The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1918-04-25

amendment quoted above were left
In the bill.
SiniIar Difficulties Faced.
Similar difficulties are anticipated
by the Government with Socialist
propaganda. Circulation Of pamphlets
showing earnings OF employers in mu-
milton plants might contain what r.
absolutely true and the distributors
might claim that their motive was
merely to get higher wages. which IS
in itself q good motive, but the
pamphlets or speeches might be at
the same time organized By German
money and influence, OF which the De
partment OF Justice claims It has
ample proof, and the offenders could
claim immunity under the plea that
they merely circulated what was true
and for justlfiable ends.
Indeed, the Department Of Justice
fears that II II Is compelled now to
prove not merely intent and willful-
ness but the absence Of good mo-
tive" and "justihAble end" Il viii have
no end of legal difficulties and en-
barrassments, and the country will
become so impatient for the oonvic-
tioa and punishment OF propagan-
dtsts a. TO lead to lawlessness IN
regions where public feeling is
aroused.
Taft's> Viewpoint.
Former President Taft in a speech
the other day argued that the Gov
eminent In time OF war ought not to
be obliged TO prove intent. but mere
~ what the result OF the speech or
utterance or act complained OF.
The Intelligence corps Of foreign
have advised the United
States that some OF the most subtle
forms OF enemy propaganda are con-
tanned In religious publications and
the Department OF Justice has coll
lected what e considers proof Of the
same thing IN this coutry. The emo
lions and tender feelings OF parents
with sons at the front are paFtieu-
larry worked upon and attempts
have been made to weaken the morale
OF the soldiers.
In other words, whatever the wisdom
or unwisdom Of Its policy may be. the
Department Of Justice believes that TO
talk against war itself during war may
harmless, but In many other cases may
have q direct eect on the morale Of our
army and navy.
For this reason IL wants no eontradic-
tory language in the bin that may i'm
pede the Government IN getting the real
German propogandist The ConStitu-
ton Itself guarantees freedom OF speech
and freedom OF the press 90 the Depart
ment claims limiting provisions on that
ground are superhuous and should be
left to the Interpretation OF the courts.
Result II Feared.
Language. however, which specih-
caIly makes immune from conviction
persons who circulate dangerous prop
Uganda arguing In the courts that
their motives were good and their
ends justifAble, is considered likely
to nullify all previous statutes
through which the Government hoped
to destroy the German propogandist
in this country.
The discussion on the conference re-
port will be resumed on Monday.
The question, after all, Il whether
the country has or has not faith IN
the discriminatory sense OF the De-
partmsnt OF Justice. II II has not,
then embarraSsments and legal diff
culties galore are TO be expected In
stamping out enemy propaganda. II
Il has, then confidence in the breadth
OF mind OF the lawyers and officials
In the executive branch Of the Gov
eminent - the sole safeguard against
abuses Of authority.