Evening capital news. (Boise, Idaho) 1901-1927, 1917-05-12
form OF CRITICISM.

lonm OF SHI iCtSM.
Eff / Democrats lined up with "a
Republicans to defeat the objection
able provision which has caused a
storm of criticism from all over the
country and on the floor of both houses
of congress.
Senator Martin, Democratic floor
leader, was one Of the Democrats who
voted against the provision which At
torney General Gregory promulgated
Disposition of the censorship feature
leaves the president with no specific
control over the press. Other sections
of the espionage bill cover reasonable
utterances and it was the contention of
those opposed to the censorship that
those sections will give the government
ample power to rrotect itself.
NO DRASTIC REGULATIONS.
1t is possible that later an effort will
be made by the administration to Sc
cure addition of a much modified CEN
sorship provision. but the temper of
the senate is such as to absolutely pro-
hibit any drastic regulation of the
press or interfere with the rights of
free speech.
Under the rule allowing 10 minutes
to each senator to speak on different
provisions of the espionage bill, dis
cussion OF other sections went on to-
day and a vote on the whole bill is
expected before adjournment this ev-
ening. Even as it stands, 1t gives the
president powers such as are hardly
exceeded by any ruler in the world.
The president is authorized to is
sue sproclamations governing move
ments of all vessels in American terri
torial waters and to take possession of
all such vessels IL necessary.
TO PROTECT VESSELS.
The president Is authorized to en-
ploy land and naval forces to pre-
vent destruction or injury to any ves-
sci In American waters; to prevent
vessels as resort for any one conspir-
ing against the United States.
A penalty of not more than 25
years Imprisonment for any one TO-
ports about the military and naval
forces of the country.
1t provides heavy penalty for any
one conspiring against the United
States, or who harbors any one whom
he suspects Of being a conspirator.
1t provides fine of not more than
$4,000 and Imprisonment for not more
than 10 years for any one who in
jures or attempts to injure vessels or
people engaged in commerce between
this country and foreign country.
1t provides similar penalty for any
one attempting or accomplishing ac-
tual interference by violent means
with shipment of products from the
United States
MAY WITHHOLD CLEARANCE,
The president is empowered to with
hold clearance papers to- any vessel
desiring to leave an American port
with penalty for attempt to escape
without proper clearance.
The president may restrain in port
any armed vessel owned wholly or in
part by American citizens until ade-
quate proof is given that sailing Of
the vessel will in no way jeopardize
the interests of the United States.
1t makes it unlawful for sale or
loan of any vessel armed or equipped
or built for war to any belligerent
nation, either directly or Indirectly.
It necessitates the filing of an oath
that the cargo of any vessel leaving
an American port will not be deIiv-
cred to another vessel in port or trans
shipped on the high seas
WEST AGAINST CENSORSHIP.
Among the senators voting to elm
mate the censorship were Chamber
lain of Oregon, Borah of Idaho and
Jones of Washington; Meyers and
Walsh of Montana; Brady of Idaho.
and Poindexter of Washington