Norwich bulletin., 1917-04-17

Washington, April 1e--All persons in the United States, citizens and aliens, are warned in a proclamation issued today by President Wilson that those committing such acts will be vigorously prosecuted by the govern ment.
 The proclamation defines treason, citing statutes, provision of the con- stitution and decisions of the courts, and declares that the acts described will be regarded as reasonable whether committed within the borders of the United States or elsewhere
 Warning to Aliens.
 iFar-reaching importance attaches to the direction of the warning to aliens and the declaration that resident aliens as well as citizens owe alle- glance to the United States" and are therefore equally subject to the laws against treason and like crimes.
 At war, the United States is in very different position from a neutral. Bomb pl0tters now may be gripped with an iron hand. Not only are con- spirators themselves subject to heavy penalties, but anyone. even German resident, who has knowledge of trea- sonable acts and fails to make known sent to prison for seven years and fined $1,oo0 for concealment of trea- son.
 The presidents proclamation fol- lows:
 Whereas, all persons in the United States, citizens as well as aliens, would be informed of the. penalties which they will incur for any failure to bear true allegiance to the United States:
 Now, therefore. I. Woodrow Will son, president of the United States, especial attention to- the following provisions of ,the constitution and laws of the United States.
 section 3 of Article III of the con against the United States shall con- sist only in levying war against them, or in adhering to their enemies, giv- ing them aid and comfort
 What Criminal Code Provides.
 "The criminal code of the United States provides:
 :" Section 1-whoever, owing ale glance to the United States, levics war against them or adheres to their ene- mics. giving them aid and comfort within the United States or elsewhere Is guilty of treason.
 Section 2-Whoever Is convicted of treason shall suffer death, or at the discretion of the court, shall be inn prisoned not less than five years and fined not less than ten thousand dol lars, to be levied on and collected out of any or all of his property, real and personal, any sale or conveyance to the contrary notwithstandin: and ev- cry person so convicted of Urea son shali. moreover. be incapable of hold ing any office under the United States
 Section 3-Whoever, owing ale glance to the United States and hav- ing knowledge of the commission of any treason against them, conceals and does not, as 500 mas may be, disclose and make known the same to the pres ident or to some judge of the United States, or to the governor or some judge or justice of a particular state Is guilty of misprison of treason and shall be imprisoned not more than seven years, and fined not more than one thousand dollars.
 Section Inf two or more persons In any state or territory or in any place subject to the jurisdiction of the United States conspire to overthrow, put down or to destroy by force the government of the United States, or to levy war against them or to op- pose by force the authority thereof, or by force to prevent, hinder. or de- lay the execution of any law of the United States. or by force to seize, take, or possess any property of the United States contrary to the author ity thereof they shall each be fined not more than five thousand dollars, or imprisoned not more than six years, or both.'
 Reasonable Acts.
 "The courts of the United States have stated the following acts to be reasonable:
 ssThe use or attempted use of any force or violence against the govern ment of the United States or it's mili- tary or naval forces;
 sThe acquisition, use or disposal of any property with knowledge that it is to be. or with intent that it shall be, of assistance to the enemy in their hostilities against the United States;
 'sThe performance of any act or the publication ssUf statements or informa ton which will give or supply in any way, aid and comfort the enemies of the United States.
 "The direction, aiding. counseIling or countenancing of any of the foregoing acts.
 s-Such kacts are held to be treason able whether committed within the United States or elsewhere; whether committed by citizen of the United States cr by an alien dorniciled, or residing in the United States, mas much ass resident aliens, as well as citizens, owe allegiance to the United States and its laws.
 @Any such citizen or alien who has knowIedge Of the commission of such