New York Times
CABINET DISCUSSES PRAGER'S LYNCHING
Holds Congress at Fault for Failing to Pass Pending Bills Against
Sedition
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NO FEDERAL INTERFERENCE
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German at Collinsville, Ill., Avowed Loyalty, It is Said — Tried to
Enlist in Navy.
Special to The New York Times.
WASHINGTON, April 5. — The lynching of Robert P. Praeger at Collinsville, Ill., for alleged pro-German utterances and activities caused considerable concern among Federal officials in Washington and was the subject of discussion at the regular meeting of the Cabinet this afternoon. From what was said after the meeting it was apparent that the President and his advisers decided that the Federal Government had no warrant for interference.
After the Cabinet meeting Attorney General Gregory said that the Federal Government would be obliged to let the State of Illinois handle the case. The Department of Justice, it was indicated, probably would send some of its agents in the State to investigate, but this was as far as the Government could go.
Members of the Cabinet said that while the lynching was to be deplored the fact remained that the slowness of Congress in enacting pending legislation dealing with enemy aliens was in a measure responsible for such occurrences. One Cabinet officer said that if Congress would not enact the necessary laws similar attacks on enemy aliens would happen. Officials believe that other outbreaks against Germans are likely.
The lynching of Praeger is regarded here as an instance of aroused feeling among the American people since the beginning of the German offensive in Picardy. The feeling is observed in occurrences all over the country.
