No Excuse for It

Rev. Naylor Is Almost Converted to Lynch Law.

     Washington, Sept. 8.—Rev. H. R. Nayler, presiding elder of the Washington conference, conducted services in President McKinley’s church to-day. During his sermon he said:
     “The occurrence at Buffalo indicates that no man is safe from the shafts of death, and while I have ever been loyal to the law and have ever contended for its strict enforcement, I must say that the affair of four o’clock last Friday has almost converted me into an advocate of lynch law. Surely there was no occasion, no reason for that dreadful deed, and whether the work of a sane man or a lunatic, there can be no justification for it.”
     After the service a resolution was adopted deploring the shooting and expressing sympathy with the family of the stricken president. Afterwards the members of the congregation exchanged views on the remarks of the pastor. These expressions included objections to Dr. Naylor’s reference to the summary punishment of the president’s assailant. It was characterized and condemned by some as open advocacy of lynch law.
     On the other hand there were many who took occasion to express to Dr. Naylor their complete endorsement of his position. He did not for a moment seem disposed to change his attitude. He said to those with whom he spoke: “If I had been there, I would have blown the scoundrel to atoms, if I had a pistol.”