Marshall County Independent

More Light Shed Upon the Dastardly Depredation from an Interview with Rev. Peter.

In an interview with Rev. Peter Wednesday he stated that he had convicting evidence against the rowdy element in Lapaz. There is no doubt in his mind but what the saloon element was at the bottom of the late dastardly assault upon his house and family.

When the fall term of court convenes in this city, he said, things will come to light which will startle the people immeasurably. In order that the public may more fully comprehend the trend of matters, it must be understood that Rev. Peter caused a barkeeper to be arrested at Lapaz last Wednesday on the charge of keeping the blinds of the saloon down on Sundays.

He plead guilty and was fined. On the next day Rev. Peter caused the arrest of Frank Yocum, supposed to be the owner of the saloon on a charge which dated six weeks back. Mr. Yocum was allowed to go free because no convicting evidence could be produced to show that he was the proprietor.

Saturday night occurred the destructive dynamite explosion in which the front part of the preacher's house was completely demolished.

Mr. Peter states in connection with this, that the dynamite was placed within eight feet of his desk where he habitually sits when writing or studying. Had he been at home on the night of the depredation he certainly would have been sitting there and nothing but a miracle could have saved his life. Thus it looks like a deliberate plot had been made to assassinate him.

When asked his reasons for making war upon the lawless element of Lapaz, Rev. Peter disavowed any sentimental motives. He did not arrest the saloon men from spite or from any factitious impulse. He said, "I am not a prohibitionist: I drink beer when I care to. I reserve the right to refuse it. I made what arrests I did simply because the law was being broken which was wrong and which therefore came in my province as a minister to correct if possible. I intend to fight the lawless element in Lapaz to the end."