The weekly messenger. [volume] (St. Martinsville [i.e. St. Martinville] La.) 1886-1948, 1890-12-06
Lawlessness.

We observe that Mayor Emner has
offered a reward for information leading
10 the conviction of parties, who are i'll
the practice OF discharging fire arms
within the limits of the corporation.
We look upon this as step towards the
suppression of spirit Of lawlessness
which seems to animate few of our
young blOOds; and we accord to il, our
heartiest approval.
Already, three of these have been made
to pay heavy fines for some of the stupid
pranks. while for others more serious
and disgraccful, they have held to an
swer to the higher courts; and this. we
trust, viii, bring them to their right
senses.
As body, it is an agreeable fact. that
the people of Iberia are peace abiding;
but it cannot be denied, that there in are
our midst a few who have early forgot
ten the trainings OF home, and seem to
revel i'm playing the desperate act.
As yet, they Eave not attained in their
particular line, the eminent position of
Rube BurrOw; they are simply willing
imitatOrs, striving for efficiency.
Whether or not they will be allowed
to attain that mark, is question which
devolyps upon our people in general and
our officers in particular to determine.
1t is useless to recall in detail the ma
ture of the acts and misdoings OF these
depredatOrs and outlaws.
Within the last six months, they have
ranged frcm discharging firearms and
yelling on the streets, terrOrizing wO-
men and children, to the manning of
one. and murder of another negro, the
latter perhaps the victim Of the private
grudge of one individual; and in neither
case could the wounded or the murdered
man have been branded as an outlaw.
That each and every Offense has been
committed by identically the same per-
sons. we will not now affirm; but GER
tain it is. that the number of outlaws in
this parish is very limited, and that in
this limited circle. in the majority OF
cases, will the guilty one be found.
We say to O,lr people, and particularly
to our authorities, that it is high time
that there he drawn issue, between the
would be desperadoes, and the good peO-
pie of the parish and town. 1t is now
time to determine, which will triumph;
law and order. or Outlawry and hood
lumism, whether our people may live
and pursue their daily ayOcations In
peace and guietude, or whether they are
ever to be on the alert, against the do
ings of miscreants.
There is at stake Onr good name which
has been besmirched abroad by the deeds
of these few; there are at stake our bust.
ness interests which have been checked
by their folly; and above all, there Is al
stake the yindication of our laws, which
long since, should have crushed ont Of
existence, the efforts of those who would
inauglrate in our midst, reign OF ter
rOr.
And while our people will be active il
aiding to destroy this enemy OF public
peace and common decency, they assur
edly expect vigilance and activity on tn
part of their officers. They must be th
leaders in the crusade against hOOdlunl
ism and crime, and according to thei
conduct In ,he premises will the peopl
accord them praise or condemnation
Let them 10 what is expected OF them
and what, we doubt not, it is their in
tent to do, and the supremacy and digni
ty of lie law will be re-established.-|
Iberia Democrat.