Approval of Anti-bombing Provisions in Civil Rights Bill Anticipated

Smooth sailing is anticipated for the anti-bombing provisions of the Civil Rights Bill adopted by the Senate when the measure comes before the House next week for final approval.

While attempts may be made to alter other portions of the Senate version of the Civil Rights Bill, southerners will accept the section protecting synagogues and other institutions from violence, it was predicted by Congressional sources. This section of the measure was unsuccessfully opposed by Southern members of the Senate.

The Senate bill, adopted by a vote of 71 to 18, included two sections designed to assure FBI investigation and federal prosecution against arson and bombing under certain circumstances. One section makes it a federal crime to flee across a state line or leave the country to avoid prosecution for bombing or burning any building or vehicle, or to avoid testifying about such an act. Maximum penalty was set at five years’ imprisonment and a $5,000 fine.

Another section would penalize the transportation of explosives in interstate commerce for the purpose of damaging any building or other property. Penalties were specified up to a year in Jail and $1,000 fine: ten years in jail and $10,000 fine, in the event of injury caused by the bombing; and life imprisonment or a death sentence in the event of a fatality.

The bill also made it a federal crime to convey by telephone, telegraph, or mail a threat or false warning of a bombing. The maximum penalty is a year in prison and a $1,000 fine. Federal Investigation of Bureau sources have indicated that the bill would enable federal rights to enter bombing cases more quickly. But suspects are likely to be turned over to local authorities for trial in most cases.