The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1870-10-19


Law.
I As far AZ the Internal Revenue Department
Is concerned ) certain section Of Brooklyn
appears to BE- perpetual battle field. The
whlskey question IL the cosus 6elG. Tho
Firth ward Of Brooklyn is notorious, not only
Tor the prevalence of Illicit distilleres, but for
the brutal violence with which it's inhabitants
have repeatedly resisted all attempts of the
revenue authorities to enforce the law. For
the past two or three years the officers Of the
Internal Revenue have endeavored by the
employment Of force--even to calling out
the United States marines from the NAVY
Yard-to suppress the Illicit stills in operation
in that locality. The officers Of the depart
ment made but poor show when they
attempted to confront the mob-male and
female. The police were not more successful.
They got pretty well beaten and battered, aud
that is about all they got for their pains.
Now, it appears by the statement of Super
visor butcher, that the distiIling business is
going on as lively as ever in this rebellious
district. Indeed, it is known very well to the
authorities that dozen or more stills are run
ming off whiskey, and Of course not paying
cent of revenue. Thus 1t seems the law is
held In open defiance. Can it be that no power
exists anywhere to put stop to this businessf
Supervisor butcher, knowing these facts and
finding that he can do nothing with the force
at his command, has appealed to the Police
Commissioners to aid him with force Of men
to protect his officers from assault In the raid
upon the stills which he is now about to make
Mr.. butcher says that his men are ready for
the servioe-indeed eager for the fray-and,
being unwilling to call upon the United States
troops for protection, he asks for the assistance
of the police. The President Of the Board Of
Police Commissioners in his answer reminds
the federal officer that the police force is local
institution. deriving it's powers solely from the
State Of New York, and is not authorized
to carry out any federal law; but that if any
riot is threatened the police will be on hand to
perform their duty in keeping the peace of the
city, or if any riot should take place it will be-
come the duty Of the Police Department to
suppress it, land to arrest aud hold to a strict
accountability as well those whom we find
actually engaged in il as those who, If there be
such, have needlessly melted it, Clearly this
is the sole duty OF the police, and they must
deal fairly with both parties. The United
States authorities have power enough ia their
hands, we should think, to carry out the laws
of the United States in small district Of
Brooklyn, even where a spirit Of outlawry has
been rife for long time. But in connection
with this affair it suggests itself that the pro-
jccted raid Of Supervisor Catcher is announced
at an inopportune time. He has permitted
the laws to be openly defed in this district 80
long that no might wait just until after the
election 10 over before he commences hostile
operations. The stills, we suppose, can be
seized just as well after election as before,
and the present very active proceedings Of
Supervisor butcher would thus be less likely
10 misinterpretation.