Wessington Springs herald. (Wessington Springs, Aurora County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1891, 1886-11-26

ercise. It is not a subject of contract, nor
can privileges or franchises be granted free
from its operation. The degree Of ita exer-
else must depend upon the circumstances,
and vary with the exigency which demands
the exercise of the power. Under the police
power "the welfare Of the people ie indeed
the supreme law" subject only to such linn
itations as the people have imposed by con-
stltutiOnal provision ON their law-mahine
representatives.
A great revival Of law seems to have
dawned and to be spreading like the light OF
new day over ali the land. Under this re-
vival government should rise to new 1igni-
ties and achievements. 1t should protect
society with strong hand against tie evils
that assault it. And as it confines or puts
to death an individual who willfully violates
the law, it should, with equal Justice, re-
strain or suppress every tlattic Or organixa
ton that deties its authority or proves an
tagonistic to the general welfare.
Whatever breeds corruption or fosters
crime, whatever promotes disorder or pro-
duces woe, should be removed. Ii the
liquor traffic would be protected and hon
ored, let 1t prove to the American people
that it is consistent with industry, virtne,
peace, prosperity, political purity, and pub
AAS OANSAs - ~ WoulA NO tOlSFaGEu AuA
suffered to continue, let it meekly cGeept
and obey whatever restrictions and regula-
tions the laws may impose. That is all.
But it it would be swept from the country
by whirlwind Of popular indignation be-
fore the dawn Of the twentieth century. let
it be rebellious, arrogant, and aggressive.
There are not many Prohibltionists now.
How many there will be in five or ten years
the most astnte and far-seeing politician
cannot tell. But very ordinary vote
seeker can perceive, if he will, that there
is new and rising public opinion on the
subject Of law enforcement, and that the
laws must be obeyed.
Upon the supremacy of the laws the fu-
ture OF the republic clearly depends. Be-
tween despotism of anarchy aud des-
potism of autocracy, the latter is to be
preferred thousand fold; for it may be
possible to satisfy the rapacity Of one ty-
rant, but that of a myriad is Unsuitable.
The reign OF the common people" is
possible, only as reign of law" There
is no other mode. He who makes war on
law and order makes war on the common
people. Let the voting masses ponder
these truths. great change is impending
either anarchy followed by empire and u
standing army, Or higher and grander en-
AOACcAlent NY lue pcOpAo VI Tie laws enact
ed in their name and by their authority, to
promote the general welfare. The laws
will not enforce themselves. Their enc
mics will not enforce them. They must be
enforced, if al all, by those who believe in
them. Law enforcement must not be left
to scheming political Adventures. 1t must
be intrnsted by the people to competent
and faithful hands, so upheld and support
ed that they can build for postelity, and
not merely for the passing hour.
More than four tifths of the American
people, including those of foreign birth,
as we'll as the native-b born, are deeply in
terested in the cause Of law and order.
United, they can control every department
of government, from the country school
district to the purse and sword of the na-
ton. Why do they suffer themselves to be
divided? When will they unite? In the
midst OF present perils, these are practical
questions, and under the pressure Of COM
ing events they are not likely to remain
unanswered.