The Republican Party has placed before the Legislature a bill making it a penal offense to wear the uniform of a foreign military, semi-military or storm troop organization. the bill, designed to bar activities by uniformed groups such as the German-American Bund, was introduced by Joe R. Hanley, Senate Majority leader, and Oswald D. Heck, Speaker of the Committee. Those convicted under the law would be subject to imprisonment for more than a year or a $1,000 fine, or both.
In a letter to Mr. Hanley and Mr. Heck, Mr. Jackle said:
“Enclosed herewith is a draft of an amendment to the Penal Law designed to prohibit in New York State vicious, un-American propaganda and demonstrations in sympathy with foreign countries and in conflict with American principles. I sincerely hope that you will use your influence to bring about introduction and passage of this bill in the Legislature.
“It goes without saying that groups masquerading dishonorably in the guise of foreign adherents have incited bitterness and strife in this State, particularly because of the intolerance and racial prejudice which they advocate. The unpatriotic and subversive conduct of such groups is a constant menace to the peace, comfort and good-will of the people of our State, and the entire United States for that matter.”
Speaker Heck and Mr. Jaeckle are of German descent. The Speaker’s father is published of an anti-Nazi German-language paper in Schenectady.
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
