THE CASE OF EUGENE DEBS.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XL, Issue 1883, 28 September 1918, Page 1

THE CASE OF EUGENE DEBS.

TEN YEARS’ IMPRISONMENT.

It was recorded in the cables a few days ago that Eugene V. Debs, four limes the Socialist Parry candidate for the Presidency of the United Slates, had been sentenced to ten years' imprisonment for violation of the Espionage Act. American papers state that Debs was arrested in Cleveland at the end of June at the Bohemian Carden, where he was to have addressed a meeting of Socialists. The indictment came as the result of Debs' speech two weeks before at the State Convention of the Ohio Socialist Party at Canton.

In this speech, Debs asserted that the purpose of the Allies in the war was the same as that of (he Central Powers —plunder! He said his hearers should know that they were tit for something better than cannon fodder. He declared himself as guilty as was Mrs Rose Pastor Stokes, who was recently found guilty of violation of the espionage law. He praised the Bolsheviks and the 1.W.W., and counselled his hearers not to worry over the charge of “treason to their masters.” The indictment against him contained ten specifications under Section 3 of the Espionage Act as amended on Kith May by the passage of the so-called Sedition Bill. The accused was liable to twenty years’ imprisonment and to a £2,000 fim? on each count. The following specific charges were brought; — 1. Making false statements with intent to interfere with the operation or success of the military or naval forces of the United States.

.2. Attempting to promote the success of the enemies of the United States.

3. Attempting to cause insubordination, disloyalty, mutiny, and refusal of duty in (he military or naval forces.

4. Attempting to obstruct the recruiting or enlistment in the service of the United States.

5 Uttering disloyal language about the form of government of the United States.

(5. Uttering language intended to bring the form of Government of the United Slates, its military or naval forces, its (lag or the uniform of (ho army or navy into contempt, scorn, contumely, or disrepute. ■ 7. Uttering language intended to incite, provoke, or encourage resistance to the United plates and to promote the cause of its enemies. 8, Uttering language to advocate curtailment of production of products essential to the prosecution of the war.

!). Opposing (he cause of the United States bv words.