Barbour County index. [volume] (Medicine Lodge, Kan.) 1880-current, 1883-05-04

leclinS lneS from JhOSe engaged III sell
ing liquor, and applying the money to
the payment of a city police and in pre-
serving order. They promised their
supporters, at least a number of them,
that if elected they would put stop to
the sale of Intoxicating liquors in Med
icine Lodge. They also promised some
of those who have been prosecuted this
week, that if they would support the
Law and Order ticket, no prosecutions
would follow and the sale of liquor
would not be molested. This was of
course an electioneering scheme, and
amounted to nothing.
Last Friday, II. e.. Eckert, was ar
rested OH complaint of IIillory Weld
ner, who charged him with five viola
lions of law, selling liquor contrary to
city ordinance. The trial came up
Tuesday before Police Judge Hess,
who wore the judicial ermine with
that dignity becoming one of his rank.
j. b. Jenkins, city attorney, prosecuted
and G. W. Ellis appeared for the de.
Tense.
\ number of witnesses were examin-
ed and the day was mostly consumed in
arguing and disposing of the intricate
points of law. Right here we stop to
remark thattthough it is not generally
known, Judge Hess is ripe constitu-
tional lawyer, and could, but for his
well known modesty, now be occupying
an exalted position in the judiciary of
the land. He is not here to worry over
law, however, but simply for his health;
and that is the reason his ability as
jurist has not been discovered sooner.
But toretun to the case. The prosecu-
ton failed to make case against Eek
ert and he was discharged. So ended
the first attempt at reform, inaugurated
solely for the purpose of stepping the
sale Of liquor in the city.
y marshal has been employed by the
council whom they thought equal to any
emergency, and he is, it appears; for in
the case just mentioned he was attempt
ing, at the expense of the city, to graft
fy malice he held against Eckert for
some personal matter.
Wednesday, Duncan, Vaughn &
Springer were arraigned upon the oath
of this same marshal, Weidner, who al
so charged them with selling liquor
contrary 10 ordinance. Some ten wit
nesses were called, and only one could
or would say, that he had bought liquor
at their place of business, and
he was not certain who sold it. But
conviction had been decided on as a re-
suit that must follow, and though it
was plain to be seen on every hand that
public sentiment was clearly with the
defendants, y. l.. Duncan was declar-
ed guilty and fine of $50 and costs as
sessed against him, and he ordered
committed to Jail until the fine was
paid.
The defense was ably managed by C.
w. Ellis, but the verdict had been made
up, the decree had gone forth that
conviction must be had; that some one
must suffer, that the greed for punish
ment might be satisfied, and that the
promises made might be fulfilled.
But this is not the finale of these cas-
es. We now predict, and the Law and
Order council will heed our words, that
these defendants will be finally acquit-
ted and the city required to pay the
costs.
1t is TO be- regretted that this state of
affairs exists. 1t is but the outgrowth
offanaticism, which is the synonym OF
prohibition.
The complaint against Duncan,
Vaughn IL Springer was made by Hill
lory Weidner, who in the cloak of his
office, has continually attempted to gain
favor and free whisky, by telling them
that they would not be prosecuted nor
molested. lie has taken his drinks
there, and even invited in friends, and
after imbibing, would walk out with
out paying cent. Since his appoint
ment he has continually stopped around
their place acting the part of a spy and
at thesame time industriously working
for free whisky. He is a nice specimen
to be a marshal A fine man to assume
the part of informerI But he was the
only man the council could hire to do
the dirty work necessary in carrying out
the proposed prosecutions, which our
best citizens are opposed to. Yet, be
remains in Office and, and the tax-pay-
ers must pay his salary and the costs of
the petty suits he can get started.
Heretofore the dealers in liquor paid the
salary of a respectable law officer; now
the people must pay for one who is en-
ployed because of his adaptability to
dirty work.
DO the people sanction the action of
the council in inaugurating this system
Of piliDg up costs without benefit being
derived? Do they desire that the coun-
Gil should keep a man who is distasteful
to nine-tenths of the citizens, and who
these very prohibitionists had removed
from positions he formerly held, those |
Of dnputy sheriff and deputy U. S. mar
shalI Would the people continue these |
prosecutions that only create strife, and |
discord and hard feelings among neigh
bOrs; that call citizens from their bust
ness to testify against their neighbors,
evade the questions or perjure them
selves; that compel men to divulge their
private business? To advance the COM
mercial or business interests of the
town. No. To work a reformation
that will be what the word implies, a
in society. benefit to ev-
cry class aud stay the violations of law?