The Columbian fountain., 1846-06-27
INCONSISTENCY.

INCONSISTENCY.
MEssRs. EDITORS II am constrained to say
something on this subject, although unquali-
fled for the task. But, to the point,-tke in
consistency speak Of, is on the part of our
Police officers in dealing out justice to the re-
tailers of RUN! II is well known, that the
sale of Alcohol, on Fishtown, is in open vio-
laion of all law but was that law observed?
No, sir! in direct violation OF that law, ma
jority of booth keepers supplied themselves
with the article, for the purpose of making
money at the expense Of life. 1t was not ne
cessary for those officers to enter their dens,
for the purpose of informing themselves of the
fact, for, in front of these genteel booths, and
in broad daylight too, might be seen, gentle
men, lounging under the influence of rum,
while others were standing, or rather reeling,
and amusing themselves by pitching their dol
lars, their oaths and imprecations ascending to
the Heaven above; these, sirs, are facts, and
speak for themselves. Such were the genteel
rum mills on Fishtown, which have been per-
mitted TO carry on their work of destruction
unmolested by our Police officers!! Oh, no |!
they would not interfere with them; they were
men Of influence they have some weight in
our municipal affairs.
But, let us look on tn other side of the pic
ture, the officer passes this den of iniquity and
sees a short distance from him, an assemblage
A ~
of 'snegroes" mark him; in an instant his eye
is kindled with that fire known only to jealous
and efficient officers, who do their duty regard
less Of consequences and with direct step
and fixed intention, he pounces upon them
with heart swelled big with pride at having
captured one Of the violators Of the law and
the poor negro is made to pay the fine impos-
ed upon call such offenders" while the gen
teel booth-keeper continues uninterrupted
There is difference between them of course !;
but, then, in point Of law, where both have
violated it, think they stand upon an equal
footing, and one should be made TO suffer as
much as the other; these are facts, and show
glaring inconsistency on the part Of the Off
Ger, and one that ought to be looked into by
some higher power. They have sworn to do
their duty, but have violated their oath a con-
clusion every honest man will come to.
Such is the case, now, IN regard to our Con-
dictionaries; they are 10 be more dreaded than
the regular licensed grog shops; they do more
business in that line, than many of the Tav-
erns, and do so, without license, in the very
face of the law and officers-taey are genteel,
or rather fashionable places to get grog. Tav-
erns have become so unpopular, that young
men are ashamed to be seen going into them,
and visit confectionaries under the plea of 60
ing to get "sweetmeats J" and it is only neces-
sary for you to enter the back room, with a
red curtain in front, to witness the proceedings
that are carried on nightly, aye daily! 'Tis
there our youths are first led into temptation
'tis there the first lesson given in dissipation,
-'tis there he tastes the first drop that proves
fatal Look to it, we fathers and mothers
look to it ye guardians there areIin your very
midst, that which may cause the ruin of your
children-the curse of your 6reside, and total
destruction Of all that binds you 10 earth.
F#**##
Alley, June l9, 1916.