Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1917-09-06
/. W. W. RECORDS
Government Officials Raid Offices in
Many Cities and Take Possession Of
Papers-tNilliam D. Haywood Arrest
ed-Proseeu<ions to Follow.

paper-WiIliam D. Haywood Arrest
ed-Proseeations to Follow.
Washington, Sept s.-The govern
ment Wednesday took drastic measures
to end the ant1-war propaganda and
activities conducted In the name of
the Industrial Workers Of the World
the Socialist party and other organiza-
ions throughout the United States.
On orders from Attorney General
Gregory, United States marshals IN
many towns and cities descended at
Q o'clock central time on local head
quarters Of the Industrial Workers of
the World, seized books, checks, cor
respondence and other documents and
In some instances, arrested officials on
the premises. The arrest in Chicago
Of William D. Haywood, the organiza-
tion's national secretary, was con-
spicious example.
In Chicago federal agents took pos
session Of the national headquarters
OF the socialist party and warrant
authorizing the seizure Of its docu-
| hents was served upon its counsel.
A statement issued by the depart
YAent Of Justice announced that the
seizure Of papers was made in con-
,lection with q federal grand jury in
vestigation OF the Industrial Workers
~ the World now proceeding in Chi
ago.
On Eve Of Report.
The departments action was taken
* - -
Wilson by Chief Justice Covington, OF
the supreme court Of the District OF
Columbia, who was designated recent
" by the president to investigate the
situation in the west. Judge Coving-
ton made . special study Of the acti-
vities OF the !. W. w. It was shortly
after he reached the northwest that
twenty-seven leaders Of the organiza-
ton were arrested by Idaho NATIONAL
guardsmen, the day before the time
set for a general strikein Washington.
Oregon, Montana and Idaho.
investigation Just Started.
sCharges against leaders of the or
Eanization under arrest or whose ar
rest Is contemplated, were not made
public here.
It was estimated, however, that the
investigation had only begun. Indica-
tions are that federal grand juries in
other cities will be called upon also to
investigate the activities of the organi-
xAtion.
Activities Of Industrial Workers of
the World have never been regarded
4 here as labor movement. They have
been held to be political, and In some
instances. conducted with, view sole
~ to-hinder and hamper the govern
ment In carrying ON the war.
Recently it was charged that includ-
ed In the ranks Of the I. w. w. were
many Austrians who have been stirring
mp strife intended to hamper American
Industries, doing work handled by
Germans before the United States de-
clared . state of war existing with
Germany. Continued investigation has
failed, II IL understood to connect these
activities with German money.
Many Suspicious Incidents.
5s Local United States attorneys have
reported many instances Of q suspicious
nature In connection with alleged labor
troubles, however, and these have been
the subject Of departmental investiga-
tion.
Az 4 result Of the countrywide seiz-
nre OF the organization papers, the de-
partment of Justice tonight finds itself
in possession Of documents by the
thousands, many of which will be sub
|, s1s1iittted to grand juries as the basis OF
an investigation to determine whether
leaders can be prosecuted.
Prosecution may DO begun under
several laws, chiefly the espionage
act covering the utterance Of treason
able and seditious statements. and
the food control law. Prosecution un-
der the latter law could be conducted
In instances. where It was shown that
efforts were being made by conspir-
acy Of otherwise to impede the inter-
state movements Of food-stuffs and
other commodities controlled by the
government and needed for the sue
cessful prosecution of the war.