The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-05-04
From Altar Steps Father Reich lin Refers to Murder of
 His Sister,
VOICE HUSKY FROM
 EMOTION AS HE SPEAKS
"1 Am Convinced Before God That He ls Absolutely lnnocent''-The Funeral Today--Many Visit
 Scene of Crime.

Lorain, O.. May 3-The Rev. Charles Reichlin pastor of St. Josephs church in this city. and brother of Agatha Reichlin, who was murdered last Thursday night, today made a sensational denunciation of the authorities for the arrest of the Rev. Ferdinand Walser on the charge of mur- dering his sister.
 The occasion was at the services this morning in that church, and the place was from the altar steps The Rev. Father Reichlln was greatly affected over the happenings of the week and could hardly speak. Several times his voice was husky from emotion and he paused frequently to overcome his feelings. Father Reich lins statement was as follows:
 ''various events have happened during the past week. No doubt they are les son to us. The lesson is that we should always be ready for death for we know not when 1t will please the Lord to cal us to come to Himself. Avoid sin and dc good. The lesson is also how little we car trust the world.
 Brutality Is not a thing that is or was confined to the so-called dark ages; it if not exclusively confined to non-civilized countries; 1t is right here at our home. ir this twentieth century, The world sees il every day
 Thinks Him Innocent.
 q am sorry to see that Father waisei is connected with the murder of my sis ter I am sorry because I am convinced before God that he is absolutely innocent and that no matter how strong public opinion, how spiteful, how atrocious that public opinion may be, It cannot make him out a murderer, the murderer of my sister. The time will come when I vii give my version of the bloodhound story upon which the character of public opin. ion seems to be based. My friends. I be. lieve Father walser innocent until he is proved guilty. Personally. I must say that do not know which assault Is most brutal, the assault of the murderer upon my sister, or the assault upon the reputa- tion of Father Walser, the assault made Py public opinion on that good priest Tn your prayers pray for my poor sls- ter. Pray also for Father Walser. Let us help him carry his cross. and, heavy . though 1t be, let us act with forhtude | as becomes Christians
 ' The scene of the murder was the point of interest for thousands of callers at the Reichlin home today, where the body was in view until 1t was taken into St. Josephs church at o'clock, where the vespers for the dead were sung by the Rev. Charles Reichlin and two assisting priests. The congregation was so great that 1t entirely filled the seats and all the standing room.
 The funeral services will be held tomor- row at o'clock, the interment being al Elyria.
 Father Walser in Prison.
 Father Walser, who is confined in the county jail at Elyria, was not accessible to visitors today, and he has seen no one since yesterday. He is treated as any otheer prisoner. except that he has the freedom of the corridor.
 His preliminary hearing will be held probably on Tuesday.
 There Is no excitement at Elyria and no sign of any unlawful action.
 Theories concerning the crime are as many as there are individuals. The au- ] thorities are not disposed to give expres- sion to any views.
 Support of the belief that a burglar committed the crime was given impetus today by the statements of several neigh bors, who had seen a stranger, hang ing around the Rechlin home for sev- eral hours on the night of the crime.