The Barre daily times. (Barre, Vt.) 1897-1959, 1917-05-15
ESPIONAGE BILL,
PASSED BY SENATE
WITHOUT CENSORSHIP
Measure Passed Last Night by Vote of
II to 8, and the Feature About Re-
strieting Use of Grain in Ii
quor Making Was Also
Eliminated.

Washington, May l5.--After nearly
three weeks of debate, ranging over in
Vulnerable problems OF the war, the Sen
ate by a vote of II to last night
passed the administration espionage bill
| pronounced one of the most drastic ant
all-inelusive measures in American con,
gressional history.
A similar bill has passed the House
and virtual redrafting of many of the
most important provisions is expected
in the forthcoming conferences.
During yesterdays final consideration
the Senate stripped the measure entire.
ly OF provisions for newspaper censor
ship and restriction upon manufacture
of grain into intoxicating liquors; and
rejected an amendment designed to curb
speculation in food products. although
sentiment obviously was overwhelming
ly in favor of such legislation later.
As completed, the Senate bills princi-
pal sections provide:
Authority for the president to en-
barge exports, when he finds that the
public safety and welfare so requires" !"
mot in the House measured.
Authority for the postoffice depart
ment to censor mails and exclude mail
matter deemed seditious. anarchistic or
REASONABLE, and making its mailing pun
ishable under heavy penalties. tNot in
the House billl.
For punishment of espionage. defined
in most detailed terms, including wrong
full use OF military information.
For the control of merchant vessels in
American waters.
Punishment for conveyance of false re-
ports to interfere with military opera
tions, wiful attempts TO cause disafrec-
tion in the military or naval forces or
obstruction OF recruiting.
For the seizure of arms and munitions
and prohibition of their expectation un-
der certain conditions.
For penalizing conspiracies designed TO
harm American foreign relations or for
destruction Of property within the Unit
ed States.
For increased restrictions upon issu-
ance of passports, with penalties for
their forgery or false procurement; and
For martial extension of the power to
issue search warrants for inspection of
premises.
The cause giving the president power
10 embargo reports was retained in the
bill virtually as drafted by sdministra-
ton officials.
Vigorous efforts to retain provisions
for newspaper censorship and partial
together with foodstuffs con-
,ervation. during the war eliminated in |
insl votes yesterday in which the SEN |
tie voted IS to 81 TO eliminate all pro- |
'isions for the press censorship. On be- |
lalf of the administration forces Senator I
)vermsn. in charge Of the bill, has moved I
o reinsert modified censorship clause. 4
As the House bill contains a provision 4
or determination by the jury Of cul-
ability for violation Of censorship reg
llations to be promulgated by the presi-
lent. the administration j. expected to
ring strong pressure for drafting in con-
erence Of a compromise censorship sec
ION.
On the question Of prohibition and
oodstud conservation the Senate by a
ote Of A. 70 81 reversed its action OF
,aturdav in accepting Senator Cummins'
mendment providing that during the
lar. manufacturers of cereals. grain,
ugar and syrup into intoxicating liquors
hould b. prohibited. By this vote il
truck out the Cummins amendment, Of