Government Action Against Edward Atkinson's Anti-Expansion Pamphlets
Recent Actions of the United States Government officials in regard to certain pamphlets that Mr. Edward Atkinson, of Boston, has written, so it is alleged by the newspaper reports, have virtually accused him of treason. These pamphlets discuss the expansion policy of the United States in very vigorous style, but the greater part of the matter is made up from speeches in Congress that were reported through the Congressional Record and other public documents emanating from Washington. Mr. Atkinson’s pamphlets are not forbidden circulation in the United States, but the postal authorities have given strict orders that none of them be allowed to reach the soldiers in Manila, lest they incite sedition among the troops. One of the corner-stones of this government has been freedom of speech and freedom of the press. But there is more than one indication that this freedom is departing. And do not be surprised to see a censor of the press in this country, and that, too, at no distant day. You may pooh-pooh at such an idea now, but be sure that you are not at the same time among those who are helping to bring it about. Strange things are transpiring in these days, and most ominous indeed is the outlook. Don’t fail to understand the meaning of it all. When political freedom is abridged, religious freedom will be trampled upon at the same time. The two go together, and the densest darkness of the Dark Ages is that into which such principles would again drive the world. But “the coming of the Lord draweth nigh,” and how thankful we should be that He will cut short all this wicked work!