The Daily Missoulian. [volume] (Missoula, Mont.) 1904-1961, 1917-05-24
President InterveneS to Have
Subject Included in
Espionage Bill.
DEPENDS ON SENATE
Sentiment in Upper House
Must Change to Insure
Measures Passage.
by Associated Press.

Washington. May 23.-The news
paper censorship fight was rcopened in
congress today, following President
Wilson's action in personally interview
ing to insist upon inclusion of some
form Of press Regulation in the adj
ministration espionage bill
The presidents desire for censorship
power. of some sort was emphasized
today to senate conferees on the es-
pionage bill. who were called to the
White House for the purpose. Sur
prise over the step was expressed
generally at the capitol, where the be-
lief had grown that the administration
had accepted the unfavorablc vote as
final.
Whether the administration will at
tempt to force through a censorship
authorization was said tonight to de-
pend upon soundings being made by
leaders among the house and senate
membership.
Sound Out Sentiment.
The confcrecs held another meeting
today but, unable to break their dead
lock over censorship. adjourned until
Friday to sound out sentiment again
now that the presidents personal in
influence is again behind the legisla-
ton.
Should the leaders find that there is
a reasonable prospect of acceptance by
the house of modified censorship plan.
it was said tonight that the conferees
had agreed. tentatively, to adopt and
present the following provision:
Tentative Provisions.
In time of war, the president is
hereby authorized to prescribe and
promulgate rules and regulations for
the purpose OF preventing the dis
closure to the public and thereby to
the enemy. of information with re-
spect to the movement, number, de-
scription and disposition Of any of the
armed forces of the United States in
naval or military operations. or with
respect to any works intended for the
fertilization or defense Of any place:
and whoever. in time of war. shall
wilfully violate any such rule or regu-
lation shall be punished by a fine Of
not more than $4,000 or by imprison-
ment for not more than five years, or
by both such fine and Imprisonment.
Provided. that nothing in this sec
ton sholl be construed to limit or re-
strict. nor shall any regulation herein
provided for limit or restrict, any dis
Cussion, comment or criticism Of the
acts or policies Of the government or
its representatives. or the publication
Of the same
President Wilson is said to have ac-
copied the principle of this provision.
Senate May Be Willing.
The senate conferees who have been
opposing any censorship authorization
are understood to be willing to accept
the new proposal as a substitute for
that of Representative Gard of Ohio
written into the house bill and re-
garded as a much more drastic meas
ure.
The house clause authorizes the
president by proclamation to prescribe
what news shall not be published
leaving the courts to determine Il
publication is in deliberate violation OF
prohibitory regulations.
Although the senate vote to elimi
nate censorship was IS to "a, it was
understood tonight that Presidcn,
Wilson's insistence has resulted il
some senators changing their minds
A few. it is stated upon authority. who
voted against censorship are now read.
to favor it, Senators leading thu
fight against press regulation, how.
ever. still are confident of ultimat,
success.