The sun., 1918-07-23
WILSON SEEKS WAY
TO END MOB SPIRIT
Perverted Patriotism Growing
in West Causes Deepest
Concern.
INNOCENT ARE SUFFERING
Violence Gives German Propa-
gandists Chance to Attack
Democracy.
Special DespatcA TO TIE suS.

SptCuA DesputcN 10 Ahh ooN'
WARRINGTON, July 2a--Reports reach
ing here indicating growth Of tbs mob
spirit in many parts OF the country are
causing President Wilson deep concern.
These reports for some weeks have been
coming to the White House from many
and widely separated parts OF the coun-
try. In several cases recently persons
who have witnessed actual scenes Of vio-
lence have called at the White House
In person and recited their stories.
The la,wlesmess described in these re-
ports IL of q most peculiar character and
Is being perpetrated under the guise OF
patriotism. An extreme manifestation
OF Il was OF course the Praeger lynching.
Many states Affected.
While there has been no repetition of
this, instances are daily occurring show
ing that the same spirit that prompted
this lynching Is rife to an alarming de-
gree Just now in many Of the Western
States and also in Ohio. Minnesota now
Is suffering from a very severe attack
and to only a slightly less degree North
Dakota. Oklahoma, washington and q
few other States. So alarming has the
situation become that the President. It Is
understood. Ia seriously considering the
preparation OF a statement to the Amer
lean people in which he will earnestly
and solemnly point out the serious conse-
ouences Of this perverted patriotism and
ask the cooperation Of all good citizens
In trying to suppress all forms Of mob
violence in befriending those who are Its
victims.
Those participating in the lawlessness
now going on have apparently been try
ing to put the stamp OF disloyslty on
many thoroughly loyal individuals and
In Minnesota and other
States their efforts have
borne such fruit that one large organ
ization represented In these States is
great difficulty in holding any
meetings. Advertised speakers have
been warned to keep away IL they value
their lives. Curiously enough these
speakers have included men sent out by
the Committee on Public Information to
discuss the war and preach loyalty to
the people.
Families Driven Out.
IN Minnesota ana Otner Sthtes Wnole
families have been compelled at the
point of guns TO leave the State. Sixty
families are said Il. have been banished
in this way from one Minnesota commu-
nifty. Against many Of these there was
nothing more discriminating than the
possession OF a German name. Testi-
mony Of reliable people has been that
the victims were entirely loyal and that
the acts could only be explained on the
ground OF sort OF mania running
whole communities.
Even in Ohio, where this spirit has
been somewhat more restrained. houses
and barns OF many inoffensive citizens
have been painted yellow as an indica-
ton that the owners we're under sus-
picion, and other acts Of vandalism have
been committed. Certain labor unions
recently have also begun to be the OBJ
ject OF attack in Northwestern States.
Ono reason for President Wilson's
over the situation and which |
has caused him. II Is understood. to
consider addressing an appeal to his
fellow countrymen Is the fact that
not only does such mob violence strike a |
very direct blow at morale OF the peo- |
ole Of this country but II 10 giving |
German propasandas all over the world |
chance to attack Americas faith on |
he ground that while this country Is
lighting for democracy 1t is countenanc-
ng a destruction Of democracy within |
Is own borders.