The New York herald., 1921-12-27
Daugherty Says He Hopes
NOtoriety Will Not Be
Capitalized.
TO AID OTHER PRISONERS
Confusion Exists as to
Whether Call Was Voluntary
or by Invitation.

WASHINGTON, Dec. 26.-Eugene ".
Debs, the Socialist leader, whose ten
year prison sentence for violation Of
the espionage act was commuted on
Christmas Day, came here to-day di-
rect from the Atlanta Federal peni-
tentiary and called upon Presi-
dent Harding and Attorney General
Daugherty.
Mr.. Daugherty said Debs came of
his own "volition," while Debs de-
clared his visit to Washington was at
the request" of the Attorney-Ge
eral and that he was given a railroad
ticket to the capital by the warden of
the penitentiary without choice Of
destination, although he had planned
to go Immediately to his home at
Terre Haute. Ind.
After his conference with Debs the
Attorney General declared in state
ment that there were no unusual con-
ditions attached to the communication
Of the Socialist leaders sentence; that
no advice was offered to Debs, nor
was any requested. and that he hoped
Debs would direct his talents to a USE
full purpose.
No statement was made at the White
House after the conference there, but
upon reaching his hotef Debs broke the
silence he had maintained from the
moment of quitting the penitentiary and
declared he would devote his time to the
freedom Of all prisoners. He added that
he had discussed his opinions with Presi-
dent Harding in order that there might
be no misunderstanding as to his prin-
ciples and ideals. st-'.f
walks Unnoticed In Capital.
Debs reached Washington at O'Clock
this morning. He left Atlanta on n day
car. giving the extra fare to Russian
relief but about 10 o'clock last night.
according to friends who ACCOMPANIED
him, he changed to a sleeper. With him
on his journey were his brother. Theo-
dore; Miss Celia Rotter Of the Debs
Freedom Conference, Miss Lucy Rob-
bins of the American Federation OF
Labor and a number Of newspaper men.
He went Immediately to hotel for
torney- General, walking to the Depart
ment Of Justice with his friends and a
group OF newspaper men. unnoticed as he
passed along the streets. From the de-
partment he walked over to the White
House and then back to his hotel.
He first planned to leave Washington
as soon as his calls had been paid. but
tonight 1t was decided to remain over
until tomorrow night TO confer with
friends. One of his first visitors after
MS return from the White House was
Samuel Gompers, president OF the Ameri-
can Federation OF Labor. who Gecalred
that the work for freedom ''in behalf OF
political prisoners would go on.
AttOrney-Generars Statement.
Until he had seen the President Debs
maintained complete silence regarding
his visit to Washington and his future
plans. although he talked freely on other
subjects and evidenced keen enjoyment
of his freedom. His only comment upon
statement issued by Mr.. Daugherty
after their conference was that he came
here at the latter's invitation. How
ever. when he reached his hotel after
his call at the White House Debs de-
scribed his release from prison, his
trip to Washington and the outlook for
the iuture as ne now sees IL.
Debs reached the White House just
before noon. few minutes after Chief
Justice Taft, who had called on the
President in regard to a personal mat
ter. left.
The Attorney-General declined TO
elaborate on his statement. which fol-
lows:
II have received call from MIR.
Debs. volunteered no advice to
him and he asked none. There were
no unusual conditions attached to his
Communication. His call upon me was
of his own volition.
II will shortly give out for publi-
cation. with the Presidents consent,
my recommendation in the Deos case.
Ny object In doing this will be to
refresh the memory OF the American
people of Dcbs's violations OF the law
and to inform them Of the reason for
his communication. hope II viii be
educational to some extent.
Il have nothing further to say re-
garding Dcbss call or regarding his
case except that I hope he may direct
his talents TO a useful purpose.
trust that the notoriety he has re-
ceived may not be commercialized.
/ say this because I observe gather
ing about him an undertaking to
promote him persons who have not
tne best interests of the country or
society at heart. His lifes efforts.
pursuing as he has until now when
he Is again q free man. theory err
roneous In principle. should not be
commercialized."
says Daugherty Invited Him.
Arriving in Washington at . o'clock.
Debs went first to hotel. where he
breakfaRted and then called upon Mr..