St. Tammany farmer. [volume] (Covington, La.) 1874-current, 1898-01-01
Tangipahoa Troubles.

The Times-Democrat has on sev-
eral recent occasions expressed the
opinion that there can be no stop
put to the lawlessness in Tangipa-
hoa parish so long as the admins
tration of criminal affairs remains
unchanged. We have urged the re-
tirement from the bench OF Judge
Reid, not because he lacks either
honesty or capacity, but for the
reason that in our opinion and in
that OF large portion Of the best
citizens of the parish be is an OH
stacle in the way OF restoration of
peace, justice, and an era of good
feeling. l. is true that Judge Reid
does not occupy this anomalous po-
sition through any act OF his own.
but has been placed IN it by circum-
stances perhaps beyond his control.
This, however, does not affect the
conditions as they exist in 'rangipa-
hoa. 1t is enough that Mr.. Reid's
place on the bench has intensified
the feud in the parish, and he should
retire.
But the resignation of Judge
Reid, necessary as it is, will not be
sufficient to restore order. Every
one knows that he is the leader OF
one OF the political factions in the
parish, and that the murders and
eowardly assassinations that have
dlsgraced Tangipahoa are the
result Of a feud that had its origin,
or at least its nourishment, in fac
t,onsl politics. II the judge should
resign aud leave the affairs OF tue
court in the hands of members ct
the opposing faction, howcver'inno-
cent they may be of the disorders,
and however much they may de-
plore them, it is not impossible that
the faction of which the judge is re-
garded as the head might have no
confidence in the court, aud that the
situation would not be materially
improved.
The proper solution of the diff
culties is to have an entire new set
OF officials in the courthouse. Dis
trict Attorney Kemp has demon
strated his ability as prosecuting
officer, and no one doubts his in
tegrity or his desire to do his full
duty as ali official. In any other
situation than that in which he is
unfortunately placed, it would
doubtless be impossible to find .
man more fitted by reason of his
personal character and lis legal at
tainmenfs for the Office. The
Times Democrat is satisfied that
should it be made clear to Mr..
Kemp that he stands in the way OF
settlement of the deplorable diff
culties existing in Tanglpahoa, he
would not hesitate to send his reslg-
nation to the Governor. In our
opinion this is the proper course
for him to pursue, and his friends
should urge HIM to that end. Should
Mr.. Kemp resign, public opirion
would induce Judge Reid to do
likewise. Then there would be lit
tie difficulty in securing the resis-
nations OF the sheriff and his depu-
ties, and Gov. Foster could have
= free hand in making such appoint
men.s as should bring order out OF
disorder in the whilom "murdeI
ground"
Il In their efforts to restore the
good name OF their parish, the law.
abiding citizens Of Tangipahoa
should insist upon an entire change
in the personnel Of those officials
charged with the enforcement of tue
law.-Times- Democrat.
In reference to the above, we copy
the following article from the Amite
City Florida Parishes
Citizens OF Tangipahoa, we ar.
confronted by a condition. Will
you take part in the solution o.
this condition, or will you ALLOW
your citizenship to be counted Al
naught?
i These are the times which try
mems manhood. Now, gentlemen
prove your colors. DO not dodge
the issue by laying the blame OF
some one else. The condition o
affairs reflects as much TO yonl
, aiscredit as to any one else's
Learn citizenship and do your duty
Force OF circumstances have beer
added to by tue press of New Or
leans-through misconception: w
. trust; but it is to our injury, never
theless. We specify: The Times
Democrst has charged that there wal
incompeteDcy in the Sheriff's office
, that there was q courthouse ring
that there was enmity between thu
district judge and the district at
torney; the condition OF affairs
/