The people's journal. (Pickens, S.C.) 1891-1903, 1896-04-02
THE LAW IS SAID TO WORK WELL.
GOVERNOR EVANS TALKS ABOUT THE
METROPOLITAN POLICE.
Columbia Register.

Me IROPOlI AN POlICE.
Columbia Register.
/ Governor Evans is usually in q good
humor, but hu seemed to be in an un-
usually good humor yesterday when q
Register reporter entered his room in
tho State House near the close OF Office
hours. Whether the smiles which
chased across his face were caused by
thoughts OF an intention to redeem his
matrimonial pledge to tho voters of tn Q
State, or by tho reception OF important
and satisfactory political news, the ro-
porter did not ascertain.
After desultory chat the CONVERSE
tion turned on Charleston, which has
hitherto been the Gibraltar OF opposi-
tion to the dispensary law.
How is the metropolitan police law
working there ?" queried tho REPORTER.
| you might know it was working
well when It's operation elicits tho
commendatlon OF such an upcomprO-
missing ana vigorous advocate of pro-
| hibition as Mrs. Sallic T.. Chaplin, the
chief apostle Of that doctrine in this
State. Your paper haJ published her
praise Of Chief Martin and his force
and their promptness aud efficiency in
enforcing the laws OF the State"
But Mrs. Chaplin is only one citi-
zon OF Charleston" said the reporter.
Have you any information as to how
the people OF that city generally regard
the metropolitan police -
| Yes" replied Governor Evans: "[
have received reliable Information that
the best elements OF Charleston's citi-
zonship arc very well pleased with tho
metropolitan police and would not go
| back to tho old system. l have re-
| ceived u nnmoer of letter from minis
hllsinpSs nthar piti
Of Charleston who commend in the
highest terms the result of the applica-
tion of the metropolitan police law to
their city.
1.-The politicians and tho old liquor
element in Charleston are unsparing
In their condemnation Of the mctropoli-
tan police, but while they make tho
most noise, | do not bclicvo they arc
moro numerous than those who believe
the new system is an improvement
upon the old one.
The police commissioners arc
young, active and successful business
men, who have tho confidence OF the
entire community. Chief Martin Is
police officer Of sterling merit, who is
absolutely fearless and perfectly i'm.
partial in the performance Of his duty.
While he takes the natural and proper
interest OF a wide-awake citizen in
pOllJlCal 6udlIS, tllo tS lcFcF uuHlnu-
ful Of the requirements of his impor
tant Office and has mover prostituted
its powers for the advancement OF par
tisan interests.
"Sincc the police iorcc has been
madG absolutely independent Of the ef
feet OF local political mutations, ito
efficiency has been wonderfully in
creased. Its members can now enforce
every law without fear or favor, with
out calculating whether their doing Of
their duty 10 likely to cost them their
position, upon holding which depends
their bread and butter.
Thep are not only putting the
screws on blind tigers but arc con-
ducting q vigorous crusade against
policy shops and other iniquitics.
The other day Chief Martin broke up
a prize aght which had been extensive
ly advertised in the Charleston papers
and which the county officials had
taken no steps to prevent. The law
abiding citizens Of Charleston were do
lighted at his prevention OF tho pro-
proceed flstic encounter.
"Au OF the jury commissioners in
Charleston now are Reformers and a
better class Of jurors are being drawn
men who will not perjure themselves
men who will give verdicts in accord
uncc with the law and evidence. even
though they do not favor the law and
evidence, even though they do not
favor the law and would vote for its
repeal. The result Of this improve
ment Of Charleston juries has beer
that several violators at the recent
term OF tho Court OF General Sessions
there and violations Of the law in that
city are on the,decrcase inconsequence
There were some very good men en-
gagged in illicit liquor selling in Char
leston. because they believed they were
backed up by the sentiment of the
community. Their eyes have been
opened and they arc dropping their
illegal business. When such men
close up their blind tigers enforce
mcnt Of the law against the remainder
will be custer. Sales in the Charleston
dispensaries arc improving which is a
sign that the d;spensary law is being
better obeycd there"
On the subject of Charleston politics
the Governor was rather non-cOmmit-
tai, that being IA delicate matter to
touch upon. lie did admit, however,
that lettcrs from his friends in Charles.
ton expressed confidence that the Re-
formers would carry that city In the
next election. Tho addition Of a slice
OF Berkeley TO Charleston has largely
added to the country vote Of that coun.
~ and the country vote is almost solid
ly Reform. In tho city the ran ks OF
the Reformers are rapidly recruiting
and they will go into the campaign
with vim aud dash. The new law
which makes it necessary for every
voter in n primary in Charleston to
produce his registration certificate
eliminates much Of the possibility OF
fraud thcr and consequently improves
the chance Of the Reformers carrying
that city. Certain is it that the leading
Reformcrs in the City by tho Sea are
cocksuro Of their ability to carry it in
the next election.
\ The Shakers have made discovery
4 which is destined to accomplish much
, lrO00. Realizing tn at three. fonr tbS Df