The Lancaster news. [volume] (Lancaster, S.C.) 1905-current, 1917-09-07
EVERYWHERE j. s.
MARSHALS AT WORK
CHARGES NOT MADE PJJR-
LIC-ARRESTS MADE.
Headquarters Raided and Books
Accounts and Files of Or
ganiZatiOn Taken.

end the anti-war propaganda and
activities conducted in the name of
the Industrial Workers of the World
the Socialist party and other or
sanizations throughout the United
States.
On orders from Attorney General
Gregory, United States marshals in
many towns and cities descended
upon the local headquarters of the
Industrial Workers of the World,
seized books, checks, correspond
ence and other documents, and some
instances arrested officials found up
on the premises.
Socialist Headquarters Seized.
In Chicago federal agents took
possession of the national headuuar-
ters of the Socialist party and a
warrant authorizing the seizure OF
its documents was served upon its
counsel
The seizure of documents was car
ried out in accordance with a plan
perfected here by William c. Fits.
assistant attorney general The de
partmcnt of Justice announced that
the seizure of papers was made in
connection with federal grand
jury investigation of the Industrial
Workers of the World now pro-
csedng at Chicago.
The departments action was tax
ON Hl
President by Chief Justice Coving-
ton of the Supreme Court Of the Dis
trict of Columbia, who was desig-
mated recently by the President to
investigate the labor situation in the
West. Judge Covington probably
Will report personally to President
Wilson tomorrow.
Arrests in Idaho.
Whether the concerted action of
marshals throughout the country
was in any way related to Judge
Covington's inspection was not dis
closed. 1t is known, however. that
Judge Covington made special
study of the activities of the Indus
trial Workers of the World. 1t was
shortly after he reached the North
west that 'twenty-seven leaders of
the organization were arrested by
Idaho National Guardsmen the dav
before the time set for general
strike in Washington, Oregon, Mon
tana and Idaho.
I'M
The charges against leaders OF
the organization under arrest or
whose arrest is contemplated were
not made public here. 1t was said
at the department OF justice that
these would have to be determined
by the grand jury Investigating the
organization.
Investigation Just Begun.
Ofiicials also declined to state if
indictments had been found 5y
grand juries in Chicago or else
where against Industrial Workers
OF the World leaders. 1t was init
mated. however. that the investiga-
tion had only begun. Indications
are that federal grand juries in
other cities will be called upon.
For many weeks past scores O,
field workers OF the departments
bureau OF investigation have de-
voted their undivided attention TO
alleged attempts on the part OF the
/. w. w. leaders to embarrass the
government in the conduct OF the
war by strikes and other disturb
ances called in the name Of labor.
Various Charges.
Charges of many compilations
have been received by the depart
ment In connection with the organi-
zation's activities. Recently it was
charged that. included in the ranks
OF the Industrial Workers Of the
World. were many Austrians. who
have been active in stirring up strife
intended to hamper American indus
tries, doing work handled by Ger.
mans before the United States de
clared state Of war existing with
Germany.
Continued investigation has fail
ed. IL is understood to connect these
activities with German money. Many
instances OF a suspicious nature i'm
connection with alleged labor trou-
bles. however. have been investigat-
ed. AS a result of the country
wide seizure of the organizations