
I Against the unlawful possession of
codebooks or information relating to
the national defense.
Against sending through the mails
any invisible" writing or false afti-
davits made to influence the course Of
the United States or foreign govern
ment
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS OF the officials
of foreign government.
Against abuse of passport privileges
and government seals.
Against cOnspiracieS TO injure prop
erty of foreign country with which
The United States Is at peace.
Against the inception within the
United States Of consplracies against
amy foreign prince or state;" restric-
tons upon informed soldiers and sailors
Of belligerents.
That the president may condemn
arms and munitions destined for ex-
port in violation of neutrality laws.
Against conspiracy to injure vessels
engaged in foreign commerce.
President Wilson under the bill Is
given also wide discretionary powers
Ito better enforce the neutrality of
the United States"
Wilson Seeks Public Opinion.
The voice of the people will dictate
President Wilson's next move in the
German situation.
The policy of the administration
was clearly defined by authoritative
sources. While it was stated at the
White House that President Wilson
has no present intention" of going be-
fore congress, this announcement tells
only half the story.
What the president is doing is wait
ing not only until sentiment in con-
gresS on the question of granting him
blanket authority TO deal with the stu
alton IS thoroughly plumbed. but de-
laying action until he Is fully advised
on the feelings of the people.
1t may be stated that an unofficial
plebisclte Is in fact under way. From
all parts of the nation adyices are
coming into the White House on how
the people feel about possible war with
Germany. This feeling of the public
pulse is regarded as serving largely
the same purpose as referendum.
The president will know within the
next few days, or at the latest week,
1t is believed, the exact sentiment of
the country. He will also know how
his request for power will be received
by congress. He then will be In a po-
sition to act for the hest
Squirrels Nest Burned.