South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1921-09-01
DAUCHERTY'S SPEECH.

Bristling from field OF sonorOus and almost
somniferous pautudes. Atty. Gen. Daugherty in his
first speech since he entered the cabinet, yesterday
sounded the death knen to any hopes that friends
and supporters Of Eugene Debs may have had for
his early release from prison.
The attorney general has no sympathy with
doctrine Of political offenders" for America.
His declaration will be the surprising be-
cause OF his kindly personal treatment Of Debs and
the multitude of from washington that
there would be general amenesty for all those who
were convicted under wartime acts preventing
tain expressions OF opinion.
Ending his general grouping OF anarchists, L W.
W. and Socialists as idealiss OF a criminal type
with a quotation from one OF the presidents
paign speeches that there be no difference be
tween ordinary crimes and political crimes ana
political criminals the attorney general leaves
doubt to the determination of the present admin
stration to continue the policies Of Wilson
Gone also, any lingering hopes of those who
take unkndly to the 18th amendment that there
will be any laxity in its enforcement.
Mr.. Daugherty says plainly that he will enforce
this law strictly the uttermost. Those who
do like the law and its workings can appeal %
congress for repeal or leave the country.
His argument for strict enforcement is from the
sound basis that the executive department has
right to enact new laws nor to nullify any existing
law
Every good citizen will heartily applaud this stand
for enforcement Of the liquor law. Let it be hoped
that the federal agents in South Bend will catch
spirit OF the administration and relentless
upon the numerous dives, speak easies and boot
Logging joints which doing business in this city.
The sale over the bar of liquors for the pa;
connections OF a poisonous nature nearly pure
alcohol is conducted in spots this city with
great openness.
To the gentry that believed they could continue
indefinitely in this illicit traffic, the speech of the
attorney general ought to be important. 1t will be
when followed by action.
II it be taken for granted that he speaks for the
adm inistraton, his comments on labor and capital
are more than Disappointing
He starts with the well known theses that both
big business and certain labor organizations have in
past violated the laws in their efforc to obtain
special advantages over each other and that the
community has suffered by their Iawlessness.
His only suggestion of a remedy is for government
investigation OF facts leading labor disputes
and recommendations as to settlements.
He would make the Investigations obligatory upon
both parties but the acceptance of the findings i
voluntary act
1t might be perttnently suggested that as a good
editor his superior has probably doing just
thing with regard to every labor in his
locality for years without any agreeable effect
upon such conflicts
What the public demands is immediate and
curate knowledge of the leading to disputes
and some means Of heading them off before mat
ters reach strike stage Publicity after the
breach carries no freight upon railroads and turns
no factory wheels.
The general public expects something more run
damentaI than such palliative.
The attorney general is to be compimented on
baIa Of Of
his address will add as much his prestige with
in his party politician, it leaves to be de-
sired as ringing declarations of a strong admins
tration.