Page:The web (1919).djvu/131

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reported to the consul (Austrian) in Seattle, he claimed he had not done so.

In explanation of the alias, W. J. H——, he claimed to have adopted that name simply because his name was funny. It developed that B—— had been previously arrested and released, and had in his possession documents covering his entire experiences, as well as information concerning his particular case. Certain documents, undoubtedly codes, were taken from B——, and the only information or explanation he would give concerning them was that they were puzzles. The subject was well acquainted with the German element in each of the towns he had visited, many of whom were held under suspicion by the authorities. It further developed that he had made frequent visits to the ship-yards and to the Navy Yards, and that he was intimately associated with certain leaders of the order of the I. W. W. He was ordered interned, and sent to Utah.


It never was urged against Seattle that she displayed anything but live wire characteristics, and it is too bad that we may not delve deeper into the Seattle files. The Chief adds: "We have many other cases, perhaps of more importance." The existing records bear out the assertion. But we must dismiss this big center of activity with only a brief summary of tables showing six months' work of the Minute Men Division of the American Protective League for Seattle. The situation revealed by this summary, astounding as it is, and humiliating as it must be to make the admission, is one that finds a parallel in the experience of every great industrial center in America during the war.


TABLE OF CASES INVESTIGATED BY THE SEATTLE DIVISION OF THE AMERICAN PROTECTIVE LEAGUE

Report for Six Months, May 1 to November 1, 1918.

Alien Enemies 399
Aliens and Citizens Living in Luxury Without Visible
  Means of Support 36
Anti-Military Activities 23
Bomb and Dynamite Cases 14
Passport Applications 1,114
Loyalty Reports to Government 707