INVESTIGATION ORDERED
According to a story in Thursday morning's St. Louis Republic, Secretary of War Baker announced at Washington Wednesday night that he had ordered an investigation of the conduct of the soldiers who wounded Martin Lattimer and Miss Flossie Clay by shooting into their automobile two weeks ago. The matter was brought to the attention of Secretary Baker by Congressman Hensley.
The following is from the Republic:
"When the matter was brought to Secretary Baker's attention, he expressed amazement.
"This reads like a crazy charge," said Secretary Baker.
"Representative Hensley agreed it did, but said he would vouch for those making it, informing Secretary Baker that the two editors were trustworthy. He also pointed out that one of the complainants was Rev. Mr. Markley, a leading minister of Flat River.
"Secretary Baker yesterday wrote Hensley that he had ordered a rigid inquiry and thanked him for bringing the charges to his attention.
"I have not been home since the troops were sent to Flat River," said Mr. Hensley, "and all I know of their conduct is what I have been told in letters, and from what I have read in papers. It seems inconceivable that soldiers should act this way, but I have every confidence in the men who have made the charges."
"Mr. Hensley said he had not heard that the commander of the troops had taken charge of The Lead Belt News and threatened to burn it unless a refutation of the drunkenness charge was published."
{Click HERE to read previous article on this shooting}