New-York tribune., 1921-10-13
l)eI)s Declines
I 'al'dlo1a Off el
OfayOVeI'll11lent
Prefers to Remain in Prison
Rather Than Promise to
Forever Refrain From
Red Propaganda in u. s.
Proposal From Daughert,
Attorney General Prepared
to Place Socialist Leader.
ON His Word Of Honor

ron The TrtbnNe's Washington Bureau
WASHINGTON. Oct II. 1t rests en-
trely with Eugene Y. Debs whether he
remains in a Federal prison or not.
The Tribune learned to-day from an
authoritative source Of the conditions
on which the Federal government was
prepared to release pebs from jail.
The conditions are not difficult.
They were made known to Debs at
the time when he made his visit to
Washington to confer with the Attor-
ney General. Debs came to the Capitol
without guard, having given his word
that he would not attempt to escape.
The Attorney General had. carefully
prepared a statement for Debs, setting
forth the governments attitude re
gardlng his case and laying down the
terms on which he would be pardoncd.
The substance Of tAc terms and CON
ditions vas that Debs, on his release
from prison, would refrain for the re st
of his life from voicing or taking part
IN Red propaganda in America The
government wished before releasing
him 70 exact from him pledge that
ne would not again lend his influence
to inspiring opposition to the laws Of
TINS country, as he did in time Of war,
when he openly opposed the selectve
draft act, and in consequence was sen
fenced to prison.
Willing to Take His Word
1t is also said in connection with
the submission of the governments
terms to Debs that the Department Of
Justice did not ask that Debs sign any
thing The Attorney General was pre-
pared to take the prisoners word
The promise was not forthcoming at
the TIME Debs had his interview with
the Attorney General He took back
with him to the Federal prison at At
lansa a copy of the Attorney Generals
memorandum embodying the terms of
his release. At the Department Of
Justice officials felt that an Affirmative
reply would be received from Debs at
any time Thus far not word has
been received, and officials have con
cluded that Debs prefers to remain
vile rather than promise TO live as
lawabiding American citizen.
1t is reported that the Attorney Cen
eral himself is disgusted with the at
titude assumed by Dcbs, and in view
of the circumstanc officials at the
Department of Justice say that what
sympathy Mr.. Daughorty held for Debs
has been entirely aienated. The A.
torney General is understood to feel
now that Debs can remain in prison as
long as he likes before he (thc Az
torney GeneraD viii interfere.
Gompers Intercedes for Prisoner
The Attorney General himself as
we'll as the President, has had little
to say regarding the Debs case of late.
The President intimated some time ago
that there might be an Official EXPIRES
sion forthcoming after the treaty of
peace with Germany had been ratified
L is not believed that the President
viii issue general proclamation of
amnesty. as urged by number Of
delegations. Samuel Gompcrs. presi-
dent Of the American Federation Of
Labor, has intcrceded for Debs with
the President, and also has called on
Debs at the Atlanta penitcntiary. Of
iiclais here are at 4 loss to explain
Debss attitude. He made favorable
impression at tho Department of JUS
tice on the occasion OF his interview
with the Attorney General
Adherents Of Debs have ntimated
that The Influence Of Chief Justice TAFT
against Debs has played no small part
IN determining the attitude of the Al-
min;strat on. As tie matter stands to
day. Debs has his chance Of definitely
nquishinr all Soviet, Bol7hcvist or
!, ed DrODU.ra 0Nl md bpirc- fran