The Kinsley graphic. [volume] (Kinsley, Kan.) 1890-1940, 1892-01-08

that of any city in the west, showing
a condition of public sentiment greatly
to be desired,
Il do not wish to be understood as
saying that the county attorney can
enforce a law against public sentiment
unaided by other officials. It is well
known by county attorneys, that, If
the judge on the bench wishes to
acquit an accused person. the verdict
Will generally be mot guilty" OF If the
sheriff is regardless of Off ial homer,
many difficulties are thrown in the
attorneys way, ~ dishonest OF weak
probate judge may license saloons in
the shape OF drug stores. In Shawnee
county, IN addition to having able and
upright county officials to assist the
county attorney, we have an excellent
police SER ice which renders every
possible assistance in the enforcement
of all state laws. With this combina-
ton Of favorable circumstances, it is
now comparatively easy to enforce
any criminal law.
L call attention to this for the pur-
| pose of showing what an organized
and persistent effort on the part of a
few citizens has done in Shawnee
county, and what it may do in any
county in this state. The law is good
enough. We know of no serious
| defect. What is most needed are
officials who have regard for their
oath of Office, and q few citizens who
/ desire to see the law enforced, and are
willing TO do their part as loyal citi-
zens. For the men who thinks that
prohibition is uuwise, and uses all
| his influence to change legislation
upon tbat subject, L have the same
! respect which 1 claim for my own
views upon that subject, but for the
man who accepts a public trust, and
! then, because he disapPrOves OF the
laws made by the people. villfully
/ refuses 10 enforce them, or who enters
I into arrangements by which he, or the
| community which he represents are TO
I derive a profit from violations OF law,
no loyal citizen can entertain respect.
| It Is open rebellion against the consu-
to obey and support.
There is a ridiculous side to the
/ enforcement Of the prohibitory liquor
law growing out Of the misconception
of some people rs TO tine duties of the
county attorney. There are some PEG
pie who think that one OF the priucI pal
duties Of che county attorney Is 20 acl
as ID detective, and to go about the
dark places OF the city and for himself
to see what Is going on, and shat ths
citizen has done his ruH duty when %,
suggests to him that there may be
possibly Is, joint running in IA certain
locality ia the county. He does moi
wans ms name used. nor viii he give
you any pane which you can use; h,
wants you either TO go there yourss
and TO buy and become q witness. or u
'just jump onto them" because h'
tnInks possibly something Is wrong
about the place Not a week passe4
that do not receive one o. mor'
anonymous LISTERS informing me OF q
supposed violation of some law, I'm
giving no Data. based upon which Chs
cou-sty attorney could take any Lawful
steps An investigation OF some o
these letters convInves fne that e ma
ioTity Of them are written out e.
malice FOR the purpose OF getting ever
. with some one for a real or imaginary
oHenzr,
I'm cunclustca. / wish 10 say tina
while liis saloon business means MISERY
. and degradation TO its patrons an,
? theiE families and large increase O.
~ least thg helizeftnt crimes Of
. COMM iaiLF- TO she Euen in Cbe SAL oi