The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1897-05-08
A MIGHTY MEETING.
4. L. Williams and Ex-senator
PETER Sound a Popular Note
At the Great Law and Order
Mass Meeting
Last Night-Major Hudson and Dr.
Embree Justly Censure the
Negligent Voter.


Negligent Voter.
All doubt as to the attitude of the
people OF Topeka upon the question
OF enforcing the prohibitory law, II
any such doubt has existed, was re-
moved last night by a great law and
order rally at Hamilton hall In re
Spouse to the demand that the saloon
be driven from Topeka, there was an
outpouring of temperance people Wnlch
has not been equalled in years
sentiment in favor of enforcing law
ran high and the officers VINO are re-
sponstble for the present dlsSrace1uI
conditions In the city and state. We're
vigorously denounced. Republicans
and PcpuliSts, among the aDlest men IN
the state arraigned their own parties
and demanded re-dedication Of the
people as we'll as the politicians 10 The
law The vigor of the meeting was di-
Uected towards a denunciatiOn of the
police commissioners, County Attorney
Jetmore Gov Ieedy. eX-Cfov. Morrill,,
LeWelling and other officers who are IN
any manner charged with the RESPONSE
bility or have been in a position to Sc
cure the enforcement OF the law
The attack upon the county attorney
was bitter and scathing and provoked
from Mr.. JetmOre's friends a demand
that he speak. Following his remarks
occurred what mOmentarily looked like
q disturbance Of no small proportions,
but fortuna ely was avoided
a crowd of saloon sympa thizers. hud-
died a the top of the stairs. al frequent
intervals during the meeting demanded
that Mr.. JetmOre be called out
Every cutlery made by this band of
disturbers injured Mr.. JetmOres repu-
tatiOn. 1t was a case of deliver me
from my friends
The county attorney was discovered
In the audience by Mr.. TrOutman, and
invited to speak. He fastened 10 the
platform and proceeded TO defend him
self
He said: st am not surprised at the
size of this audience. Whenever a
meeting is called in the interest of law
and order, all good citizens should be
there 1 believe in the enforcement OF
all laWs-the prOhibitory law not eX-
copied. However, the county attorney
is not the police officer, nor Is il the
duty Of the county attorney TO 90 out
ana work up these cases. Some gentle
men. not long since. called at my Office
and told me that they had worked up
TWO or three cases and asked me to
make prosecutions 1 asked them who
would swear to the complaint. They
insisted that I do 50. but 1 declined,
because did not know the facts They
continued IN their demands. saying that
I could swear to the complaint on infor-
nation and belief. I submit the propo-
sitiOn that I cannot Go this. I have not
failed 10 do my duty. and I defy any
man to prove the contrary
Mr. Jetmore then read the decision Of
case Of the State Ts. NcManus, to prove
his assertion that ii is not the duty Of
the county attorney to go out and col
lect evidence against Violators OF the
law
That decision holds that the county
attorney cannot file a complaint un-
less ne has personal and positive kuowl-
edge of the information therein contain
ed.
I asked my lawyer friends" he said.
who brought the cases to my atten-
~n 70 % Tot h
declined, saying it would hurt their
business. What do You think Of that2
Men employed by the state temperance
union afraid to swear TO q complaint,
because it might injure their D1sinessl
With the exception of two persons who
brought suits for spite, as it was after
wards developed, not single citizen
mas asked me to proceed against viO-
latOrs Of the prOhibitOry law upon COM
plants to which they would subscribe.
A few days ago when men We're taken
into place on Kansas avenue and
shown the violation Of the law which
was going on, they were afraid to come
to my Office and swear to a comDla int.
They knew would prosecute if they
did so
Some men have been going around
saying that I have failed to do my duty.
When they do this, they lie, and they
know they lie"
At this declaration the crowd over by
the door gave vent to prolonged cheer
ing. as Mr.. JetmOre retired.
MI IEOuIfna0 SAID. Il snail not be
guilty OF the discourtesy of inviting a
gentleman to This platform and then
engaging IN a controversy with him but
50 far as have been able to observe.
fHe vOciferous applause which has been
accorded AR. Jetmore comes from a
crowd Of men who seem to be headed
by General NicOdemus ChIles."
The audience broke into a furore of
applause; men jumped up in their seats
and cheered; women waved their hand
EerchiefS and the meeting was in Il
hubbub. Emerging from the crowd in
the corner hat in hand, swinging his
arms in great excitement Chiles started
on a run 10 the platform. While every
one ceased their demonstrations and
gazed in some anxiety at the coIored
citizen who was moved to wrath. Mr..
TrOutman stood with folded arms
watching the crowd but did nor appear
TO notice the advancing cOlOred Repub-
lican politician.
Chiles asCended the stems. reached the
stage and was about to begin a speech
Wnsn Mr. Troutman turned took him
gently by the arm, turned his face
towards the steps by which he ascend
ed and said.
Mt Ehlles, you cannot speak here.
You viii please retire
Shlles looked indignant and attempt
ed 10 make himself heard. Betwaen
the cheers Of his own followers and the