Tulsa daily world. [volume] (Tulsa, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1905-1919, 1917-05-15
Anti-Liquor Manufacture
Amendment and Press
Censorship Die.
POWER TO P0STMASTERS
Given Authority to Stop Dam
gerous Mail; Food Con-
servation Considered.

WASHINGTON. May "a. - After
nearly three weeks OF debate. ranging
over innumerable problems OF the
war. the senate by vote OF II to 8
tonight passed the administration
espionage bill, pronounced one Of the
most drastic and all-inclusive meas
ures In American congressional his
tory.
A similar bill has passed the house
and virtual redraftng OF many Of the
most important provisions is expected
In the forthcoming conferences.
Pull Measures Teeth.
During today's final consideration.
the senate stripped the measure en-
tirely OF provisions for newspaper
censorship and restriction upon
manufacture OF grain into intoxicat-
ing liquors, and rejected an amend
ment designed to curb speculation In
food products. altho sentiment obvi-
ously was overwhelming in favor of
such legislation later.
As completed. the senate bills
principal sections provide:
Authority for the president to en-
barge exports when he finds that
the public safety and welfare so re-
quire.' (Not in the house measure.)
Exclude Dangerous Mail.
Authority for the post office de-
partment to censor mails and exclude
mail matter deemed seditious, an
archistic or reasonable, and making
it's mailing punishable under heavy
penalties (Not in the house bill
For punishment OF espionage. de-
fined In most detailed terms. includ-
ing wrongful use OF military informa-
tiOn.
FOR the control OF merchant vessels
in American waters.
Punishment for conveyance OF false
reports TO interfere with military OPP
erations. willful attempts to cause dis
affection in the military or naval
forces or obstruction OF recruiting.
For the seizure of arms aud NUM-
tons and prohibition Of their expor-
tation under certain conditions.
Put Ban on Conspiracics.
For penalizing conspiracies de-
signed to harm American foreign re-
lations or for destruction or properly
within the United States.
For increased restrictions upon Is
suance Of passports with penalties for
their forgery or false procurement;
and for material extension OF the
powcr to issue search warrants for In
spcction of premises.
The clause giving the president
power TO cHlDaTsO exports WAS TO-
tained in the bill virtually as drafted
by administration officials. 1t was
modified once. but the unqualified
provision was restored after its neces-
sity had been explained last week in
days session behind closed doors.
lS to 80 for Press.
Vigorous efforts to retain provisions
for newspaper censorship and partial
prohibition, together with foodtsuff
conservation during the war. culmi-
mated In final votes today In which
the senate voted As to "a to eliminate
all provisions for the press censor
shir, on behalf of the administra-
ton forces Senator Ovcrman. In
charge of the bill. had moved to re-
insert modified censorship clause.
As the house bill contains pro
vision for determination by the Jury
OF culpability for violation of censor
ship regulations to be promulgated by
the president, the administration fs
expected to bring strong pressure for
drafting in conference OF compro-
mise censorship section.
Liquor Amendment Out.
on the question OF prohibition and
foodstuff conservation the senate, by
a vote OF Al to 81. reversed its action
Of Saturday In accepting Senator
Cummins' amendment providing that
during the war, manufacture OF cer-
eals, grain and syrup into intoxicat-
ing liquors should be prohibited BY
CONTINUED on PAGE FOUR