The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1895-08-09

TAEEY AND CRITICISM.

The city of Wichita has commanded
the admiration Of the people of the entire
state, and thousands of visitors from
other states who have praised its enter
prise and commercial energy. The Eagle
has been ever since the town was a mere
village its stalwart defender and advo-
cate. We have always admired Marsh
MurdockS LOYALTY TO his state and his
town. He has given the best years of his
life to the ernest effort of making the
Peerless Princess a great city. His I'M
selfish devotion to the interests of that
community entitle him to a great marble
shaft for his services. His paper has
been power that has done more to build
the splendid city Of Wichita than all other
influences combined. This much is honest
~ due Marsh Murdoch and his great paper
and we never hesitate in public or private
to give 10 him this mood OF praise, be-
cause il is just.
While all this is due Marsh Murdoch he
sometimes, in spite of his recognized abil-
ity as an editor, makes bad breaks. His
present attitude toward law breaking in
his own community can not be argued
away or explained. nor will the silly
filings at Topeka add to the strength of
his position. The question between the
Capital and the Eagle Is not a new one.
1t is not personal as between the editors,
nor is 1t personal between the cities. The
Capital has since il was born in 1879. some
fifteen years ago. advocated the enforce
ment Of the prohibitory law, because ii
was the only rational method of dealing
with the saloon. Upon this proposition
the Capital never wavered nor funked for
an hour or a day. The Eagle has not seen
this question as we have. A paper be-
comes the rallying point for sentiment. 1t
u
what the colorbearer is to a regiment. IL
is the position of great test danger, and
much depends upon the color being brave
" carried. We believe there is a popula-
ton of much the same character in Wich-
tia as in Topeka, and If the Eagle had
been a staunch defender of the prohihi-
tory law, as the Capital has been, IL would
not today publish long editorials 10 prove
that there was neither more lawlessness
nor more anarchy in Wichita than in other
cities. The Eagle has only its own course
upon this question 10 blame for the criti-
cisms it has drawn upon itself and the
city government OF its town. Calling
names or whining or foolish buster will
not convince the people OF the state that
the Eagle is right.
Under our present prohibitory law no
city can have a revenue from the saloons
or joints without being a law breaker.
Topeka has proven that a revenue from
saloons. gambling deBs and bawdy houses
IS not necessary TO pay the legitimate ex-
penses Of city government. The people
Of Kansas have a right TO be proud of
such a city for the capital OF the state.
Its churches, Its libraries. its colleges, it
fine public schools. all indicate the high
est and best civilization OF the time. The
Capital has 10 wish TO quarrel with the
Eagle. but upon the great principles In
VOWED in the controversy. the Eagle loses
sight OF the patriotic duty OF the press
and the people demand the enforcement
OF all laws on the statute book ard TO al
Tocate- the abolition OF the saloons be
cause they breed poverty and crirne.-To-
peka Capital.