Clinton Advertiser, dated August 1, 1917
Transcribed by Sharon Elijah, November 16, 2019

PASTOR IN TOILS

BY UNITED PRESS LEASED WIRE
Cedar Rapids, Ia., Aug. 1—Federal agents were investigating treason charges against several persons in this section today and arrests are expected within the next few days. The investigation was started from the arraignment of Rev. John Reichart, pastor of the German Evangelistic church at Lowden, last night.

Reichart was bound over to the federal grand jury and released on bond. Fred Schellis a wealthy farmer of Lowden, also was arrested but was released on promise to “keep his tongue in this head.”

The minister is said to have severely criticized the United States and President Wilson for entering the war. He told United States Commission Harwood who conducted the preliminary hearing, that “Germany was being falsified and that it is my duty to defend her.”

Reichart’s utterance is said to have been made from his pulpit on Sunday.