St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1893-10-11
MORALITY BY LEGAL FORCE

NoAEAA 1l L Is LEGAA E'CRCE.
In order to carry out the prohlbitory
legislation of a few years ago, the
courts Of Kansas have been called upon
to perform an act Of tyranny that seems
likely to cause more than transitory
sensation. AT Topeka a social club has
been III existence for many years, its
membership composed exclusively of
business and professional men. The
club frequently entertained distin-
guiShed visitors from abroad. and is eS-
peclally active in promoting business
relations with the outside world The
club has provided for the entertainment
of its members and guests in much the
same manner as other similar organiza-
lions have done, and, besides supplying
the larder with game and meats and
other delicacies of every sort, has sup
choice wines and liquors.
There has never been any secret of
the fact that liquors were kept at the
Topeka club. 1t was not in any sense a
blind Dig,"where any man might 90 to
indulge his appetite. 1t was the home
of its members, and whatever trans
pired within its doors was as much
private matter as are the affairs of any
family in the land. Nevertheless, the
fanatics at the head of the prohibition
movement resolved upon its suppress
sion. An injunction was procured re-
straining the club from purchasing,
keeping or dispensing liquors on its
premises. and the officers were sued for
violating the prohibitory law. The
house was treated as place of disor-
DERBY resort, was raided by the police.
and several members placed under ar
rest and treated as common felons. The
police justice imposed fines upon them,
but habeas corpus proceedings for their
release were instituted, and the case
removed to higher court. A decision
has just been rendered wherein the
court holds that the club mas not vio-
lated the law, and that its members are
therefore exempt from arrest or punish
ment.
This decision has created the most
intense excitement among the advo-
Gates of prohibition. They declare
their Intention of carrying the case to
the supreme court of the state; and if the
decision in that tribunal is adverse to
them. to appeal to the supreme court of
the United States. This, of course, is a
privilege to which they are legally en-
titled. But they go still further, and
declare that if neither of the higher
courts will assist them in abolishing the
Duffet at the club, they will take the
law into their own hands and forcibly
| eject 1t from their midst.
There are many principles involved in
this controversy that are of more than
local Importance. The first, and per-
maps the one of greatest consequence, is
the question of the right Of the govern
ment to interfere with the personal lib
ertleS or the citizen. If it is the prov
lnce OF the law to dictate what man
snail drink. 1t is manifestly within it's
power to prescribe what he shall eat.
ana with what manner of garment he
snail clothe himself. 1t may 90 TAR
Their, and tell the citizen what political
belief ne shall subscribe to. and what
rellglouS faith he shall embrace. If the
officers of the law have a right to enter
a social club, they have an equal right
10 invade the family circle. If they
have right to arrest a man for drink
ling champagne, they have a right to
lmprlson woman for wearing silks or
satIns. IT they have right to inter-
dict the drinking of WINE at dinner.
they can also drive corned beef and
cabbage from the bill of fare of any
| household. The inQuisition of the gov