The Redwood Gazette

WOULD MAKE LYING, FELONY.

Thinks Campaign Lies Should Constitute A Felony.

CAMPAIGN LIES HIT BY L. A. SMITH

Attorney General Says Telling Election Falsehoods Should Be Made A Felony.

LAWYERS AGREE WITH HIM.

Cites Instance In Stories Told Of Eberhart During The Recent Unpleasantness.

The corrupt practices acts in force in the various states do not cover the one great evil of campaign methods, according to the belief of the attorneys general, expressed in St. Louis at the association meeting.

This information was brought to the Minnesota capitol by Attorney General Lyondon A. Smith.

Some Things Not Felonies.

"Every attorney general at the meeting," Mr. Smith said, was in accord with this opinion. They hold that giving away a campaign cigar is not so enormous a crime as to constitute a felony, although many laws specify it as such. They hold that many such things, prohibited by corrupt practice acts, should not be termed felonies.

Campaign Lies Should Be made Crimes.

"The situation that should be covered--the one that is worst of all--is the practice of telling campaign falsehoods in order to injure other candidates. This should be made a felony."

Cites Point In Case.

"For instance, the assertion made by candidates during the recent campaign that Governor Eberhart is controlled by the railroads and his administration is dominated by the breweries, would be sufficient cause for the arrest of the person making the assertion. Such a situation should be covered by the corrupt practices act."