The Devils Lake world and inter-ocean. (Devils Lake, N.D.) 1915-1920, 1917-08-09
OFFICERS. Must:
DEAL FIRMLY
WITH vANDA[S

GOVERNOR WARNS SHERIFFS
AND OTHERS OF RUMORS ON
INVASION BY LAWLESS ELE-
MENT-SAYS STATE WILL NOT
TOLERATE ACTION OF MOBS.
Bismarck, N. D., Aug. 4.-Governor
Lynn ]. Frazier today issued an ap-
peal to officers of the law thruout
North Dakota cautioning them to deal
vrmly but with fairness with any dis
orders that may arise by the invasion
of a s.lawless element" into North Da-
kota during the harvest season.
The message Of the governor was
mailed out from the executive offices
today. tits as follows:
GAS governor of the state of North
Dakota, I feel it my duty to call your
attention to the fact that there are a
great many rumors that a 1awless ele-
ment is passing through the country
bent upon destruction and devastation
of property.
"It is for this reason that urge you
to take every precaution to prevent
any such lawlessness being perpetrat-
ed within this state. urge that
wherever the evidence warrants you
apprehend without fear or hesitation
any one guilty Of attempting or
threatening to commit any such law
less acts.
"And cannot urge upon you too
strongly that you make every endea-
vor to have any such person promptly
tried and punished, if guilty, in ac-
cordance with the laws of the state, in
order that all may take heed that this
state will. not tolerate either lawless-
ness or violence.
"Society's very existence depends
upon the enforcement Of law and or
der. In these troublesome times all
authorities must be on the alert. You
may rest assured that this admins
tration will back you sin seeing to il
that all laws are observed and enforc'
ed.
Condemns All Mob Acts.
According to reports mob violence
is prevalent in many parts Of oul
country. Within the last few day:
most deplorable reports have come
from South Dakota and Montana. I:
is charged that constitutional rights
of individuals have been trampled un
der foot by mobs in the guise of so
called safety committees, defens'
leagues, vigilant committees, labor or
ganizations and even by peace officers
"To some of these misguided mob
and officers it seems to be crime t.
be seeking work and not to posses
money. Men have been illegal,
searched, beaten and deported and 9th
erwise mistreated contrary to all LAY
and in direct violation Of the inaliena
BILE rights of every citizen.
''I wish it distinctly understood tha
no such unwarranted actions agairs
the rights of any individual will be to-
Grated in this state while I am gov
ernor. No official has legal right t
seach any man, without a search Wal
rant. He has no right to beat an
man. He has no right to deport ar
man, because he is without money {
because he demands higher wage
The federal and state constitution
guarantees to individuals certai
rights. These rights must be respec
ed. The surest way to lose our li5e
ties and constitutional rights is to tai
them away from those who are LEI
fortunate. Abuse Of official power
but to weaken all respect for law ar
order. Officials must protect the Yves
as well ASH the strong.fI call VI
YOU to sustain me in making Nor
Dakota a model state Of law and o
der.
DEAL FIRMLY WITH CRIME.
"In conclusion, let me urge up'
you again the necessity of dealil
with firmness and determination wi
any man who is guilty Of burnin
attempting or threatening to bul
crops or destroy farm machinery,
any other property, or commisti1
any offense against the peace and
der Of the State. Such a man must
promptly arrested, tried and puni: =
in accordance with the law. Let
use the strong arm of the law b
not the strong arm Of a mad mob,
of bullying official.
''I trust that all officers Of the sts
will sustain me in enforcing and {
serving the laws, and thus protects
the rights Of all people, but if tn.