The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1920-01-13
TREASON AND sEDITIoN.

Treason as defined in the federal constitution
Consists only in levying war against them 1.-THE
United Statesl in adhering to their enemies, CIV
ing them aid and comfort" 1t is an overt act
OF betrayal treachcry or breach Of allegiance OF
obedience. Sedition is language conduct di
rected against public order and the tranquility OF
the state: disorder or commotion not reaching the
point Of Instruction; Also the stirring up Of such
disorder. tending toward treason but lacking an
overt act
Not since the historic Alien and Sedition acts
passed by the Federalst party in 1898, when John
ADAMS was President, has the United States by
Congressional action deemed it necessary to legally
define sedition or provide laws against it or
punishment therefor except in the army and navy
regulations.
The Alien and Sedtion acts were the result OF
the bitterness Of the Federalists against the rev.
dictionary exiles from France who flocked here in
1890 and the years following. The laws were
attempts to retaate upon France for alleged wan
ton aggressons on American commerce. They
heightened the time of residence for citizenship
gave the President authority to order out of the
country any aliens he deemed dangerous, legalzed
all apprehensions end deportations, defined trea
SON. imposed fines and imprisonments upon all
justifying France or defyng the United States.
Fortunately an amendment prevailed providing
that the acts should expire March 4, 1901, when
it was expected the Federalist party would go out
Of power 1t did The obnoxious laws gave rise
TO the Kentucky and Virginia legislative acts of
notification and resulted in the defeat Of the
Federaists
The tentative bill now before subcommittee
of the national House Of Representatives provides
a death penalty for treason and "for the death
of an innocent person in riot attending move
ment TO overthrow the government" The bill
contains definition Of treason which is broader
than that of the constitution. 1t recites that all
associations. societies corporations and the men,
bers thereof teaching advising or favoring the
overthrow Of the government. and all assisting in
any manner to such end, shall be deemed guilty
, of felony. Anybody contributing, giving or loan
ing anything of value to unlawful associations will
he subject to heavy fines. Convictions under the
bill If enacted into law, may be followed by inn
prsonment not exceeding twenty years and a fine
not exceeding $4,000. Aliens after serving SEN
tence are to he deported and naturalized citizens
are TO have their naturalization certificates can
ceIed
The scdition bill passed by the Senate makes II
unlawful TO advocate or advise the overthrow OF
the government TO display the rcd flag. to trans
init through tho mails any documents advocating
the overthrow of the government and to import any
such documents, penalty for conviction thereof
OF five years. imprisonment or five thousand dol
lars fine. Aliens thus convicted will be deported
n is likely that the Senate and House measures
will 20 to committee of conference
While the aims of both measures are desirable,
there may be danger of going too far and defeat
ing the very objects sought. That sedition should
be punished Is denied by no loyal citizen. That
~ present la VS. are inadequate is conceded How