STATE OF NEW YORK OFFICE OF THE ATTORNEY-GENERAL To the Legislature of the State of New York: In conformity with the requirements of section 66 of the Executive Law, I have the honor to submit herewith the annual report of the Attorney-General for the year ending December 31, 1919. Dated January 24, 1920. CHARLES D. NEWTON, Attorney-General. REPORT SIRS. The year of 1919, replete with novel developments in all spheres of human activities, marked by industrial unrest, soaring prices for the necessaries of life and equivalent increases in the cost of other human necessities, embarrassment of the means of transportation growing out of war conditions and a general tendency to anxiety in the world of finance due to the enormous outlays for war and loans to the Allies, has not been without its burdens for the Attorney-General of New York State. All State activities have been affected more or less by the general prevalence of unprecedented conditions. And, accordingly, the duties of the Attorney-General were enlarged by reason of the fact that all agencies of the State government turned to him, as was natural, for advice and guidance over administrative rough spots. RADICALISM During the year the Attorney-General in addition to his other duties acted as counsel to the Joint Legislative Committee created at the 1919 session of the Legislature to investigate radicalism and Bolshevism in New York State. His selection as counsel to this committee enlarged his duties very extensively, and a considerable portion of his time was spent in presenting evidence gathered against radicals to the committee at public and executive hearings. These hearings were held in New York city, Buffalo, Utica and other up-State cities. Under the so-called Peace and Safety Act which casts upon the Attorney-General the duty of investigating evidences of seditious activities and all movements having as their aim subversion of governmental principles and interference with governmental functions the State was enabled to uncover plots which aimed at the overthrow of organized government, far reaching in effect and disastrous unless counteracted by the light of investigation and publicity. |