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| RITCHIE, LANE AND PENINSULA OFFICERS BEGIN TRIPLE PROBE Over 2,000 Men and Women Applaud as Accused Killer Swings From Noose; 40 Gallons of Gasoline Poured on Victim FEELING STILL RUNS HIGH IN EXCITED TOWN Witnesses Silent on Identity of Men Who Inspired Vengeance on Suspect --------------------- An inquiry by Governor Ritchie and investigations by Eastern Shore authorities were launched today into the hanging and burning in Salisbury, Md., last night of a Negro accused of slaying his white employer. The Negro was dragged from a hospital cot about 8 p. m. and hanged to the limb of a tree in the Courthouse square by a mob of more than 2,000 persons. Later the body was dragged a quarter of a mile through the business section to a Negro subdivision, saturated with 40 gallons of gasoline and burned. Two types of mobs participated in the hanging and burning—one a serious and silent group intent only on murder, "and the other a group of youngsters out for an orgy of brutality on a veritable Roman holiday." In the Shadow of Christ's Figure The lynching took place in the very shadow of a lar; Salisbury Community Fund banner, bearing the picture v, Jesus Christ with arms appealingly outstretched. The banner, draped across the Courthouse square, carries the plea: "He Who Gives All Feeds Three—Himself, His Hungry Neighbor and Me." Victim of the mob murder was Matthew Handy, alias Williams, 35-year-old Negro, said to have confessed six hours before the lynching to the fatal shooting of Daniel J. Elliott, 67-year-old prominent lumber manufacturer. State's Attorney Levin C. Bailey, of Wicomico County, announced from his office at Salisbury today: "I have opened a very thorough investigation, which I expect to lead to prosecution of the mob leaders and members. It is my aim to determine identity of these mob leaders and arrest them. "They will be vigorously prosecuted on charges of murder if we are able to identify them. I shall confer with law enforcement officers who witnessed the crime in an effort to identify these men who led the mob to the crime. "It is my plan not only to prosecute the half dozen ring leaders in the mob but to vigorously prosecute every man I can identify as having had any part in the mob activity." Ritchie to Make Thorough Inquiry Governor Ritchie, informed of the lynching and burning of the body on his return from New York early today, said he would conduct an inquiry today and take whatever action the facts in the case warrant. "I am to confer today with Attorney General William Preston Lane Jr. and I expect to make a thorough inquiry into the case," Governor Ritchie said. "I expect to have a statement prepared late today outlining my position in this lynching and also in regard to the Orphan Jones case, but not for the afternoon papers. "This is a grave problem and I want to make a thorough study before taking action of any kind In the case. I plan to make a thorough investigation." LYNCHING MAY HALT 2 TRIALS Lane Wires Bailey Attorney General William Preston Lane Jr. early today wired State's Attorney Bailey as follows: "The facilities of my office are at .your disposal for any assistance that you may require in connection with |