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Special Law Needed for Such Attacks
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WASHINGTON, Sept. 7.—The
inadequacy of the punishment that can be given Czolgosz is not only
greatly deprecated by citizens generally, but the high legal authorities
of the government. While admitting that no law provides for the
exclusion or deportation of anarchists and none that makes an assault
upon the President an ultra criminal offense, Acting Attorney-General
Beck today said:
“That there ought to be such legislation
is perfectly clear. There are statutes which make punishable personal
violence to minor officials, such as internal revenue agents, but
it is passing strange that, notwithstanding the fact two Presidents
have been assassinated and attempts have been made upon the lives
of two more, no law has ever been passed to place an attempt on
the life of the President on the same plane as high treason.
“Where such an attempt had no reference
to the presidential office and was committed within the territorial
limits of a state there might be some question as to the power of
Congress to legislate, but where it is clear that the attempt has
been made not upon the individual, but upon the President for the
purpose of promoting anarcity [sic] and thus subverting the
government, the right of the Federal government to protect its chief
executive seems too clear for question.
“If the President should be spared
to the American people, it is to be feared that the assassin can
be convicted for no higher crime than an assault with intent to
kill.”
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