Evening star., 1921-06-25
SAYS FIREARMS
MEN OPPOSE BILL
Senator Declares They Are
Behind Propaganda on
Pistol Measure.

Firearms manufacturers, Senator
Snieids, democrat, Tennessee, charged
IN the Senate yesterday, are behind
extensive propaganda against his bill
to prohibit transportation of weapons
used In assassinations. robberies and
murder" Senator Shields read let
ters which he said were inspired by
the manufacturers.
One Of these letters was received
by him from Benedict Crowell, for
mer assistant secretary Of war. now
president Of the Army Ordnance As
sociation: Mr.. Crowell said that the
bill would restrict the manufacture
of pistols and revolvers to the
and Marine Corps. The military
forces, since the war, are overstocked
with these weapons. and the passage
of the bill would destroy the indus
try. and would be a severe blow to
the continued military preparedness
Of the United States.
Replies to B1F. CFowelL
''of course" said Senator Shields.
commenting upon the letter. Mr..
many years hereafter some Of the
manufacturers may not exist and that
in the meantime they ought to be al
lowed to prey upon the public by
manufacturing instruments of assas-
sination and murder is not very ten
able.
II have replied to Mr.. Crowell in
this matter. because this is a letter
similar to many have received from
other sources, similar to one l re-
cetyed f.em the general counsel Of =
great railway company. who said he
opposes the bill because the railroad
company might transport q pistol
either on the person OF . passenger
gr In q bog. without knowing II. and
thefefofe be ktiity Of violation of
gentleman never practiced criminal
law or he would know that no man
was ever convicted of q crime for an
act OF that kind upless he committed
the act knowingly and willfully.
Similar, arguments are being made
In his letter to Mr.. Crowell. Senator
"The small arms are not used in
warfare. nor are they necessary to
enable the citizen to keep arms in
ta1. his home ,ho 5or d The large pis
poses, and are best suited for these
purposes. The small pistols which
are carried concealed about the per-
son are used for the purpose Of exc
CutlnB private vengeance, ROBBERY, as.
sassination and murder, and not for
any lawful purpose. It is these the
law is intended to reach and suppress
the sale off,
Addresses the Senate.
Addressing the Senate. Mr.. Shields
continued:
There will be a hearing next Tues
day in the rooms of the committee on
the judiciary upon this bill, at which
the manufacturers who are so much
interested can appear. as well as those
whom the manufacturers by their
propaganda have interested. 1t is
hoped that all Of them will appear,
especially the latter class, and that
they will bring with them the letters
that they have received from the
urging them to make
objections and. to attempt to make
the bill, for the committee want to
know the motives for their action and
will call for that information. The
entire matter may then be sifted out
and heard.
I'VE want especially an opportunity
to correct misrepresentation to the
effect that the possession Of all pis-
tolls is prohibited by this proposed
| and that it will prevent
men from buying the large pistols in
order to defend their persons and to
keep in their homes for self-defense.
Under this bill the purchase and pos
session of such pistols are not in any
way interfered with"