The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1919-02-25
Members Smell l. w. w. and
Mp Protection in ShideIer Bill.
Measure Was Introduced at
Request of State Dept.
GAGS NEWSPAPERS, SPEAKERS
Matter VIII Be Checked Up to
Governor Allen, Claim.
Ask Executives TO Look Into
"MOtiveS and Influences"

Legislative investigation of the in
fluences behind measures urged by
the big labor lobby is threatened in
the state house. A resolution calling
for a legislative probe may be offered
In a few days. House members have
for several days shifted the air as a
result of the Shideler bill which
throws a blanket of protection over
the l. W., the Nnnpartisan league
and similar organizations. That is
one of the reasons for the demand for
an investigation
Another bitter protest from legisla-
tive members is the fact that the OBJ
jectionable bill was prepared in the
offices of the state bureau of labor.
The bill was offered measure bear
ing the approval and endorsement of
the state department. Now there is
a decided curiosity on the part of
numerous legislative mem bers to learn
something OF the influence which in
spired the measure and was sufficient
ly strong to secure for it the approval
of an official department
1t is not the fact that the Shideler
bill came into the legislature that is
causing trouble. Shideler or any 9TH
er member might introduce one or
dozen freak or drastic bills and little
given. But when Shideler presented
the measure at the direct request of
the labor representatives who are ap-
pearing before the legislature, then
trouble started. The bill. Shideler
stated, was prepared by the labor
lobby and was introduced at the re-
quest of the state bureau of labor.
Sees Power Behind Bill.
IF this bill merely came from
Shideler," said one house member to-
day. the legislative members might
vote and think little more of the mat
ter. But coming from the official
state department the measure bears
a sanction and approval that should
arouse the suspicion of kansans as
well as legislators. This bill unques-
tionably protects the I. w. W., the
Nonpartisan league and similar organ
izations against any attack or criti-
cism by a newspaper or public speak
er. l have spoken to several members
rather they have spoken to me-and
it is my judgment that there is a real
demand in the house for an investiga-
ton of the activities of the labor lobby
as well as an investigation of the in
fluences which seek to force such leg
islation on this state"
Not only is the prospect of an in
vestigation growing, but the matter is
to be presented to Governor Allen.
The state executive. it is asserted will
be asked to aid in determining the in
fluence which sought to secure pas
sage of the Shideler bill. The gov
ernor may also be asked to inquire into
the freedom with which the bureau
of labor and its legislative representa-
tives sanction and advance legislation
which seeks to protect the violent
wing of labor against criticism.
Aliens Paper Opposes N-Ps.
Governor NIen's paper, the Wich-
ita Beacon has been one of the most
positive and forcefuI sources of oppo-
sition which the Nonpartisan league
and similar organizations have en-
countered in an effort to organize in
this state. For that reason the action
of the governor in probing the mo-
tives and influences behind the Shide-
Ter bill is a matter of much concern.
Shideler's bill, known in legislative
records as house bill No.'662. provides
$500 fine and three months in Jail
for persons who criticise labor or
farmers organizations without ques-
ton as to the truth of such state
ments. This is the bill:
The Shideler Bill.
An Act providing for the punishment for
libel or slander concerning the industrial
financial or social reputation or standing
of labor unions. Workmen sss3elau0ns lions
offenses. and providing punishment
therefor.
Be ii enacted by the Legislature or the
State of Kansas:
Section l. That whenever any person mall
c1OuSly anu without prODaDle cause ClFCu-
lates or causes to be circulated any rumo1
with intent to iujuriously affect the indus
trial. financial or social reputation ol
standing of labor union. wOr kmen's associa-
tion, farmers organization, or the In
dustria1. financial or social standing of any
individual in this state. either verbally oil
In writing, makes any statement ol
rirculates or assists in circulating any false
rumor or report for the purpose of injurine
the Industrial. financial social reputa
ton standing of any labor union, work
mems association or farmers organization
or of any individual in this state. or seeks
either by word action. to cause diseon
tent or dissatisfaction within Il labor union
wOrkmen's association farmers organ
tzation, or cOnnives or cOnspires with any
person for the purpose of injuring the
standing or causing discomfort dissat
isfActiOn within any labor union. work
mems association or farmers organization
such person shall be deemed guilty of
misdemeanor. and upon conviction thereof
shall be punished by a fine of not more
than five hundred dollars by imprison
ment in the county Jail for not more thar
three months, or by both such fine and i'm
prisonment.
See. >. That this act shall take effect ani
be in force from and after its publication
in the statute book.