The Butler weekly times., 1917-05-17

!, fss XII
SPY BILL PAsSRs SENATE
WITHOUT cH1esoRa FRO y
$s. VISION
lEsasure y Dsso;u,inesd one 81 IL
Most Dralase and Inclusive
ILL., In Hiatos1 cf American
Isiislation.
Washingtou, May I4-After near4
" three weeks of debate, ranging
over innumerable problems Of the
war, the senate by vote Of ~ to 6
tonight passed, the administrator
espionage bifl, pronounced one of the
most drastic and all-inclusive meas
ures III American congressional his
tory.
A similar bill has passed tie house
and virtual rcdrafting Of many Of the
most important provisions is ex-
pressed in the Forthcoming confer
ences. During teday's consideration
the senate, stripped the measure en-
tirely of provisions for newspaper
censorship and restriction upon man
ufacture of grain into Intoxicating
liquorA and rejected an amendment
designed to curb speculation in food
products, although sentiment obvious
ly was Overwhelmingly in favor of
such legislation later.
As completed, the senate bills per-
sonal sections provide:
Authority for the president to em-
barge exports when he finds that
"thc public safety and welfare so re-
quire." (Not in the house measured
Authority for the postoffice de-
partment to censor mails and exclude
mail matter deemed seditious, anar-
chistic or reasonable, and making its
mailing punishable under heavy pen
alties. (Not in the house bill.)
J For punishment of espionage, de-
fined in most detailed terms, includ-
ing wrongful use of military infor-
nation.
For the control of merchant YES
sells in American waters.
Punishment for conveyance of
false reports to interfere with mill
tary operations, wilfull attempts to
cause disaffection in military or ma
val forces, or obstruction of recruit
ing. &
For the seizure of arms and NUM-
tions and prohibition of their expor-
tation under certain conditions.
For penalizing conspiracies de-
signed to harm American foreign re-
lations or for destruction OF property
within the United States.
For increased restrictions upon is
suance of passports with penalties
for their forgery or false procure=
ment, and for material extension of
the power to issue search warrants
for inspection of premises.
Senator King of Utah moved to
strike out the Cummins amendment
the manufacture of cereals
and sugar into alcohol during the
war, and was supported by Senator's
Underwood, Husting and others. Sem
ator Underwood said it was neither
real conservation, nor prohibition
move, would destroy immense reve-
nues from beer and still leave quan-
titles of whiskey in bond for bever-
age purposes.
Senator Cummins said he was not
alarmed over temporary loss of en-
ployment by those in breweries and
which would have to
close if the amendment is retained.
He said such workmen could be easi
ly absorbed with labor scarce and
many men conscripted for the army.
"We ought to close this nefarious
enterprise at least during the war"
said the Iowa senator.
Senator Reed declared the Cum
Minis amendment would destroy prop
erty worth one billion dollars, throw
one million men out of employment,
frighten capital apd disturb business,
all without adequate time for proper
in view Of the ten-min-
ute limited debate rule. Also he said
i was unnecessary. as He believed the
war would soon be over. Without
The prohibition feature, he declared,
he Cumniins amendment would be
without support.
Senator Borah supported the move
% eliminate the liquor section as un-
although he favors
Senators Borah. France, Gronna,
Ia Toilette, Sherman and Vardaman
,oted against the bill. The measure
vas sent to conference Immediately
-the house having passed an espion-
lge bill different in many particulars.
In the final vote on newspaper CEN
,orship the senate this, afternoon de-
eated motion to restore modified
provision ia the espionage
ill. The. vote was 3 to ~. !