The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1897-08-07
TEMPTING THE YOUNG.
Liquor Laws Broken and Nothing
Done to Remedy the Evil.

Pawtucket, Aug. 7.-Several of the local
clergymen within the past few days have ex-
pressed themselves clearly as to their views
on the non-enforcement OF the liquor and
other laws in tins city. Some Of them were
candid and did not hesitate to answer the
questions asked by the reporter, and had IL
not been that many clergymen are out of
town many more would have expressed them
selves strongly against the loose manner in
which the officers perform their duty.
1t is rarely that n Catholic priest will al
low himself to be interviewed upon public
matters, because they keep aloof from public
affairs as far as will be consistent with their
duty as priests. But il appears that in the
present situation The News is meeting with
the favor of the Catholic priesthood. as the
following interview with Rev. II. II. Kin
nerney, rector of st. JOsephs church, will
show:
"As far as my personal knowledge goes, II do
not know for n fact whether the LIQUOR laws
are broken, or that there are disorderly houses
In this city either. l only do know that /
hear of stories that would lead one to believe
that the laws in this city not enforced"
''The statements published in The News re.
garding the laxity of the police can be backed
up" said the reporter.
II don't doubt it, said tho priest. 'I have
an idea that the drug stores are far from OBJ
serving the law. nor can understand how IL
IL that the authorities do not take some action
in the matter. 1 must say that The News has
undertaken "A worthy work in trying to sup
press the breaking Of the liquor law and TO ex-
pose places of vice."
That Father Kinnerney could have expressed
himself more clearly and emphatically there
Is no doubt, .ut the discipline Of the church
is such that minister of that denomination
has to he extremely guarded in what state
ments he makes for publication Father
Kinnerney has been a priest continuously in
PAwtuckot for "a years, and no doubt has had
ample opportunity during that time TO learn
directly OF the numerous places of temptation
which beset young people In this ,ity.
Arthur L. Stratton, tho general secretary
OF the Young Mems Christian Association was
al 80 interviewed by the reporter. Mr.. STRAIT
ton said II only know by hearsay that the
liquor law IL broken, but am satisfied that
| 10 IL violated" F"
what remedy would you suggest 10 enforce
| the law Y' he was then asked.
II do not know exactly, but 10 seems to me
that the officers could be compelled TO per
| form their duty"
How would you accomplish thatr
81 cannot say"
Another gentleman was seen by the re-
porter. but he asked FOR some time TO give
the matter due consideration before he nj.
lowed the use OF his namo. He. however,
said he is certain the laws are broken. but
that this l. the fault Of the people in allowing
such condition % affairs He was of tho
opinion that there would he NO enforcement Of
the liauor laws. suppression Of the disor.
DERBY houses. until the people took the govern.
inent % the city into their own hands. in
place Of allowing corrupt political machines
1 TO have all the power.