The Birmingham age-herald., 1921-09-01
DOCTRINES
 ARE UNDERMINING
 LAWS SUPREMACY
Theories of Political PhiloSo- phy AsSaiIed By Daugh- erty In Address Before
 Bar Association
By Associated Press

Cincinnati, August 31.-Theories of political philosophy now advanced by those who either violate law or sympathize with the law yiolator'' in industrial conflicts, agitation to upset American form of government and against enforcement of prohibi- tion statutes are the greatest forces dermine respect for law. Attorney General Daugherty declared today in an address before the American Bar association.
 Arguing equally against sentiment that regards a convicted 1 W. W. as hero of conscience" and political prisoner" ;(that holds a bootlegger an exponent of personal liberty" anu sets up the slogan of human rights against property rights Tn employ- ment disputes, MT. Daugherty as serted taliacy and danger lay m all.
 The Attorney General in his ad- dress, which was his first since as- suming office, suggested a method Of informing pubic opinion by semi governmental means to obviate in
 
 plete disregard for the theories ad- Vanced In the other two fields. lie. declared the demand for personal liberty in prohibition enforcement mad been advanced in the past by every champion of lawlessness who has sought excuse for unlawful con duct"
 Real ChsIIengcrs Supremacy of the law is not un- dermined by the ordinary criminal who commits murder, robbery, lar ceny, MT. Daugherty said. ITO the contrary every occurrene of crimes of this sort tends to impress upon so- ciety the profound importance of law and it's vigorous enforcement. The supremacy of the law is and has been cpalenged mainly in that class of legislation where there exists a diff ference of opinion as to Eovernmea- tai policy in enacting the legisla- tion in question. At the present time among the forces undermining re spect for law are the doctrine of so called political offenses. and false doctrines as to the rights of inXi- viduals and minorities.'
 Resentment of large corporations of persons and capitaI against "in- terterence of laws regulating them" :" MT. Daugherty said, involved a mistaken attitude" for law and order is the shield of business and it's only security"
 Despite the bitterness shown during recent years in industrial disputes. MT. Daugherty said statesmen, economists and thinkers are hope lessly divided as to a remedy, be- cause they have not had at hand a trustworthy report of the facts ill each case.'
 It seems desirable" he concluded as to this, that there should be some agency in government to investigate the facts of each case as it artsap make finding and publish it to those concerned. Such publicity ic most cases will be all sufficient to settle the question without further action"
 PubEc Should Know
 lhe suggested investigation should rest "on the undisputed theory that the .public have a right to know whai the quarrel is about in every strike or lockout but the finding should not De backed by legislation accept ance py either party he added
 The Attorney General, who recent " made a study of the cases of Flu gene V. Debs and others serving sen tehces Tor violation of wartime laws, discussed at length the ques. ton of political offenders.
 There Is now being disseminated extended propaganda to dignify the crimes committed by many persons TO" Tn prison for disloyal conduct or obstructing the government in the war With Germany by a general doc Urine of political offenses." he said, to create public sentiment not only to have such persons freed. but to have this doctrine of political offenses recognized as part of our dc mestic law, the purpose being to allow such criminals and those in sympathy with them to continue such opposition to law and order with impunity. This propaganda has sary credits with local banks to buy cotton if only they can show an out