The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1897-08-19

REPUBLICAN LAWlESSNESS.

At this distance it looks like Collec-
tor Harkins of the Western DISTRICT, Is
proving to be true Republican IN MS
inter disregard of law or orders. Inc
Gazette, published by Jim Young is the
o,fcial organ Of the Republican party
in central and eastern North Carohna'
1t says:
Notwithstanding the civil service
bumbng. Collector Harkins is max
ing vacancies and filing them. Right
Won are. Collector! To the ylctors be-
long the spoils rules or no rules. NO
democrat in North Carolina must
exnect to be shielded by such rules,
Int must walk the plank and race
his DOOM"
Almost every day the Asheville papers
publish such items as this:
collector Harkins announces the
amendment of ex-Sheriff James ii.
White. of Madison county, to the
Mace of deputy collector attached
10 the revenue agents force, with
headouarters at Greensboro. Inc
salary is 81 200 year.
"Ex-Senator r. l.. Herbert, of
Havesville. CLAW county; Prof. J. J.
Britt. of Mitchell county, and Il. ID.
Stanford. of East Bend, Yadkin coun-
ty, have also been appointed deputy
collectors attached to the revenue
agents force; salaries Sl,0oO each'
There is a specific law against making
these appointments, and the advocates
of the civil service law have been prals-
ing Mr.. Mckinley for enforcing the
law. And yet here we see Republican
official daily violating the law and Re-
publican newspapers boldly declaring
that because they dislike the law 1T must
be disregarded.
Recently there has been a demand,
emphasized by events, that the women
of the country must be protected. They
can be protected efficiently only by law.
A rigorous enforcement of law is the
only guarantee of protection we nave.
All Iawlessness must be discouraged.
He who disregards and violates one law
with impunity violates another law when
ever the law interferes with his de-
sires. The Republican who wants Of
fee insists on the violation of one law.
His neighbor, the fend, whose desires
are sensual only, commits rape under
the same teaching. Where is the diff
ference between them?
There are two opinions about the wis
dom of the civil service law, but no
sworn officer has the right to violate the
law whether he approves it or not. If
Collector Harkins can violate the law
to pay the purchase price of Pritchard
Populists and Republicans, why cannot
any other officer violate any other law
with impunity?
Mr.. James G. Fisher, of Tryon, Polk
county, has held a position as store
keeper and gauger, for some time. he
was suspended under the charge of Sin
competency and excessive use of intoxl-
cants while on duty" OF course if the
charges were true, Mr.. Fisher would not
expect to- stay, but here is his reply to
the charges:
81. J. G. Fisher, store-keeper and
gauger Fifth District of North Carolina
do positively deny charges alleged a.
gainst me.
81. Don't drink any kind of strong
drink and have not in 10 years or more.
80. / claim that l am competent to
uerform the duties as stOre-keeper and
gauger and keep my books and distil-
lery premises in compliance of the law,
having been visited by revenue agents,
and my books were in passable condi-
ton and all marks and stamps and
brands were placed as the law pre-
scribes, and all circular letters issued
by commissioner or internal revenue
were carried out and answered prompt
ly.
"3. / am Democrat, and one of the
defeated candidates for the House OF
Representatives. / earnestly supported
for the presidency w. J. Bryan, with
Toe Adams at my back for Congress
and if you find that sufficient cause to
revoke my commission as store-keepe1
and gauger and if that is a removable
offence / feel that it is an honor tc
step down with such honors behind me
and such charges as are no reflection
on my character. and leave honor where
honor belongs"
Dollars to doughnuts it was because
Mr.. Fisher is true Bryan Democra
that he was removed and an attemp
made to ruin his character.
Lawlessness is lawlessness, whether
Harkins or Brodie is guilty Of it.