Omaha daily bee., 1874-06-04
NOES y1Np1cr1yEKEss v1ND1cArE,

DOES vINDIcTIvEEEss vINDIcATE'
The wounded bird usually iut-
tiers. In attempting TO correct the
most ,glaring abuses in our police
system the BEE has unmasked and
exposed the most profitable source
of police plumber. The furious and
passionate demeanor of Marshal
Snowden would seem to indicate
that the BEE has stung him in the
most tender spot. Like a wounded
buffalo bull the giant chief is shak-
ing his name and rushing headlong
at his antagonist.
He rushes to the District Court
Grand Jury and demands Rose
waters criminal Indictment for an
alleged libel. He charges him with
publishing a slanderous article
against his good character and rep
utation during the month of April,
while the said Snowden was a cam
didate for the office of City Marshal.
This article appeared in the local
columns of the BEE two days before
the election, over the signature of
Frank Walters.
Ifmemory serves us correctly this
article was drawn out in reply to a
malicious attack upon Christopher
son, the Republican candidate for
Marshal. 1t reflected very severely
upon Snowden's past career, and
cited some facts touching his for
mer cruelty toward those who had
a right to look to him for protec-
ton.
Now, while it is probable that
Mr.. Walters statement may have
been highly colored or exaggerated,
the Infamous conduct of Snowden
during a period covering several
years, was so notorious that the edi-
tor of THE BEE did not deem it
necessary, in the midst of political
excitement, to ascertain all the par
ticulars.
If Mr.. Snowden has any desire to
have his former ~disgraceful de-
baucheries paraded before the pub
lie, we are prepared for any indict-
ment which he may be able to work
up against us. lion the-other hand,
he is pursuing this course for the
purpose of intimidating the BEE
from its just and reasonable de-
mands for police reform, he will
o discover that he has tackled
the wrong man. And now We
would ask Marshal Snowden does
vindictiveness vindicate?
Are you not well aware that the
system of keeping constables and
other go-betweens in the police court
is a fraud upon the people? Why
compel prisoners of any description
to pay costs for services which the
charter intended to be performed by
the police? What right, for in
stance, has this constable. to enter
into private houses at midnight,
and arrest the inmates without a
warrant?
Where does the Marshal or any
police officer obtain the authority
for collecting fines or costs from per-
sons who have not been convicted
in the police court? You know these
practices are unlawful, and why
wink at them and permit them to
continue?
Why have you never attempted to
enforce Chapter 10, of the Revised
Ordinances, against all the owners
of disorderly houses? You have
come into Office pledged to reform,
and we propose to hold you to your
word. There has never been a more
favorable time to make a beginning.
Mayor Chase We know is anxious
to enforce the charter in spirit
as well as in letter. He is
ready to aid you i'm any proper
effort for honest and thorough
reform. This can be done much
easier now, when the criminal
classes are under subsection. The
BEE has no war to make upon per-
sons, but means TO demolish the
system that nourishes and main
tains corruption in any branch OF
the public service.
In order to bring about reform we
must awake public sentiment to a
proper comprehension of the evils
which We now seek 10 abolish.
Marshal Snowden is a public officer,
and he has no right to claim exemp-
ton from public criticism. If he
feels aggrieved, our columns are al.
ways open for an explanation.