The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1901-05-02
DOORS LOCKED.
The Kansas Law Enforcement
League Begins Business.
Meeting Held to Complete the
Organization.
REPORTERS BARRED.
One Who is Present Politely
Escorted to the Door.
Sessions to Be Conducted With
Extreme Secrecy.
REPORTERS BARRED.

"A meeting was held last evening at
the G. A. r. post hall at Ill East Seventh
street to permanently organize the
Grand Chapter Of the Law Enforcement
League of Kansas A State Journal
reporter was at the meeting but was
compelled to leave.
The law enforcement league is to be
thoroughly organized by the establish
ment in every city or town or hamlet
within the borders Of the state of kan
sas, of a local chapter of the Grand
order Of the Law Enforcement league
It is planned that the effects of the
league will be more far-reaching than
anything ever before attempted in kan
sas. The Law Enforcement League grew
out Of the recent excitement in Topeka
incident to the saloon smashing by Mrs
Carrie Nation. The women first formed
the organization Of Home Defenders un-
der the direction of Mrs. Nation after
which the auxiliary lodge was formed
among the men sympathizers to the
cause champiOned by Mrs. Nation. Rev.
J. T. Mcfarland of the NJ. E. church was
chosen as the commander-in chief and
for three months the organization was
maintained along lines similar to that
of the government of an army.
The various brigades of the main body
were formed each with its captain or
leader. Rev. Mr.. Mcfarland was made
the commander-in-chief over all. At
ter the last raid in North Topeka when
a quantity of beer was destroyed the
organization has remained in semi-Ob-
scurity.
Plans have been formed to organize
the order in every city in the state. the
members of which Will be pledged to do
active work in the cause of temperance
The work OF the league Will be accom-
pliShed through religiO-pOlitical infiu-
enceS; or in other words the members or
the league will endeavOr to purify poll
tics, elect honest officials and promote
the interests Of prohibition through reli-
gious or other influences.
The manner of gaining a membership
in the organization is to some rather
difficult. 1t viii be necessary for the per-
son making application for membership
to sign card signifying his intention
Of doing all in his power to promote the
interests of the organization and to
pledge himself in sympathy with
the work of the league This card
OF three members of the organization in
good standing who testify to the validity
Of the pledge made by the applicant
A State Journal reporter sauntered
up the narrow stairway to the G. A. r.
Post hall last evening a few minutes be-
fore the hour set for the meeting he
gained access to the room and upon en-
tering found a dozen men in the room.
OF these one, evidently the secretary Of
the organization was seated at a table
at the far end of the room. About a
half dozen were seated in group
near the entrance and the others were
scattered over the room.
Other men came struggling in by cou-
pies and singly until perhaps two dozen
members were present. The usual time
for opening the meeting, 8 O'Clock pass
ed by on account of the small number
present and it was about $50 when the
meeting was called to order.
Finally DR.. NJ r. Mitchell approach
ed the reporter and asked his name. He
was informed Next followed the ques-
ton, Are you a member Of the organi-
zatfon2" And upon receiving a, negative
answer he Immediately inquired what
the reporters errand there was for do
you want to join the association" ne
asked. He replied that he did not ana
briefly told his business. He was then
informed that he was no more welcome
than a saloon spy and was led to the
door by the doctor.
On the way to the door 1t was ex-
planned to the reporter that the work
ings of the organization were secret and
that it was being conducted along lines
similar to any lodge and consequently
outsiders would under no circumstances
be allowed to attend one Of the sessions.