Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1918-04-05
CONSIDER MEASURE
IMPOSING H ANY
PENALTY ON GUILTY
Senators Try to Rush Through
House Bill Prescribing Twen-
ty-Year Term and $4,000
Fine for Offenders

WASHINGTON. April 4.-German
spies propcgandists and persons making
disloyal utterances. were denounced in
the senate today when an effort was
made 10 rush through a house bill pro-
viding penalties Of twenty years i'm
prisonment and $4,000 fine for inter
ference with government bond sales.
acts intending 20 interfere with the
army draft, and dfsloyal statements.
We've got TO do something TO catcn
these scoundrels and spies all over the
country" said Senator Overman. Of
North Carolina People are taking the
law into their own hands on the ground
that congress is not passing necessary
laws. We hear reports Of mobs every
where
Senator Lodge, Of Massachusetts,. de-
clared the bill would not catch single
spy" asserting mat spies do not CO
their work publicly or openly make dis
loyal utterances-
German PROPAGANDA has been ''notori-
ouSly conducted" and the bills purpose
is 10 broaden the espionage law. Sena-
tor Welsh. Of Montana. said He said
some federal courts have made strain
ed constructions" OF existing law and
discharged persons who have denounced
the president and the nation and OBJ
structed selective service regulations
and bond subscriptions
Objections Are Entered
Declaring the bill was loosely drawn,
sweeping and too broad in verbiage
Senator LOdge said il might be used by
district attorneys for personal or politi-
- dnkn
replied that under present laws district
attorneys could use their power. and
that the bin does not extend their au-
thority.
vigorousIy-OppOsing the measure. SEM
ator Johnson. OF California. said he was
.-astonished" at it's breadth and that 1t
could be used 10 curb freedom of The
press and free speech He said il is the
fashion TO impute dislOyalty 70 men
who do not agree with every doctrine
presented.
This bill is not 70 punish disloyal-
tv--' he said. but 10 suppress the free
dom Of the press and prevent one from
presenting legitimate criticism Of ihe
present government or administration in
the prosecution OF the war Not only
would IL suppress the press and make
70 subservient 10 those in psver today
aut il would even prevent you from
thinking as YOU wish 10 think
Senator johnson said he based mis- as
ssrtions on a phrase penalizing utter
ances 'caIculal ed to incite or infiame
public opinion against any duly consti-
-uted federal Or state AUTHORITY
Conferees Agree on Bill
COuferees CT the senate and house TO
day agreed on d bill providing most Sc
we're penalties for destruction or wal
materials. and for sabotage.
Penalties OF thirty years imDrisOn
rncnt and sIe.JN0 1ue are provided in
me bill. which was greatly brOadeneC
m scope both by me house and ths
.Oufcrees. for acts which actually. ol
sre intended. or which there is reason
o believe" arc intended TO injure ol
destroy war material and utilities. Tn;
sat or include arms, munitions, 1--we
stock. clothing. food supplies. railroads
electric lines. canals, engines. machines
-chicIes. ~essels, dams. reservoirs. sQue
uuCts. water and gas pipes. structures
electric. wireless telegraph and tele
phone plants and "aIt other articles in
tended to be used BY the United State.
rr any associate nation in connection
with the conduct OF The war"
The legislation also penalties wilfU
manufacture or defective war materials
including their ingredients
4 special clause provides that I'm
ployes shall not be prohibited froH
agreeing to stop work when for TIT
bona dde purpose Of obtaining bettel
wages or conditions o. employment
out otherwise penalties acts interfering
with production OF war supplies
The bill was passed by the senate
yea.- ago in restricted form and re
emily was b-oadsued and passed by tn
house. at the request OF the department
of justice