The menace. [volume] (Aurora, Mo.) 1911-1920, 1918-12-07

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cused Of divulging military secrets;
moreover, it has always been studi-
ously informed as to its duties in up
holding the strong arm of the United
States; yet its foreign edition con-
tanning the aviation report was sup
pressed without notification.
Senator Lodge Speaks
In commenting on these facts SEN
ator Lodge said to me, in an author
lied interviews:
"The purpose of the government
is plain. If material appears which
the government says cannot be sent
abroad, that will tend to make every
newspaper refuse to publish that
matter. The effect Of this govern
mental order would be to prevent the
publication Of anything relating to
the aircraft situation In the news
papers by refusing the mails to them
to go abroad. All important news
papers send more or less copies to
Europe. If the publication Of any
matter will prevent their going
abroad, cost them money, involve the
loss of postage and all Of that, Of
course, they will omit such matter
altogether, and it will never reach
the American people.
"The order of the war industries
board, cutting down the space 70 be
used by newspapers, further separ-
ates the American people from their
sources Of information. Whatever
was the design of this order, the ef-
feet is unmistakable. 1t can only re-
suit In the very considerable reduc-
tion of special correspondence and
special articles in all newspapers.
The available space that will be
left, newspapers will be obliged
to use for such necessary items
as the casualty lists, official
reports, and certain amount
of restricted news from the battle
front. BY this sweeping order the
government has very considerably
reduced, If it has not entirely elm.
mated, the volume Of special inter
probation sent from Washington and
other important centers.
Therefore, look at this order
of the war industries board as only
another step in what is apparently a
comprehensive plan to prevent the
American people from learning any
thing about the war, or its conduct,
except such information as It is de-
sired shall be given out. The Asso-
ciated Press and all other news
agencies serving American news
papers have agreed to submit to cen
sorship, and the only way in which
they can exist at all is by slavishly
obeying the behest Of those in control
Of the government.
"In addition to all this reports
have come to me that many small
newspapers throughout the country
fear to make any independent report
of, or any Independent comment on
he news of the day because of co.
erciona and the attitude taken by
most OF them is the easy one of pre-.
ferring existence on the governments
terms rather than the surely hazard.
GUS one Of attempting to perform q
difficult duty toward their readers.
"In the light of these various facts
it appears that the United States has
already reached that period of dark.
ness which 1t was feared by many Of
US who predicted it on the floor Of
the senate would arrive if extra con,
stitutional powers we're granted t.
the government. If it is possible t.
prevent the full text and meaning Of
such a report as that of the senate
subcommittee on aviation from
reaching all classes of American
citizens, then how are our people
who deserve to know the truth about
their war, for it is emphatically theil
war, to be sure that any of the in
formation being served them is re
liable? If the corps of specially
trained writer's accustomed to serve
the newspapers from Washington
and other chief centers is to have it,
opportunity for expression chokec
off, then who henceforth will hav,
confidence in the dry official reports
relieved only by the questionable IN
depreciation of an official press bu
reau?
"These conditions do not seem DOS
sible in America, and it does no
seem possible that America win tol
crate them once it becomes full,
aware Of their meaning and extent.
However, Senator Lodge touched
only the high lights of the situation
For instance, he did not mention tn,
results that have come about through
the operation of the postal zone rat,
law, and which he himself, anon,
others in the senate, predicted be
fore its passage. Metropolitan pa
pers have lost readers by the tens O
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