The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-01-20


WHEN the Journal began its work on the
police board the intention was, if possible, to
effect something for the public good but we
confess that we scarcely expected so sudden
and complete tumbling as'has occurred. Al
most at the first shot Mr. Malott felt that he
could no longer continue member and retain
his self-respect, and at once resigned;
and now Mr.. John p. Frenzel follows
suit, because, as he frankly announces, he
cannot consistently support policy that looks
to the enforcement of the law against the sa-
looms. Mr.. Murphy is to be congratulated
upon his prompt and seemingly hearty acqui-
escence with Mr. Morrison in a cessation Of
the shameful course hitherto pursued, and for
an attempt, at least, to see whether the liquor
sellers cannot be made to observe the provis-
ions Of the statute which they themselves,
by their paid attorney drew up for the regu-
ation of their business. We have been i'm
pressed that Mr.. Murphy would be found Oh
the side of law and order if he were sure
of support and the moment that Mr..
Morrison proposed to take such stand, he at
once assumed the offensive against Mr.. Fren-
eel, whose domination has been heretofore I'M
challenged Mr. FrenzePs resignation is not
so strange under the circumstances, but
the reason he alleges is surprising.
II L.
was opposed to the enforcement of
the law as it stands, and peremptorily lays
down his Office the instant the majority of the
board determine to respect their oaths and do
their duty. It is said that efforts are making
to induce Mr. Frenzel 'to withdraw his resig-
nation" How, pleased Mr.. Frenzel has re-
signed! He has laid down his Office. There
is no provision for the acceptance
of resignation. A man cannot be
compelled to serve in public Office unless he
wants to. He can relinquish a public en-
ployment at WILL but he cannot resume it at
pleasure Mr.. Frenzels resignation was not
to take effect at some time in the future.
His resignation was complete when he filed it
with the authority whence he received the
Office He cannot withdraw it. He is no longer
police commissioner If the Democratic party
willing to again take an oath to enforce the
laws and then use his official influence TO vio-
late them, he can be reelected; but that is
the only waF we see by which the friend
of the liquor dealing law-breakers can again
put himself in position where he can attempt
to shield them in their lawlessness.
The new departure of the police board will
be watched with interest 1t will be supported
by the best sentiment of the people, a large
majority of whom deeply DESTROYS of the
enforcement of the reasonable regulations for
the conduct of public saloons. If it is an earn
est and sincere attempt and we have no rea-
son to question it in advance,
there can be no doubt of its success. If the
patrolmen are instructed to 60 around and
tell saloon-keepers that they must stop bust
ness at II o'clock at night and must not sell
liquor on Sundays and on legal holidays, and
they are told with determination, the saloon
men will obey the law. We submit that it
will be much better business for the police
men to do this than it was when they
were detailed to go around and inform saloon
lists that they could sell until IL o'clock, and
could keep their back doors open on inter-
dictcd days. This they did when the 'higher
law was inaugurated and when "Frenzelism'
was supreme in the police board.