Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1918-04-13
ERROR FEARED IN LYNCHlNG
OF DISLOYAL MAN.
Illinois Mob Starts TO Tar Prayer,
But Then Hangs Him.
"lNNOCENT' PLEA IS VAIN
Lack OF Law to Punish Scdition is
Blamed-No Proof OF Victims Guilt.

rests have been made 80 far for the
lynching of Robert Paul Prayer, sus-
pccted OF disloyalty, which happened
near here at an early hour this morn
ing. Coroner Lowe will hold an inquest
next Monday and meanwhile the local
police will not act, although some per
sons III the mob are said to have been
identified.
Mayor Siegel Of this city said today
he would cooperate with the State
and county officials to tho case but
would take no independent action as
tho crime was committed outside of
the city limits.
Gov. Lowden and United States
District Attorney Knots have issued
statements demanding the pnosecu-
ton Of the guilty parties and the
State Attorney General will be repro
aonted at the inquest. No concrete
evidence Of disloyalty has been cited
against Prayer so far, and there is
feeling in some quarters that tho mob
may have made q serious mistake.
.fY
tn RAND FEATHERS PLANNED
~
pragc. WHO was 2G~ganrs old i and
WHOSE folks reside in Germany was
taken from the jail by tho mob which
broke down the doors after they had
ovcrpowcred the lone guard. 1t was
learned today that the mob Mt first
did not intend to lynch Prayer but
meant to give him n coat OF tar and
feathers and run him out OF town, as
had been done a few days ago to sew
cral residents OF towns not far from
Collinsville. The crowd became angry
when they were unable to find the
tar and decided to hang Prayer.
Practically all Of the lumber yards
in tho town were searched for tar,
while the mob was leading the man
through the streets. Suddenly somo
ono yelled, LET shang ,him!" The
shout Immediately was taken up by
several hundred men and boys who
made up the mob. It was not until
Prayer arrived at the crest of the hill
overlooking the Mississippi river and
the men began to tic the rope around
his neck that ho Called his danger.
Before he was swung up to the tree
some one in the crowd suggested that
Prayer might want to make a state
mont OF some kind.
brothers you are making a mis-
talSc. I ON innocent" Prayer eXclaim
ed, but his plea fell on deaf ears.
Then he asked for a piece OF paper
and q pencil, and in a steady hand
ADDRESSED a final note to his parents
in Dresden Germany.
The note, which Is now in the
hands of Coroner Lowe read as fol
lows:
day Of April. 1918 I must die. Please
On, 10 III
is my last letter and testament. Your
dear son and brother, Robert
Paul" +
The note was written in German.
The letter is addressed to his father,
Carl Henry Prayer, York street, ORES
den.
THREAT OF MARTIAL LAW.
GOV. Lowden of Illinois today issu-
ed statement in which he declared
that Madison county will be placed
under martial law if there are any in
dications that such thing as trans
pircd early today might reoccur.
The announcement followed con
ference which Gov Lowdcn had with
Acknowledgement Brundage and Assis
Acknowledgement and the Attorney
General have sent representatives to
Coilnsville to make a thorough inyes
tigation Of the lynching. States At
torney Streubcr Of Madison county had
been instructed to identity Of persons
in the mob ant. see that they are Sc
verely dealt with. Mr.. Brundage ex
pressed great indignation to Mr.. Streub
er. :
"This mob violence in tho State
must be suppressed" he said. "No
matter what the motive such action
is not justified"
Mob violence against persons sus
pecfed Of scdition or treason in I'LL
nois will not be tolerated." Gov. Low
den declared. rfrhc guilty Persons
will be brought to justice and mar
fal law will be declared unless such
demonstrations cease.
~ have had n conference with tho
AttorneyGeneral," the Governor con