New-York tribune., 1917-12-26
Bolsheviki and
I.W.W. Linked
in World Plot
Discovery of Rifles on
Russian Ship Here
Arouses Suspicion

WASHINGTON, Dec 25-Evidenee
has been uncovered by government
agents indicating that American Indus
trial Workers of the World, Russian
Bolsheviki Irish agitators and revolu-
tionists in various countries at war
with Germany may be seeking to lay
the foundation Of an elaborate, world
wide plan TO overthrow existing social
orders.
This was admitted by officials here
in connection with news Of the discov-
cry Of a quantity Of rifles, reyolverS
and ammunition in the Russian freight
er Shilka, which has just arrived at
Pacific port, manned by a mutinous
BolsheviN crew. Government agents
suspect that the guns and munitions
were intended for the Industrial Work
ers of the World in this country, al
though it was said a full report on the
mysterious cargo has not yet been for
warded by officials at the port OF ar
rival.
Agitators Expected Here
The Shilka incident is only one OF
many cases leading officials to believe
the connection between plotters IN sew
eral of the Allied countries may be
more tangible than the indefinite INK
of moral sympathy. Certain Irish agi-
tators and |. ". ". leaders recently
have gone from the United States 10
Russia. after being in close touch with
each other here, and reports nave been
received that Bolsheviki organizers
would come TO America before long TO
spread their doctrine Of direct action
for communal organization.
No objection will be raised by the
government 20 any agitation which does
not interfere with the progress OF the
war. officials declare. officials do not
intend 10 use the war exigencies as an
excuse for suppressing free speech, eX-
cont in so far as il leads to hampering
the government in the fight against
che Central Powers. This basis OF
judgment. however, is recognized as
broad. and will permit drastic action
against foreign agents whose conduct
directly or indirectly fosters Germany s
war aims.
Action will be particularly swift, Of
fcials saw. when armed resistance TO
tho law is threatened and when other
material forces are employed by the
og;+a+ors. Customs inspection Will
serve 10 prevent importation OF arms,
and the close supervision Of crews OF
incoming and outgoing vessels IS eN-
nec+ed 20 make impossible the traiflc OF
communications on a large scale IN
tended TO foster revolutionary activity.
There still are means OF importing
nancy into the United States, but
e,overnrnent agents can trace remit
tances and keep a watchful eye on sus-
nicious expenditures. Exports of money
are governed 80 strictly by the govern
ment that officials are certain that the
chance of American financing OF revo-
lutions in other countries is slight.
I. W. W. Menace Strong
Although prosecution OF ]. W. W.
leaders recently has been vigorous, Of
tcials have evidence which they claim
ebo,.s that the menace. Of this organi-
alton. believed 10 be supported large
jy nv German money, remains strong.
Further action against the agltatorS ls
forecast This will be hastened II II
i found that the band is working with
Russian Bolsheviki leaders to bring
about premature peace in Germany's
interests or to hamper America at
home. Ill.
Extreme care is being taken by thus
government TO avoid antagonizing the
Bolsheviki movement in Russia, despite
the international irritations 1t mas
caused. American officials do not care
70 appear TO resist the development OF
democratic ideals, even If IT assumes
the form of extreme and chaotic So
cialism reported in Russia under the
new regime. In line with this policy, II
is explained, preparations for dealing
with the encroachment Of Bolshevikism
ON America are not for political reasons,
but only to insure material safety ana
TO promote moral unity Of this nation
N