National Affairs: Books, Sparrows

Senator “Magnavox” Johnson of Minnesota traveled to Manhattan speak to a mass meeting against a local bill proposed to purify all literature circulating in New York State. Said he: “It doesn’t hurt any one when a man tells the truth, and for that reason I am against the clean books bill. . . . Speaking of attempts at censorship, Senator Heflin of Alabama was recently very much annoyed when those listening to a speech he was making went outside to see an airplane flying above the Capitol. He forthwith proposed a bill making it illegal to fly within 6,000 feet of the Capitol. Senator Williams, of Mississippi, defeated this bill with a timely jest about forbidding the sparrows to fly around the building. … I will continue to speak as I think best. My speeches mold public opinion. I was elected because my constituents know I have backbone enough to stand by my principles,