Akron daily Democrat. [volume] (Akron, Ohio) 1892-1902, 1901-08-17
To the Editor of the Democrat:


No one shall be more ready to honor
officials who discharge their sworn
duty than l. But ofilcialism and red
tapeism are not to be commended.
And the attempt of Policeman Raleigh
to break up our Prohibition meeting
was not the first police interference
with our meetings in Akron. But it
was another evidence of the base sub
serviency of the constabulary of Amer
ican municipalities to the liquor in
terests. II this be not SO then why
are Prohibitionists singled out by them
and Disseminated against? Why are
fakirs of all sorts more highly favor
ed than we, and allowed to obstruct
the streets and sidewalks continually
and nothing said about it? And why
are streets aud crossings so contlnu-
ously obstructed by street cars? And
why are violations of the liquor laws
permitted day after day? If fakirs
are allowed for revenue, nevertheless
it is clear violation of law and every
official who is party to 1t should fine
himself 5000. And this Is what would
happen II these officials were in for
strict construction of the law; but
they are not. They make fish of one
have presumed that we were not
armed with a permit? Why did not
Officer Guillett, who fathers the order
to break up our meeting, but says he
was first told by Mr.. Raleigh that we
were obstructing the public highway
why did he not consult Mayor Doyle
to know whether he had granted us a
permit, instead Of doing as he did?
And why should Raleigh have reported
that we were obstructing travel, etc. !?
Did any ofiicious policeman stop the
great Bryan demonstration on Main
ST., when Democrats obstructed travel
on street cars and sidewalks for
hours? And because Mr. Bryan, in
changing coats, had left his permit to
hold a meeting, was he compelled to
go back to his hotel ana get it before
this guardian Of the public welfare
would let him finish his speech?
Citizens of Akron, l call you to note
well what brave and noble protectors
of your interests you have in this po-
liceman and his superior officer! You
may 90 soundly to sleep every night
feeling safe from the incursions and
depredatlons of the Prohibitionists.
They will spill the last drop of their
blood before Akron shall be carried
off by these lawless cold water people.
And according to the Beacon Journal
there Is great danger. Why to read
that Republican write-up, Qf such
driyel can be called wrlte-up) the
next day, one would suppose the Pro.
were so numerous at that
as to obstruct the whole of
the street called Market, to an extent
beyond any Mckinley conclave that
ever obstructed everything in Akron
except the saloon.
by the way, did anybody ever see
the policemen rush up to Mckinley or
Teddy and call on him to "move on
unless he had n permit to hold meet
ing ON the streets of Akron? Wouldn't
such u permit he n curiosity?
Why, dear reader, are Prohibltionists
singled out and Disseminated against L?
Mckinley and Bryan, and fakirs of all
sorts, street cars and street fair pro.
moters who pollute the very air with
their vile coochle-coochie dances and
saloons that hug the entrance to their
street scenes of 0bscenty, may OBJ
struct the sidewalks and indeed ANY
old thing" may overrun the streets OF
Akron but Prohlbltionists must stand
at the door of the city and knock be,