The Washington times., 1919-02-03
S0L0NS THINK MEETING
At P0LPS SHOWS SPREAD
OF B0LSHEVISM IN U. S.

- Discussion of the resolution of
Senator Hiram Johnson of California,
now pending in the Senate, for the
withdrawal of the American troops
from Russia promises to become a
storm because of the fact the reso-
luton was strongly endorsed at a
mass meeting held in Polls Theater
yesterday.
Senators and House members who
have been talking in more or less
vague fashion about the prospect that
Bolshevism would spread to America
sat up and took notice today when
they read the account of the meeting
at Polls.
1t has obviously increased the fear
and apprehension over the spread OF
Bolshevism in this country and some
members sharply condemned il SEN
ator King of Utah called il fright
full" and wanted to know what coul6
be expected when some OF the lead
ing public men OF the country were
exhibiting sympathy with Bolshevisn.
VIII Refer To Meeting.
Senator Sterling of South Dakota
who will soon address the Senate on
the Johnson resolution, and will advo-
cate vigorous policy by the allies
in Russia, said today that he expected
10 refer in the course of his remarks
to the Washington meeting.
THE idea Of advocating a doctrine
of that sort in free America" said
Senator Sterling. "It ought not be
overlooked tina: some of the ablest,
and most liberal men in Russia who
advocated revolution, including
prominent Socialists. opposed Bolshe-
vism and wanted law and order and a
stable government"
Senator Sterling has just returned
from addressing a meeting It Beth
lehem. where he spoke to great
numbers OF men employed or form
erly employed in the steel industry.
He told them of the excesses OF
Bolshevism in Russia and advised
them Ito keep a level head"
The South Dakota Senator. who is
one Of the subcommittee which has
been investigating pro-German propa-
ganda in this country, said the allies
should do all possible to promote Il
free and constitutional government IN
Russia and at the same time deliver
it from the terrOrs of Bolshevism.
Meeting WHs "FrishtfuI."
II noticed the accounts Of the meet
ing here in support of Bolshevism," ,"
said Senator King Of Utah" It is
frightful. But when the cause of
BOlshevism is openly advocated by
some OF our leading men, what can
you eXpect?'
asked what he thought of the meeting
a.
advocated. said:
81 saw the accounts of the meeting.
I do not know clearly what was said
in detail. l have this theory Of our
that men have the right
Of free speech. and so long as they
confne themselves . to adyocstinr
changes of Government and reforms
in a lawful and constitutional way. so
long they ought to be permitted free
~ to voice their views.
''As soon as they advocate violence
and Overturning of government bv |
force, then the strong arm Of the Gov
ernment ought TO reach out and take
them by the throat. Free speech, so
long as it has regard for law and or |
der. ought not to be checked, and 7 I
would never seek to check it."
Meeting Food For Thought.
Senator Kenyon, who is one of the
most liberal members of the Senate.
said the hold Of such meetings as the
one held here yesterday ought to SET
men thinking.
ut ought TO cause Congress to give
serious thought TO conditions In this
country and to consider Legislation
which will remove causes of unrest"
said Senator Kenyon.