The twice-a-week Twin Falls times. (Twin Falls, Idaho) 1916-1918, 1917-12-11

propaganda was carried on
In closing his report on the whole /
subject the attorney general says:
In view of The helpful legislation /
completed at the last session of con-
gress, the governments hands have
been materially strengthened so that /
it now has power to deal with disturb /
ing malcontents. It is equipped with |
statutes under which it can prosecute
those who Wilfully make or convey
false reports or false statements dur
ing the period we are at war with in
tent to interfere with the operations
of our military or naval forces or at
tempt to promote the success of the
enemies of our country. 1t can also
reach those who cause or attempt to
cause characterization, disloyalty. mu-
tiny or refusal of duty, or wilfully OBJ
struct the recruiting or enlistment
service of the United States; also those
who undertake to overawe officers of
the government in performing their
duties either by direct intimidation or
threats or injuring their preson or
property. Those who engage in any
form of seditious conspiracy to over
throw the government, to prevent the
enforcement of it's law as we'll as those
who seek to levy war against the gov
eminent or forcibly oppose it's author
ity, can now be reached by laws apt
ly directed to that end Particularly
is it true that the espionage act above
referred to is so framed that among
other things it will accomplish the
punishment of spies, regulate the use
of mails against seditious or revolu-
tionary matter, and punish those who
cOnspire either with spies or other
persons operating against the govern
ment- The prosecution of William d.
Haywood and other leaders of the So
called Industrial Workers of the
World to the number of more than $50
~, hn ~ 4 III
an instance of how these laws may be
employed for the public protection in
this time of stress. The effect of these
prosecutions is already having a far
reaching and highly beneficial influ-
ence in the maintenance of order and
obedience to law throughout the
country"
The fact that President Wilson has
asked for further legislation from con
gress indicates that there are still
! holes in the alien enemy law, and no
| doubt experience will show that the
espionage act shall require amend
ment, but the report proves that al
ready a great body of national law
has been enacted, which if enforced
will result in the practical elimination
of seditiOn in the country
Relative to the Idaho sabotage law,
the council of defense, in it's public
utterances indicates its belief that this
measure has teeth and that the vag-
rancy law is also effective. There are
good lawyers on the council of defense.
1t is true that some early construc-
tions placed on the sabotage law
would have hampered it, and warrant
ed the conclusion that it was ineffec-
tive. 1t is hoped that the opinion of
the attorneys of the council of de-
Tense will prove correct and that the
intention of legislature may be car
} ried out.
Another erroneous idea which seems
quite prevalent is that an American
citizen can insult, desecrate or defile
the flag without becoming criminally
liable. Attention is directed to Sec
ton 1915 of the Revised Code of Ida
/, no. which reads as follows:
Amy person who in any manner
shall publicly mutilate defile, or de-
fly trample upon or cast contempt,
EITHER BY WORDS OR ACT, upon
any such flag, standard, color or en-
sign shall be deemed guilty of a mis-
demeanor, and shall be punished by a
, fine not exceeding 500, or by i'm
, prisOnment for not more than 80 days,
or BOTH in the discretion of the court.
and shall also forfeit a penalty of $50
for each such Offense, to be recovered
with costs in civil action, or suit in
any court having jurisdiction
This has been the law of Idaho for
more than twelve years.
The TIMES has on several occasions
complimented Sheriff Kendall for the
sentiments which he has expressed on
the subject of law enforcement. The
machinery for enforcement has not al
ways been the best because not COM
, pleted and in the hurry of the draft
and the efforts to secure the co-rela-
ton of departments it would not be
surprising should a guilty person
slip through occasionally. Those
however, who have violated the es-
poinage law since its passage in June
may still be brought to book. Speak
! ing yesterday, Sheriff Kendell said:
with the council of defense in OPP
GRAFTON l believe that those guilty OF
law violation will be reached by the
law. The council of defense is not
mine, although l am a member of it.
1t is authorized by the national gov
eminent for the enforcement of its
laws. 1t hunts down violations, and
conducts Investigations, having many
of the powers of a grand jury. 1t will
go after violators without fear or ia
vor. There are half a dozen women
j in and around this city who are re-
puted to have said things which must
be taken up at once l believe that
F the laws Will be found sufficient to
handle all violators."
That this will prove to be the case
is the hope of all patriotic citizens. II
is this ideal that The TIMES has
urged ever since the war was declar-
/ ed: that laws be enacted covering all
cases and that machinery be con-
structed whereby such laws might be
enforced with justice. The American
people will not stand treason in their
midst. Were the law unable to take
care of 1t they would do so otherwise