Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1920-01-13
Arc All "Rcds" Criminalso

THE Department Of Justice, after the most
diligcnt investigation, has executed an
other series of raids upon malignant rud-
Gals iii this country. and more than 1900
prisoners have been ncd for trial, for do
portatiou or for eventual release, if no case
Is to be made against them. These arrests
are bound tO>-excitc a further CONTROVERSY
over the right and the wisdom of such raids
and wide divergence of opinion will mani
fest itself in the discussions which will take
place in private and in print
The most important question is whether
or not it is a criminal act for an American
or for an alien to advocate sovietism in
the United States. The government takes
the position, apparently, that il is a crimi-
nal offense in view Of the fact that such
advocacy can have only one immediate end
the overthrow OF representative government
and the destruction Of American institutions
10 the present officials OF the Department
OF Justice any decisive move against the gov
eminent Of the United States from enemies
within is either treason or sedition, or both.
But the Socialist party in America has long
advocated the overthrow OF representative
government. it is stated, i'll reply to this
proposition. hundreds Of thousands of
American citizehs have lent their support
TO the Socialist program and more than
100000 OF thom voted for their own candi-
date for President. Why, it is asked peril
nently, are not the Socialists regarded as
criminals and why are they not arrested,
imprisoned OF deportcd:
lhese are lnterestin2 questions. More and
more people are asking them and are giving
thoughtful consideration to them It is not
necessary to be defender OF American Boil
shey1sm, of course, IN order to disagree with
the government as to the wisdom Of whole
sale arrests of men and women who are
organizing campaign for a change in gov
crnment in tho United States Nor is one
necessarily convicted Of sOvictism il he ven
lures to defend the right Of men TO preach
doctrines which contrary to the cstab-
llshed order in this country.
There is one fact about the "Red" sim
ation in this country which is beyond the
range OF dispute among patriotic men, and
that Is the duty of the government to pro-
lect itself against violence and to maintain
inc supremacy OF law. Most of the acita-
TORS ana terrorists who have been taken into
custody ny the Department Of Justice are out
and-out revolutionists, who make no secret of
thclrs deternination to destroy the govern
ment OF the United States by whatever means
may lie IN their power. They will resort
10 the bomb, or the torch or the ballot with
equal facility, they declare
AS has been often said no government
mas a right 10 exist unless there is inherent
IN IL the power to maintain itself TO defend
It's institutions and to enforce its laws Inv
o'hcr KIND OF government is a delusion and
farce FOR nearly century and q half
inc government OF Tie United States has
stood firmly against all domestic enemies
ana VIGOROUSLY against all foreign enemies,
mas crushed sedition and has put down
leoe.''oh, ana with each successive achieve
hlent II has gained in strength
Ihat government once more is undor a.,
TACK. thousands OF propagandists through.
OUT inc country are seeking to undermine
II. some are working in an ORDERLY fashion
appealing solely 10 reason, and Tow If any
Vi thehi' are being molested. Others are
openE incitlng men to rebel, 10 take up
al 'Hs ana 10 violently overthrow the ryist
ing regime. They are being proceeded
AGAINST as they ought to be