Deseret evening news. [volume] (Great Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1867-1920, 1901-07-26
ACT ON THAT PETITION,

The right OF petition Is recognized
throughout the United States. II Is
constitutional guaranty. In every de-
partment Of local or national govern
ment II should be duly respected. OF
course every petition, no matter how
numerously 1t may be supported, can
not be always complied with. That is
understood. But respectful request
from citizens, OF whatever station in
life. should receive fair consideration
and some definite action on the part Of
the authorities or officers to whom It
Is addressed.
Some time ago petition from an or
gsnization In this city was addressed
TO the City Council and was referred
TO a committee. There has been am
pie time for It's examination and for
something definite to be done with t.
But so far, It appears TO have been
put TO sleep. or pigeon holed, or pushed
aside as thing OF no moment IT
was not Il private matter II was of
public concern. II urged upon the city
authorities the enforcement Of the city
ordinances which forbid the sale of
liquor on Sundays, It's sale to minors
at any time, and those which prohibit
gambling and other vices
1t IL a reproach to che officials OF
this city that there was any need Of
such request from gentlemen repre-
senting the supporters Of law and or
der. II was declaration that the OFF, |
GERS entrusted with the execution Of
the law were in neglect Of their sworn |
and solemn duty. The manner in |
which this petition has been neglected
apparently ignored, indicates that the |
committee to which II was referred are |
as Indifferent as the executive officers,
as TO the enforcement of the or
dinances which are openly and defiant
~ violated. Possibly something win
yet be done In response to the request
OF the signers OF the document. who
represent the sentiments OF a majority
Of the people OF this city.
II was supposed that member OF
the city Council, in whose hands the
petition was placed, was IN sympathy
with the movement for the yindicatlon
Of the law. We shall not entertain a
different opinion from this until II be-
comes certain that the petitioners
were In this respect mistaken There
may be reasons why no step has been
taken toward the settlement OF the
question involved. II has been pub
ished that the whole matter has been
'smothered." II will be seen. however,
n good time, that this is a subject Of
more than common Importance, and
hat II viii be heard from again in
manner that VIII demonstrate its vital
~ and show that 1t cannot be choked
q death In that fashion.
IL has been intimated several times
hat the city ordinances in reference TO
hese evils was never intended to be
That is totally untrue
They have been executed az different
lines, as rigidly as possible and as
completely as most enactments are usu-
lily carried out, The assertion Is a
ibel on the Legislature Of Utah and
he City Council OF Salt Lake. II is
election on their intelligence and on
heir honesty, II may be Impossible to
nforce this legislation completely
here VIII be- law breakers In every or
mary community. Perfection is not
xpeoted, either in town or country, but
has been demonstrated beyond fair
ispute that both the laws Of the state
nd the ordinances OF several cities to
he same effect. can be enforced and
he will Of the great majority Of the in
abitants be respected and carried into
fleet.
In any event the petition to which We
ave referred must be acted upon in
ome way. II should be either returned
, the City Council with recommended
ons that its request be compiled with.
! be reported upon in such a way. that
ne public may learn that the members
the committee are in sympathy with
unday liquor-selling, gambling aud
Their species Of lawlessness. Gentle
zen. we expect you TO do something
nh the document respectfully submit.
a for your consideration.