The Iola register. [volume] (Iola, Allen County, Kansas) 1875-1902, 1889-01-18

these results. and the LegisIssure should, q
Its present session. provide such . law
TEMPERANCE LAWS
There Is no longer any issue or controversy IN
Kansas concerning the results and benehcence
OF our temperance laws. Except in few larger
cities, all hostility to them has disappeared
For six years at four exciting general elections,
the questions involved In the abolition of the
saloon were disturbing and prominent issues.
but at the election held in N vember last this
subject was rarely mentioned by partisan
speakers or newspapers. Public opinion, il is
plainly apparent, has undergone marked
change. and there are now very few citizens of
Kansas who would be willing TO return to the
old order of things
The change Of sentiment on This question Is
well grounded and natural Nobobserving and
intelligent citizen has failed to note the benef-
eEt results already attained. Fully nine
tenths OF the drinking and drunkenness preya-
lent In Kansas eight years ago have been abol-
ished: and affirm, with earnestness and en-
phasis. that this State is to-day the most tenn
perate, orderly, sober community Of people in
the civilized world. The abolition OF the sa-
loon has not only promoted the personal hap
piness and general prosperity Of our citizens,
but it has enormously diminished crime; has
filled thousands OF homes where vice and want
and wretchedness once prevailed with peace,
plenty and contentment; and has materially
increased the trade and business of those
engaged in the sale Of useful and wholesome
articles of merchandise. Notwithstanding the
fact that the population of the State is steadily
increasing. the number of criminals confined
IN our penitentiary is steadily decreasing.
Many OF our jails are empty, and all show
marked falling of in the number of prisoners
confined The dockets OF our courts are no
longer burdened with long lists OF criminal
cases. In the capital district containing q
population OF nearly 5000, not a single crimi.
nal case was on the docket when the presenM
term began. The business of the police courts
OF our larger cities has dwindled to Fourth
OF its former proportions, while in cities of tho
second and third class the occupation OF police
authorities Is practically gone. These sug-
gestive and convincing facts appeal alike to
the reason and the conscience OF the people.
They have reconciled those who doubted thu,
success and silenced those who opposed thu
policy OF prohibiting the liquor traffic
The laws now on our statute books. touching
this question. need few. If any. amendments
Fairly and honestly enforced they make it
practically impossible for any person to sell in
toxicating liquors, as a beverage. in any Kansas
town or city. What is needed, therefore. is not
more rigorous laws, but systematic and
sincere enforcement Of the laws We have. The
one addition I would suggest, is law pro-
viding for the swift and certain removal and
punishment OF county attorneys, sherins and
other local judicial Officers who fail or neglect
to discharge their official duties as directed by
law. The Attorney General should be empow
cred to commence either in the district or Su-
preme courts, proceedings in custer against
any county attorney, sheriff or other local
pc ace officer, who neglects or refuses to DO his
duty in enforcing the laws prohibiting the sale
OF intoxicating liquors; and proof that Joints
or other places where Intoxicating liquors are
illegally sold, have been permitted to exist
within the jurisdiction Of such officers should
be made just and sufficient ground for their re-
moval from office. With such a law to stimu-
late them local officers would do their whole
duty, and wherever and whenever they do this,
the illegal traffic in intoxicating liquors can and
will be suppressed.
Your attention is directed, in this connection.
to the very full and comprehensive report of
the Attorney General, whose knowledge of the
working and results of our temperance laws 10
drawn from practical experience, and whose
zeal. energy and courage in enforcing all laws
has been conspicuously illustrated during his
official terms.
FORT RILEY MILITARY RESERVATION.
The Secretary OF War has, by letter. re-
quested that an act be passed ceding to tho
United States jurisdiction over the territory
included within the limits Of the Fort Riley
military reservation. The State ceded such
jurisdiction years ago over the military reser-
vations at Forts Leavenworth and Hays. The
General Government is now making extensive
at Fort Riley, with a view to
1t as school of instruction for cavalry
and artillery.
RENEWED RECOMMENDATIONS.
/ renew the recommendations embodied in
previous messages, urging q revision OF the
ntys ra1n f,ney 10 Inc, Ito h;p,tr,,