The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1897-09-08
|ALL CONSTABLES TO GO.
Ia FEW WILL BE EMPLOYED TIC
WATCH THE RURAL DISTRICTS.

Ia FEW WILL BE EMPLOYED TO
WATCH THE RURAL DISTRICTS.
The Municipalities Will Be Charged With
tho Enforcement OF the DIspensary Law
After October 1-Governor Ellerb, Makes
tho Announcement.
The announcement was made by
Governor Ellerbe Thursday that the
entire constabulsry would be disband-
ed on October 1, and instead of the
state authorities employing forty or
fifty men to see that the dispensary
law is enforced, the municipalities
will be expected to enforce the law,
and have the police officers make seiz.
ures and the like.
1t is the purpose of the governor to
retain a very few men to look after
the rural districts where policeman
are unknown quantities. So, the towns
and cities all over the State are ex-
pected to rigidly enforce the law.
Whether the constabulary is to be
done away with in order that the law
may be popularized, or whether the
competition of the original package
agents preclude the authorities from
paying the salaries of the constables,
is a matter the public can best judge.
One thing is certain, the recent decis-
ion of Judge Simonton allowing the
sale of whiskey in original packages
by any individual has been severe
blow to the dispenssry law. 1t is
a puncture because competition is let
| in. 1t mas been carefully considered
by the authorities and no doubt Gov
ernor Ellerbe decided on his course in
doing away with the constabulary in
towns and cities, after mature con-
sideration.
The chief executive told of his de-
termination in an 'off.hand" way, and
what he said was:
7 On October 1, will withdraw all
constables from the towns and cities
of the state. A few men will be en-
ployed in the rural districts to en-
iorce the law because in such vici.
mites, there are no policemen. The
moonshiners in the upper part OF the
state will have to be watched and,
especially in such quarters men should
be stationed.
"The enforcement of the law in the
towns and cities will be left entirely
to the municipal authorities, and they
will be expected to enforce the provi-
sious of the law. I ask their support
and CO. operation in the matter as no
constable who is stationed in a rural
district will make any arrest or seiz
ure in town or city"
"Well, governor, suppose the town
authorities are derelict in their duty
towards the law, what thena" was
asked.
The chief executive replied by say
| ing that he was making no threats in
the matter, but that he felt that the mu-
inequalities would adhere to the law
and strictly carry out its provisions.
The governor said that policemen
would be expected to watch the rail.
road depots, and seize all contraband
stuff.
In speaking about t he cost for the
maintenance of the constabulary, Gov
ernor Ellerbe stated that last year il
cost the State $50, ,O36 66, and when the
new plan is put into operation, this
enormous expense would be practical
ly wiped out. "This expense can be
saved and the law better enforced
with the sympathy Of the towns" add
ed the governor:
II give this notice." continued the
chief executive, "of my intention to
disband the constabulary on October
1, at this time, so that the forty odd
men now on the force may seek other
employment"
The governor was questioned about
the constables who are now stationed in
Charleston, and he said every mem.
ber of the constabulary as now consti
tuted would be dismissed on October
+, and that it woulo be incumbent
upon the city authorities of Charleston
as we'll as every other city or town in
the state to thoroughly enforce the
law.
ExChief State Constable Bahr,
whose official head fell in the COVER
nor's basket several days ago, can CON
gratulate himself upon the fact that
he will not be without company on
October 1.-Register.