The Telegraph-courier. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1888-1946, 1889-01-31


county, but under system like that
now proposed, it might be satisfac-
tory. There is nothing definite
what action will be taken on. it by
the legislature.
Tie dens of infamy in Northern
Wisconsin :laye created a feeling oil
shame in the State that such disgrace
full condition Of society should have
been tolerated in professedly civilized
communities. Some Of the newspapers
have discredited the statements given
declaring them overdrawn representa-
tons of the true facts. 1t is possible
this may be so: accounts Of this kind
are apt to gather baseness as they travel.
Enough that is true beyond question is
known to warrant the State authorities
in promptly proceeding to apply such
corrections as the law admits. Suppose
there are exaggerations Of statement: ii
does not mitigate the unquestioned facts
that have appeared.
The W. c. 7. u, which now appears
to lie foremost in temperance and in the
work of social reform, has been active in
terreting out these haunts Of vice. For
this purpose Miss Kate Bushnell,
known as DR.. Bushnell, was employed
to investigate the alleged wrongs. The
result Of her investigations have been
givenaato the public. She has been Sc
verely criticised and charged with hav-
ing exaggerated the evils complained Of.
She spoke Wednesday evening be-
fore large audience in the Assembly
Chamber at Madison. Mr.. E. D. Coe,
Clerk of the Assembly, and editor of
the Whitewater Register, writes an ac-
count of the meeting for his paper, say
ing, DR.. Kate Bushnell made good
impression on the audience. Mr.. Coe
says: "The general opinion here at
Madison is that Miss Bushnell is sim
cere and thoroughly honest and upright
woman" The attempt to disparage
her testimony because she is woman
will probably prove failure. It's GER
tain that the legislature will take action
to abate these nuisances: number of
bills bearing on the matter have already
been introduced The legislature will
be flooded with petitions praying for the
enactment Of laws to suppress the evils
which have prevailed The W. G. T.
U. of this city, in common with
other societies Of that name in the
State, are forwarding petitions to the
legislature
But if legislative enactments for the
suppression Of evils Of any kind, or for
the promotion of the public welfare,
have no provisions to ensure their en-
forcement, they will fail of the result
desired. The chief cause of the failure
of laws for the prevention and punish
ment of crime, as well as law: for the
good of the public welfare, is that they
have no proper provisions for their en-
forcement. Laws, however wise, do not
enforce themselves: they need to be en-
forced to be Of any value. There are
good laws on our statute book for the
public welfare which are dead letter
because they are not put in execution.
Every law for the punishment of wrong
doing, which names the officer or officers
whose duty it is to see'to its execution,
should impose penalty on such officers
for neglect Of duty. If any ofice-hold-
er objects that penalties for such omis-
sions Of duty would be unjust, let him
resign and give place to some one else.
We believe the intelligent sentiment of
the people is voiced in saying there is
quite as much need of the better en-
forcement of existing laws as for the en-
actment of new laws; especially is this
true Of cities.
The Drama, Modern and Old.