LYNCH LAW.

NZ Truth, Issue 683, 20 July 1918, Page 1

LYNCH LAW.

The protesting patriots who are continually shrieking about the alleged atrocities committed by the Russian Bolsheviks are quite complacent when atrocities are committed by "loyalists." -If they had their way, anyone who did not accept their views would be "stood up against a wall and shot." Thus "Dame" Melba speaks approvingly of lynch law m America: "The Americans waste no time arguing with disloyalists. There have been several cases of lynching, and those who try to stir up sedition sometimes find themselves strung up on a neighboring lamp post." Of course, it all depends on who the victim is. If a patriot is hit with a rotten egg' it is an awful outrage; but if a pacifist is lynched it Is a commendable manifestation of loyalty and patriotism. The preachers of this dangerous doctrine would be well advtsed to look atfead. The relative positions may bo changer! at any time, and if lynch law is accepted as the right amirs e of action Hie ■ lynchers of to-day may themselves be lynched to-morrow. "Truth" is no believer m lynch law, no matter by whom practised, and it denoimces the damnable doctrine that a mob have! the right to take the law into t.her own hands and mete out punishment,' even unto death,' to any person who may have displeased them.