Splinters [excerpt]

     Very little is being heard about Senator Hoar’s “Anarchy Isle” now. The terror and fright which the idea was to strike into the hearts of the Anarchists did not materialize. Perhaps our willingness made Papa Hoar suspect there was a joker in it. At any rate he seems to have backed down.

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     The Senate has passed a measure which is called the “Anarchy bill,” tho [sic] how it can affect the Anarchist propaganda is hard to see. The bill provides that those who advise the killing of the president, shall be guilty, etc., etc., and receive various dire penalties. Harmless individuals who occasionally lose their temper and say things, can be the only sufferers under this law. The slayers of rulers do not go on the housetops to advertise their intentions.

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     Senator Hawley of Connecticut, in the debate on the “Anarchy bill,” stated that he had such an utter abhorrence of Anarchy that he would give $1,000 for a good shot at an Anarchist. The honored gentleman does not seem to be aware that probably every Monster Slayer has reasoned on the same line. But, having more courage, and being less mercenary, he is willing to give his life for a shot at the incarnation of a system which has aroused his abhorrence.

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     The constituted authorities anticipate imperial legislation, and carry out proposed laws before they are passed. Altho [sic] lese-majesty has not yet been made a legal offense in America, it is nevertheless punished. A drunken soldier in Portland, Ore., uttered some uncomplimentary remarks about McKinley and made threats against Roosevelt. He was forthwith court-martialed, branded as an Anarchist, and sentenced to ten years’ imprisonment. That he was probably insane, as reported, cuts no figure to the authorities.