The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1902-05-05
OPEN CAMPAIGN.
Ministerial Union Urges Supper t
of Independent Candidate.

The committee on public morals of
the Topeka Ministerial union is advo-
eating a campaign for the election on
an independent ticket of candidates for
county attorney and sheriff who have
convictions in the matter of prohibition
and who will enforce law. At the
meeting this morning the committee
made a second report to the members
of the union.
The report follows:
Your committee on public morals
again calls the attention of the union
and of the general public to the fact
that our laws in regard to proh1bII1On
of the sale of liquor and the use of
gambling devices are not being en-
forced by our city and county officials.
We emphasize the statement made in
our last report, that, SO far as these
laws are concerned, our officials are
openly defying the expressed viii OF the
people, and there is not any excuse
whatever to be offered for them. AS
in every report the committee mas pre-
scented to the union, we make no ap-
peal to these officers to enforce the law.
We do not have any faith in their SIN
certify or in their intentions, and our
lack of faith is based on the facts IN
the case. Even if show of enforce
ment were made, we feel confident it
would be under compulsiOn or for the
sake of policy or momentary binding
of the people. We have been deceived
too often not to have learned some
things by experience We believe the
only officers who will ever enforce our
laws are those men who either have
convictions of their own, or who have
a genuine reverence for law and a love
for their fellow men. Your committee
offers a remedy for the present cOndI-
ton of affairs in the election Of men
to take the place of those who have
been false to their oaths Of office. and we
are confident that if the people whose
homes and business interests are most
v4rfx
elect on an independent ticket a county
attorney and a sheriff who will DO
their duty. The names of these candi-
dates will be announced in due time.
We also, as before, urge the people to
get together, and even at this time
make preparation for the election of
mayor at our next city election
Your committee is very positive in its
belief that the people will not endure
the present lawlessness on the part of
its officials. our committee empha-
sizes again the fact that under the
present lawless reign our homes are in
danger. The spirit Of gambling is rap
idly being fOStered IN our children, and
the consequences will be far-reaching
in their serious effects upon the after
life of the youth of this city. The rem
edy lies in our own hands. It consists
/ in the union of all good citizens, re-
| gardless of partisan faith or creed. in
| the election of an Independent candidate
/ for county attorney, for sheriff. and
/ for mayor and other city officers. This
/ plan we place before the people with
/ confidence that they will ACKNOWLEDGES
the seriousness of the present situation,
and act unitedly for the safety of our
homes. our business interests, and for
the good name of the city and its in
fluenee throughout the state.
BY the committee.
CHARLES NJ SHELDON.
Chairman,
"a NJ REYNOLDS.
u. T. M'FARLAND."