The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-07-07

the part of prudence better to protect itself by rendering it's intermost thoughts less available to the treacher- ous
 It Is pointed out that the United States has not established restrictions against mail directed from the United States, either to Mexico or Venezuela. In both countries German agents are said to be numerous and active. Tn Mexico Ger many maintains means of communication. It is indicated that any spy in Wash ington could easily mail important mat ter to Mexico for wireless transmission
 CLOSING THE CAPITOL ! It is suggested to the government, and on the suggestion the administration may act to deny the city of Washington, the nerve center of the nation at war, to any individual who is not an American citizen. At the pgesent time it is easy for a German to acquire information in Washington. While no one questions the devotion to duty of everybody employed in the various departments everyone knows that each of these employees has friends to whom in great confidence he sometimes talks. It is pointed out that information of incalculable value might in this fashion reach the ears of German
 
 ernment keeps spies out of Washington, the efficiency of the German information bureau must become impaired.
 Again the government must reorganize it's secret service system, declare those who desire the government to acquire 8 war efficiency. At present, the secret service is divided in six parts, each re- sponsble to a cabinet head. Each works, in manner, independent of the other. iS Til 1irat m Of certain friendly rivalry, and probably some pulling apart" The reorganiza- tion contemplated would have all depart ments of the service under single and dogmatic head. This is reformation the government, is is indicated will adopt.
 BULGARIA STILL HERE
 In other respects the charge is made that the government is exceedingly care- less. It is not generally known that Bull garia, an ally of Germany, maintains in Washington an active embassy. Friendly. relations between the United States and Bulgaria have not been broken. It is regarded as possible that the value to Germany of the Bulgarian embassy in the United States is one reason why Ger many has not forced Bulgaria-as 1t forced Austria-to sever relations with this government.
 This possibility has repeatedly been pointed out put up 10 the present tune the administration has not acted. Since Germany was made aware of the sailing of American transports-since Germany knows three days in advance that the American naval consignment was en route to British waters-the insistent cry for the dismissal or internment of the Bull garan embassy has gone skyward The demand goes further. It would require the internment of certain clerks and un- nrIi, 1f fLa .ivI cf,io embassies who are permitted, despite the existence of war, to retain their domiciles in the capital city of this nation.
 It may be reported, therefore with a degree of certainty that the government will not in the future be as lax, accord ing to indications, as it has been. It has learned it's lesson, and the lesson, it is pointed out, might have been infinitely more serious. And while healing itself, it will endeavor to capture German spies. If German spies are taken. they will be exc cuted without ado.