LYNCH LAW IN GLASGOW.

Dunstan Times, Issue 3144, 20 November 1922, Page 2

LYNCH LAW IN GLASGOW.

The fallibility of mob law was brought out in court at the trial of several persons charged with causing the death of Alexander Stewart, who recently was lynched' in Glasgow. It has now been proved that the man was actuated by the kindliest motives and was trying, to give happiness to a little boy when he was taken for a kidnapper and 1 kilHtd. Stewart, 33 years old, a ship's officer, returned to the Clyde after a, long voyage and went to his sister's home for a visit. The family was absent, but he found a boy of five at home whUm he knew his sister had' adopted. He embraced the lad heartily and thiey became friend's. Then he took the boy for a street car ride. The boy was shabbily dressed, but was as happy as a boy of that age could be. .Ho shouted from the tram to a companion and 1 Stewart tried to quiet him. A woman recognised the l>oy and accused Stewart, who wate well dressed, of kidnapping the child. Stewart, embarrassed, tried to explain his identity, but, failing, asked the woman to take charge of the boy and hastily left the car in order to avoid a scene. Some persons took up the cry of "Kidnapper!" and an infuriated crowd gave chase. Stewart, alarmed, attempted to run. The crowd Passed the word that he had been abusing children, finally overtook him and clubbed him toi death. Several arrests followed. At the trial Stewart's sister explained that they had' corresponded about the boy and that Stewart wrote that he would love and try to make the boy happy. Thus it was dramatically proved l in court that Stewart was doing the act of a good Samaritan and was slain for it.