The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1893-01-08

more Republicans Joined with the DEM
0cratic party in the support or
Governor Robinson upon platform an
tagonistic 20 Prohibition, with the result
that the Republican state ticket was
elected excepting the candidate for at
torney general, Populist candidate for
that Office General Ives. having been
elected by a majority OF about 10000.
The significance of this result is in the
fact that the statutes passed IN aid OF
the Pr0hibitory law reposed IN the al
toruey general, aud not In the governor,
the power to appoint assistants, prose
cute proceedings to Dust UntalthiuI
county attorneys. and charge him es-
pecislly with the duty of seeing that
the law was faithfully executed. White
General Ives was elected in opposition TO
the policy of the Republican party upon
this question. yet bear willing testimony
10 the fact that he has ably aud diligently
discharged the duties of his office. The
enforcement of the criminal laws, and es-
pecially of the prohibitory law, after all.
rests and depends almost wholly upon the
county attorneys chosen by the people 10
the 100 counties in the state. Ii the people
elect public prosecutors who are not IN
sympathy with the law, 1t Is hardly reaS
enable to expect that state ofhcer,
whether attorney general or governor. can
step into the breach and enforce the law,
however faithful or earnest be may be.
"Whe I entered upon the duties of the
Office of governor [ was and still am in
hearty sympathy with the prohlbltory
law aud its enforcement. | am today, Ms l
always have been, opposed to the saloon
I am also confident that in
this express the sentiment of a majority
of the voters of the state whenever the
question shall be submitted TO them upon
its merits, free from political compllca-
tions.
MY experience generally in this matter
has illustrated the unfortunate tendency
of many well meaning people TO critIcise,
prejudice and condemn public ottlclal
regardless OF the facts and potwIthstano-
ing his most diligent effort TO perform his
duty. Third party prohibition statesmen
have had much to say against me on the
subject of Dardons in the cases OF persons
con victed of violating the proh1bltory law,
indulgiug in false statements and with an
utter disregard of facts and circumstances.
| have granted very few pardons in such
cases. | have committed sentences as TO
the fines imposed in a good many, after
due notice and on showing that the
PARTIES were absolutely impecun-
ions and unable to pay; that
their families were dependent and suffer
ing aud in many cases being supported at
the public expense. rms has reSuiteu
from legislation which these over-smart
ing into office the power TO grant this re-
lief rested with the county commissioners,
and was being constantly exercised Dy
them in the 106 counties of the state The
legislature chosen with me IN 1888 took
this power from the county com mlssioners
in liuuor cases, which resulted IN Hoodlng
the executive office with applications Tor
communications as TO the fine. the governor
being the only one having the necessary
power. The fault-finding people referred
to are continually speaking OF my
administration in this respect In
connection with former administers
ations, although the slightest meas
ure of intelligence and honesty only
is necessary TO see that there Is absolutely
no basis OF comparison. Attorney GsneraI
Kellogg. whose fidelity to prohibition was
never questioned, aud who was justly adj
mired MS fearless and able attorney gem
eral, thoroughly understood aud apprecl-
ated the increased difficulties ana emoar-
easements spoken OF growing out OF the
change in the law in the early days OF my
administration.
"Alluding to the matter of police COM
missiouers, while | do not deem IL Wise TO
dishand the board in the several cities OF
the first class for reasons stated, have
been informed that in several Instances
they contemplate rendering their reslgnd-
tions voluntarily. OF course. in such
event, happening in the very last days oi
nv term, | should probably not feel III
clined To make new appointments, Tor rea-
sons which must he too obvious TO require
tata here y