Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1881-12-14
Carrying Concealed Weapons and
Selling LfuuOr on Sundays.

Scllluk LluuOI Vu OuuunIl
1t is q matter of genuine congratuls-
ton to the people of this community
that Hon. Henry B. Tompkins,
Judge of the Superior Court of Chatham
county, has shown in his charge to the
grand jury. which we published yester-
day, determination to suppress the
habitual and disgraceful violations OF
the laws against carrying concealed
weapons and keeping open liquor shops
on Sundays Regarding both these prac-
tees, the law is very explicit. In section
1927 of the Code it is expressly stated
''Any person having or carrying about
his person, unless in an open manner
and fully exposed to view, any
pistol except horseman's pistols
dirk, sword in a cane, spear,
bowie knife, or any other kind OF
knives manufactured and sold for the
purpose of offense and defense, shall be
guilty of a misdemeanor, and, on con-
vlction. shall be punished as prescribed
in section 4310 of the Code" And this
section prescribes as punishment for this
offense: GA fine not to exceed one
thousand dollars; imprisonment not to
exceed six months; to work in a chain
gang on the public works not to exceed
twelve months; and any one or more of
these punishments may be ordered in the
discretion of the Judge"
Concerning the offense of selling liquor
on Sunday the law is equally plain, for
section 1919 of the Code says: ANY
tradesman, artificer, workman or labOrer,
or other person totateper, who shall pursue
their business or work of their ordinary
callings upon the Lords Day works of
necessity or charity only excepted, shall
be guilty of a misdemeanor, and, on
conviction, shall be punished as pre-
scribed in section 431O of this Code
which section we have already quoted.
Here, then, we have the laws, and the
punishment prescribed for their viola
ton, distinctly stated, and Judge Temp
kins assures us. in his charge, that the
court and Solicitor General will do all in
their power to enforce aspect for such
laws. and bring the violators thereof TO
merited punishment.
The benefit which will enure to this
community from this determination if it
is persisted inland there is no doubt in
the world that, in declaring it, the Judge
used no idle words-will be simply in
calculable. Fighting, disorder and law
lessness have become alarmingly preva
lent in our midst of late, especially on
Sundays, and the source of all the trouble
can be readily traced to these two evils.
On that day business generally is sus-
pended, and the evil-disposed,
having nothing else to do, natu-
rally lounge around saloons
and low grOggerles, where, in defiance
of law, they can crafty their appetites
for strong drink. Here they become iu-
famed with liquor, and the usual conse-
quences ensue. Chickering's succeed
drink; qusrrelings, pickering; and fights.
quarreling. Then, excited by both pas
sion and liquor illlcitly sold, weapons
also carried in defiance of law-are
drawn and a murder or a stabbing or
shooting follows. In this way it has be-
come usual for our police barracks to be
well stocked with criminals on Sundays,
our police records to be filled with annals
of crime on that dey. and to such an ex-
tent has this been the case that it has
called forth most nnfavorable comments
upon our city from the press of other
cities of the State.
With these fragrant violations of laws
suppressed and the offenders brought to
speedy and certain punishment, there
will be at once a marked change for the
better in our midst. With no longer the
means of obtaining drink 10 open disre
gard of law, and with the ability wh4e
drunk to cut, stab and shoot taken away,
we will hear of no more lawlessness and
disorder, and grave disgrace will be
removed from our midst If the grand
jury, the courts and the officers of the
law can succeed in effecting this most
desirable reformation, they will heartily
deserve and earnestly receive the com
mendation of every class of law-abiding,
law-respecting citizens.