St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1893-12-05

KANSAS CITY. Dec A special to
the Times from Topeka, Kan, says:
One of the most remarkable circulars
ever issued by the executive of any
state was sent out BY Gov. Lewelling
today. The letter is addressed to all
boards of police commissioners in Kan
sas, and practically renders nugatorv all
vagrant laws. After reciting the hard
ships of the poor IN olden times, speaking
specially of the reign OF Elizabeth, and
in France just previous to the reVolu-
ton, the governor reviews the present
condition of affairs among the poorer
classes in the country. He scores the
laws now Oh the statute books, which
call the man out of work and penniless
confidence man." Speaking of the
vagrancy law of Kansas, he says:
ut separates men INTO two distinct
classes, different as those who are PEN
niless and those who are not, and de-
clares the former criminals. Only the
latter are entitled TO the liberty guar
anteed by the constitution. To be found
in city without visible means of sup
involuntary condition of some millions
at this moment, and under the law we
proceed
TO PUNISH THEM
for being victims to conditions which
we as people have forced upon them"
The circular then continues as fol-
lows: Il have noticed in police court
reports that sleeping in box ear is
among the varieties of this heinous
crime of being poor. Some police judges
have usurped a soyereign's power. not
permitted the highest function of the
| states, or of the nation, and victims OF
industrial conditions have been per
emptorily ordered to leave town.
'The right to go freely from place to
place in search of employment, or even
IN obedience of mere whim. is part OF
that personal liberty guaranteed by the
constitution of the United States tC
every human being on American soil
! Even voluntary idleness is no
forbidden. If Diogenes prefer
| poverty. if Columbus choose
| hunger and the discovery of newFa
| rather than seek personal comfort by
1 -,
l am aware of no power in the legis
lature. or in the city councils to deny
him the right to seek happiness in hi
own way, as long as he harms no othe
person.
IF men commit offenses, let them b,
| arrested and punished. whether rich o
/ poor; but let simple poverty cease to b.
| a crime"
In some cities it is provided by ordi
nance that If police court fiues are no
paid or secured, the culprit' shall b,
| compelled to work out the amount as
municipal slave; and rock piles ant
.bullpens' are provided for the enforce
ment OF these ordinances. And so i
I appears that this slavery is not imposed
as punishment. but solely as mean
of collecting a debt.
'Such city ordinances are in f1agran
violation of constitutional prohibitions
| The'rock pile and the bull PEN shoult
never have been used in degrading III
friendiess and poor. Let these twill
relics of the departed auction block er
cease 10 disgrace the cities OF Kansas
And let the dawn of Christmas da,
see the rock pile and the bull PEN ant
the crime or being homeless and poo
obsolete in all the cities OF Kansas gov
erned by the metropolitan police act.
1T is confidently expected that thel
own regard or constitutional liberty ant
their humane impulses will induce DC
lice commissioners to carry out tn
spirit as well as the letter of the fore
going suggestions