Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1874-02-26
Windhsm. Feb. 92j, 1871
The Knox County .heriG Matter.

The Knox County sheriff Matter.
Hon Joseph Farwell and 6. o. PAyson APP
peared yesterday before the Governor for the
compainants in the case of the Knox County
Sheriff, and lIoa. c. ". Goddard and ID. n.
Mortland. Esq, for the sheriff. Mr.. Farwell
said tie friends of temperance only asked
the sheriff to DO his duty, and would with
draw their complaint il the sheriff assured
them that this shoald be done. Il appeared
that on Feb. llth, certain citizens asked the
sheriff to enforce the law against several
places known to the petitioners TO be dram
shops; and that the sheriff asked the munich
pal Judge TO make o9t warrants, and since
then he had not done anything. Messrs.
Goddard and Mortland alleged that at every
term of court the sheriff had prosecuted
rum sellers that after receiving the request
alluded to he intended to proceed and search
the places, but finding that the keepers of the
same had obtained knowledge of his proposed
seizure, he suspended action in that way !;
that ten days hence the March term of the
Supreme Judicial Court for Knox County
would be held; and that the sheriff enforce
ment law gave sherifs discretion between
proceeding by complaint and warrant, or by
furnishing the County Attorney with names OF
witnesses for purposes of an indictment; and
that when the time arrived there would be no
reason for complaint. The construction of
the law was referred to the Attorney General.
Il is understood that no steps will be taken
towards the removal of Mr.. Hobbs
The following is the correspondence in re-
lation to this case:
RoCkLAHD, Feb. Is, 1874.
Yol.R ExEILENCY Enclosed you will find
a Resolution which was passed unanimously
| at Knox County Lodge |. 0. Of q. T., held at
South Thomaston this day at which Lodge
| almost every Town in the 60. was represent
ed.
The Resolution of impeachment was DEEM
ed expedient, as every other method has been
| tried TO induce him to perform his sworn du-
| ty but without avail; our prayers and petit
| tons have hitherto been totally ignored
The enclosed petition Gin accordance with
| your Instructions was presented to Sheriff
| Hobbs on the llth inst. signed by some of our
most respected citizens and pointing out the
places where intoxicating liquors are known
| to be sold. The parties mentioned having
become notorious as fagrant violnt0rs Of ouI
prohibitory Laws.
The proper lcarTants have been made Out
| for the parties mentioned in the petition and
are in the hands of our Municipal Judge, and
have been for week or more. Sheriff Hobbs
persistently refusing to act, although ear
nesty solicited to do so.
We the petitioners therefore consider tina
the best interest of the county and peace o
society demand the rencraI.
Respectfully Yours
C. 0. PAYsoN.
Copy of Resolution adopted by Kno'
County Lodge of l. o. of Good Templars a
a session held at South Thomaston Feb. Il
1874
RESOLVED, That in the opinion of thi
county Lodge, the sheriff of Knox count,
should be impeachcd for nonperformance o
duty in relation to the sheriff Enforcement
act.
(Signed)
. A. Howrs, W. c. r. of said Lodge
Alden CnocKrTT. w Sccy