SAVED FROM JUDGE LYNCH

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVI, Issue 8182, 25 July 1912, Page 18

SAVED FROM JUDGE LYNCH

POLICEMAN HOLDS A MOB AT BAY. In Philadeloivia George Welker was a.wl from lynciung recently by Policeman Lni';'.;, who fought with a mob of -!■) angry limn ami children until his c.ub nail been taken away, and Ins end lie., almost torn off. lie saved hini-.-■■l; and hi> nrieontr when he drew his i.-voiver, and" mint at the feet of the mob- Even then the mob pressed about tin- prisoner. \Velker. who is twenty years old, was mwii.-ed of attacking two little girls. May Sheppard, tea years old, of 5550, East Thompson street, and Pose Lannu■■aii. one year older, of 2560, East Thompson street, went out to pick (iaisies along Prankiort creek. Daniel <lc Masse and George Burk were taking a walk along the creek. They heard a scream and they saw little May on the ground, Welker leaning over her. Tho two young men started for the spot. Welker, saw them coming amt ran. They recognised him. and stopped to give their assistance to tho little girls, both of whom were, hysterical. The young men carried tho little girls to Ur.hr homes and notified the police. Policeman Braggs saw Welker in the street and chased him into his home. Welker kept on through the houso, hut eventually was captured, after running two miles. Tho chase had attracted hundreds, mostly foreigners. When the policeman got his prisoner ho dragged him to a call box threo squares away, tho crowd following. Meantime members of the crowd bad learned of tho charge against Welker. The crowd turned into a mob. They stormed at the policeman, hitting and kicking at Welker. He tried to protect his prisoner by swinging bis club around bis head. Tho mob took his club away from him. Then he fought with his fists, and Welker fought for his life. Bragg was fust being overpowered, and he drew his revolver. Ho fired at the feet of the mob. The shots brought a dozen men acquainted with Bragg. They wont through the crowd and protected the policeman and his prisoner until other policemen in tho patrol waggon arrived.