The Morning Tulsa daily world. [volume] (Tulsa, Okla.) 1919-1927, 1919-11-16
ASK new LAWS
TO HANDLE REDS
Palmer Attributes Situa-
tion to Laxity of
Statutes.
MEASURE IS DRAFTED
In Reply to Senate Attorney
General Offers Drastic"
Act for Radicals.

WASHINGTON. Nov. Is. --- The
growth of radicalism throughout the
country Is to be attributed to made
quacy OF federal laws against
preaching violent overthrow OF the
government, Attorney General Pal
mer declared tonight In Replying 10
the senatr's recent inquiry ns to what
action had been taken ny the depart
ment of justice 10 euro efforts %
establish IA "dictatorsa.o OF the pro-
lstariat"
Mr.. Palmer disclosed that the de
Pertinent has mora than $4,000 per-
sons under surveillance as radicals,
with whom 1t Is unable to cope be
cause of weakness OF present stat
utes.
Asks New Law.
The attorney general urged the
passage of "A law 70 supplement- the
espionage act, and to take its place
when the war time measure ceases
to be effective.
lie described the proposed act rs
being the most effective method Of
dealing with sedition. anarchy and
radicalism generally which C.embers
OF his staff had been able 10 dratt.
Mr.. Palmer said the bin was broa
enough to stop effectually all at
tempts TO overturn the existing order
and yet safeguard free speech and
the press.
Activities of the foreign language
press present another problem which
the department has been unable to
meet successfully. Mr. Palmer snid.
Investigations have uncovered 222
foreign larEuarc newspapers which
have openly advocated changes In
the governmental system by violence
and preached sedition.
English newspapers branded as an
archls;ic and menaCing by the de-
partment's agents No, 105, MIR. Pal
nier said. lie explained that these
were much more easily dealt with, ns
loyal citizens are aiding the govern
ment in reporting them
In addition Mr. Palmer said, ~
radical newspapers published in for
eign countries are received and dis
tributed in the United states. Most
OF them, he said, were not sent
through the mails but were shipped
in bulk and distributed by hand TO
the foreign population.
The department has kept a corps
OF 40 transIators bnsy and is at
tempting to gather evidence OF their
activities from other sources az well.
Mr.. Palmer said. Articles advocat-
ing violence always are supported,
he explained by being followed up
with pamphlets and other propa-
ganda.,
Most Of the newspapers named are
practically devoid OF advertising
which the department accepts as
proof that the funds are coming from
outside sources, Mr. Palmer said
Change Immigration.
Mir. Palmer argued for changes In
immigration laws and revision 10
simplify laws governing deportation.
Radical leaders have taken adFant-
age OF countless technicailues 10
evade deportation, he explained.
Practically all OF tho radical or
gan zations In the country nave
looked on tho negro race as ferill"
ground for the spread OF their doc,
,rlne. Mr.. Palmer said. He warned
that the propaganda had been sue
cessful In many respects ana thhl
the government should guard against
trouble from that direction. some
publications. printed wholly for the
benefit OF negroes, have been par
ticularIy insolent. he said, and their
attitude was traccahle directly 10
leaders Of radical groups. and not
lnfrequently TO citizens OF thls coun
try who have turned against ul''r
government.