The Robesonian. [volume] (Lumberton, N.C.) 1870-current, 1917-05-17
SENATE PASSES
ESPIONAGE BILL

ESPIONAGE BILL
One of the Most Drastic and AIl-In-
elusive Measures in American Con-
gressional History
After nearly three weeks of debate
the Senate, by a vote of n to 6, Mon
day night passed the administration
espionage bill, pronounced one of the
most drastic and all-inclusive meas
ures in American congressional his,
tory. A similar bill has passed the
House and virtual re-drafting of
many Of the most important provis-
ions is expected in the conference. :
The Senate stripped the measure
OF provisions for newspaper censor
ship and restriction upon manufac-
, ture OF grain into Intoxicating IL
quors and rejected all amendments
designed to curb speculation in food
products, although sentiment obvi-
ousiy was overwhelming in favor of
such legislation later.
! The Principal Provisions
AS completed, the Senate bills
j principal sections provide:
!, Authority for the President to en-
j barge exports when he finds that the
public safety and welfare so require
/ (not in the House measured;
Authority for the Postoffice De-
partment to censor mails and execute
. mail matter deemed seditious, anar-
chistic or reasonable, and making it's
mailing punishable under heavy pen
alties (not in the House billy;
For punishment of espionage, de-
fined in most detailed terms, includ-
/ ing wrongful use of military infor-
nation;
): For the control of merchant YES
sells in American waters;
Punishment for conveyance OF
false reports to Interfere with mill
tary operations, wilful attempts tx
: cause dissatisfaction in the military
or naval forces or obstruction of re-
cruiting.
. For the seizure of arms and mum
: tons and prohibition of their ex
Portation under certain conditions;
E For penalizing conspiracies design
ed to harm American foreign rela
: lions or for destruction of propert,
5 within the United States;
z For increased restrictions upon is
; suance of passports, with penaltie
4 for their forgery or false procure
Q ment; and,
e For material extension Of the pow
/ er to issue search warrants for ii
) spection of premises.
e Embargo Clause Virtually Unchange
IS The clause giving the Presider
= power to embargo exports was RI
e tanned in the bill virtually as drafte
20 by administration officials. It We
81 modified once, but the original pr,
>, vision was restored after its nece
= sity had been explained last wee
le in days session behind close
doors.
p Vigorous efforts to retain provi
L, ions for newspaper censorship al
" partial prohibition, together with
e, eoo|dstuff conservation, during tt
W war, eliminated in final votes
Sc which the Senate voted 48 to "a
% eliminate all provisions of the admi
IL istration forces Senator Overman,
charge of the bill, had moved to r
{. insert a modified censorship claus
n AS the House bill contains a provi
y ion for determination of censorsh
" regulations to be promulgated by t
ee President, the administration is e
~ ~ pected to bring strong pressure f
I1e drafting in conference Of compT
~ mise censorship section.
a9 On the question Of prohibition a.
M foodstuff conservation, the Sena1
nu by vote Of as to 81, re versed it's a
- =. ton of Saturday in accepting Sen
-. ~ tor Cummins' amendment provide
~. that during the war, manufacture
cereals, grain, sugar and syrup in
80 Intoxicating liquors should be pl
rs, Tho Cun,ro;;,c amordnoent offerad
les food oonsorva+;on s+en hut atta,
er. Cd &c roa1I,1 nroh;b;tio,, MOVE
nj ~ ~o ASAAJ ~ PAoDASA0AA AAAO'S.