The New York herald., 1921-03-25
Quits Atlanta Prison and
Goes Alone by Train to
Capital to Visit Attor-
ney General.
HAS THREE HOUR TALK
Utmost Secrecy Is Observed
About Reasons For and
Details Of Trip Made
by Political Convict.
REPORTERS ALL BAFFLED
New Precedent in Giving Fed
eral Ticket Of Leave to Pen
itentiary Inmate Is Made
by Daugherty.
REPORTERS ALL BAFFLED
Special Despatch to TIE New YORK hEEALr
New York Herald Bureau.
Washington, ID. g., March "a.

special Despatch to THE New YORK HERALD
New York Herald Bureau.
Washington, ID. c., March "a.
Eugene v. Debs. Socialist candidate
for President in 1920, and Federal
prisoner at the Atlanta Penitentiary,
convicted Of violation of the espionage
act, left his prison cell and came un-
escorted to Washington to-day. where
he conferred with Attorney General
Daugherty on the features of his case
and presented personally reasons why
he believes he should be pardoned by
the President.
The release of Debs to come to Wash
ington is unprecedented in American
criminal annals. His coming was dra-
matte. Though it had been rumored.
nothing definite had been known of
the temporary release of Debs on his
own recognizance and his conference
here until it was announced by At
torney- General Daugherty TO a large
group of newspaper men this after
noon.
moves in the case had been concealed
successfully and not a single news
paper had succeeded in confirming the
rumors that started yesterday, al
though Debs had left Fedcrai prison
uncscorted.
Immediately after his conference with
tho Attorney-Ceneral Debs left Wash
iugton still unescorted to return 10 his
prison cell He carried with him no
pledge or promise except ono that hts
case and appeal would be considered by
the Attorney and the President,
A recommendation for the pardon or
release Of Debs made by Attorney-Gen-
eral Palmer was turned down by Presi-
dent Wilson several months ago.
Attorney General Daugherty an
rounccd that no decision had been
reached In the case except that provid-
ing for a general review by his depart
nent and by the Executive. lie told Of
the action taken In the following official
statement:
"In connection with the Investigation
with the President and with his approval
had Dcbs come here for the purpose Of
making certain inquiries of him. He
las returned to Atlanta
II have asked him 60 refrain from
saving anything for publication or other
wise regarding the subject Of the in
quiries made. ! am sure no well mean
ing person will urge him to discuss the
matter or anything that took place on
/ is Journey or during his stay here.
"Debs presented his own case to the
trial court and jury. He was permitted
to do SO here.
The Dcbs case, as I have said before.
stands alone. ] could not. Of course. go
60 him. What took place and the in
formation | have acquired will be re-
ported in due time only TO the President.
and that III connection with any recon-
mendation which may be made when the
lavestigation is concluded. Dcbs came
nere without guard and 50 returned to
Atlanta. Col. Goff, assistant 70 the At
torney-Generai, was present during the
inquiries
Debs came to washington unrecog-
nized. He left Southern Railway
train, went direct to the Office OF the
Attorney General and was ushered right
ia. This was before noon to-day
Interview Lasts Three Hours.
Debs did not leave the Office until
nearly o'clock TO catch 40 train.
While he was talking with the Attorney
General, newspapermen who persistent
ly had sought information IL regard to
Ills release were outside the door and
gained no information.
At 80 o'clock the Attorney General
lad formal conference with report
era. Former President William H. Taft
was present. He had talked with the
Attorney General after the departure Of
Debs and waited to greet the newspaper
men. He showed keen interest in tho
Interview Because Of his presence the
opening was rather perfunct1ry After
lin exchange OF greetings tho Attorney
General said without preamble.
II have not much 10 tell you except
about the visit Of Debs." This galvan-
ised the meeting, and while press as
socation men hurried to telephones to
fash the news that reports Of Debs in
Washington were true others fred II
volley Of questions. The Attorney Gen
eral forestaled an of them with his
formal statement. which was immed-
iately passed around.
II was asked whence the authority
For allowing Federal prisoner. par
ticularly one as notorious as Debs, to
lnaye hia cell and come to Washington
1nescorted
.--ae Attorney General replied Il am
satisfied there Is full authority. ! have
not looked II up, but am satisfied that
"a exists"
lie vas pressed for \ precedent and
responded: "Wcu. there = 4 precedent
gw discussed the matter with the
resident and am willing to take fun
iesponsiblity."
Debs is regarded bS bis friends and
Coat,ygsd 90 abya rd0c.