Evening Republican, Volume 21, Number 79, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 11 April 1918 — LAW AND ORDER LETTER SENT OUT BY GOVERNOR [ARTICLE]

LAW AND ORDER LETTER SENT OUT BY GOVERNOR

-Indianapolis, Ind. Governor Goodrich sent a vigorous law and order letter today to all sheriffs and mayors in Indiana, calling attention to the recent lynching of an American citizen of German blood in Illinois. The communication terms the of the mob at home” as being a menace to institutions similar to the tyranny abroad. It assures the sheriffs and mayors that the state “stands ready at any moment to co-operate with you to the fullest extent in the prevention of any lawlessness in your community.” In the letter the Governor inclosed lists and locations of military companies, and advised the sheriffs and mayors to telegraph to him at once if, in their judgment, the aid of the state were necessary.

Indiana has had no lynching growing out of the war against the Teutonic allies, but a lawless tendency has been observed in some parts of the state. At the meeting of the state council of defense last week, attention was called to the increasing number of fights and assaults, aqd fear was expressed, that more violent deeds would be committed because of the tensity of feeling agaifist pro-Germans. The Governor’s letter to sheriffs and mayors of the state is as follows: “The lynching of an American citizen of German blood in Illinois last week would impress upon all of us the seriousness of the present situation and the possibilities of a similar event happening in our own state. “The public mind is at this time inflamed against anything that would appear to be disloyal. With the increasing casualty list in France that is sure to come ,as the war progresses this feeling will be aggravated to a considerable degree. ’ “It is the duty of every good citizen to report all instances of disloyalty to the proper officials that the offenders may be apprehended and punished, but it is clearly not the duty of the citizens of the state to aitrempt to deal out punishment without due process of law. “In the war in which we are now engaged our free institutions are at stake. The tyranny of the mob at home can inflict as great damage to these institutions as the tyranny which assails us abroad. The just enforcement of law made by a free people is a precious heritage and we mjist not endanger it from within. “It would be a blot on the fair name of our state to have an similar to that which occurred in Illinois and I am writing this letter to you, not that I have any doubt as to your inclination and ability, but to assure you that the state stands ready at any moment to co-operate with you to the fullest extent in the prevention of any lawlessness in your community. “I inclose you, herewith’ a list of the military companies in the state and their respective location. Should a situation arise where there is any attempt to violate the laws above indicated and in your judgment the aid of the state is necessary, communicate with us by wire at once and there wjll be no hesitation upon our part. “If these matters are taken in hand in their inception and vigorous action taken, there will be no difficulty in the enforcement of the law.” - •