Daily Kennebec journal., 1921-12-03
SEDiTlON'S NEEDS

Alice Stone Blackwell writes the
Boston Transcript that she believes
Sacco and Vanzetti innocent OF the
crime for which they were convicted
after trial which competent judges
considered fair. The evidence was
largely circumstantial, as usually is
the case, but 1t appears the protes-
tant bases her opinion on the cir
cumstantial evidence that Sacco was
Industrious and thrifty and inoffen-
sive appearing and had told someone
he could not kill even the chickens
he brought to market.
The accused are assured Of a re-
view OF their case. To secure this it
was not necessary to do what the
Reds have been straining every nerve
to do, make a handle of the case to
further their own political ends. OF
this it is evident they have been
thinking much more than of having
the evidence reviewed. They wished
for a club to pound American goy-
ernment-all government in fact
and have applied themselves to it
with unusual industry. They must
have spent large sums of money,
which came from somewhere. Prob
ably much Of it was given by certain
half-baked lovers of notoriety who
haven't the ability to obtain distinc-
tion in any other manner. There
wouldn't be any blazing publicity in
merely devoting themselves to hay-
ing the case reviewed; they must set
going all the revolution and hatred
possible, the bombing of consulates
and Red ruin.
A few days ago Lithuanian,
speaking in his language before
meeting in Maine city, gave free
expression to reasonable utterances
it was said, rhetorically splitting on
the flag, endeavoring to incite acts of
violence. The authorities instead of
doing their duty, which, perhaps
would have been difficult, ordered the
speaker to leave town, which it ap-
pears he was all ready to do and
spread the contagion. There ought
to be some way of putting an end to
preaching treason without putting an
end to liberty or the rights of free
speech. Senator Sterling of South
Dakota thinks he has n plan in the
form of a bill he has introduced to
supplement section of the criminal
code.
This section relates only to con-
spiracies to overthrow or destroy by
force the authority thereof or delay
the execution of any law Of the
United States. This bill would make
the law applicable to the individual
whether or not he conspired. Wheth-
er it meets the requirements of the
situation we do not know. 1t is true
that proposed laws against sedition
should be carefully considered. It is
no easy task to reach the seditionist
who is skilfully melting others to
crime without trampling on the rights
of free speech which is too precious
boon to be so mistreated. OF this
the incendiaries are fully cognizant
and make the most of the opportuni-
ty.
Were there a way to as surely, and
swiftly punish ope who incites an
ether to do a crime as it is to deal
with the one who actually commits
it but is even less a menace to the
country than the one who led him to
do it, the effect would be salutary.
There is need Of wise effort to make
this possible.
Seditionists aren't desirous of fall
ing into the hands of righteous in
dignation. They would be quick to
appreciate and shun the fighting
spirit shown by Marshal Foch when
visiting Centralia and the vibrant in
dignation in the words with which
the venerable leader Of men scored
the assassins Of the Legion boys
would have been understood by their
coW2rdly hearts without the aid of an
interpreter. They deserve and the
country needs an application of real
justice.