Deseret evening news. [volume] (Great Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1867-1920, 1902-07-08
GO AHEAD!

The action taken by the Nlty ,Vuheh
on Monday evening will meet with the
cordial appreciation of the great masses
OF the citizens Of Salt Lake, regardless
of creed or party. On motion Of Coun-
Gilman Eardley, It was resolved that the
chief Of Police be instructed to notify
ali saloon-keepers 70 close their places
OF business on Sundays, and further,
that IL the saloons are not closed on
Sundays, he be requested to explain
the reason at the next meeting OF the
city Council.
This action was rendered necessary
by the notorious and open defiance OF
the city ordinance In relation to this
matter It's continuance has been for
long time public scandal. It has
been permitted. Notwithstanding the
positive agreement entered into by the
candidates for election last November
Of both political parties that this cry
ing evil should be suppressed. Some
thing mad TO be done to maintain the
dignity Of the law and the authority Of
the civic officers. The council will be
supported In any endeavors, no matter
how strenuous. to abate the nuisance
80 generally complained Of.
II is urged by an director, volcng
doubtless the views OF the saloon ee-
ment. that the City Council has trans
cended its powers by giving direct or
ders to the Chief OF Police. 1t Is argued
that the council has no executive funo-
tons; that IL IL merely a legislative
body: and that the executive depart
ment OF the city Is the proper source
OF such directions as the council has
undertaken TO give.
II Is true that government In general
Is divided into the legislative, executive
and judicial departments, but II some
times happens, both IN national and
In local affairs. that the executive de-
partment fails or is derelIct In its duty,
and II becomes necessary for just such
action as that taken by our City Coun-
ell to press the enforcement OF its regu-
lations. This appears to be the pres-
ent situation.
Here Is city ordinance that IL con-
tinuously and fiagrantly violated In
face Of the officers and the public.
Something must be done to change this
condition Of affairs. II Is generally be-
lieved, and the News" has given ex-
preston to the belief that an order from
the Mayor and the Chief of Police, or
from either OF them, to the saloon
keepers to cease transactlng business
on Sunday, would quickly have the
effect OF closing up most II not all those
places OF resort on that day Of the
week. That not being forthcoming. It
Is the duty Of the City Council to take
steps for the enforcement OF its ordln-
ances and regulations.
Full power TO do this is conferred by
law upon that body In the act OF the |
Legislature approved March 2srd. 1901,
city councils are authorized ITO regu- |
late and prescribe the powers, duties |
and compensation OF all officers of the
city" Also ito pass all ordinances and
rules and make all regulations not re.
pugnant TO law. necessary for carrying
into effect or discharging all powers
and duties conferred by this title. and
such as shall seem necessary and prop
er to provide for the safety. and pre-
serve the health, and promote the pros
perity, improve the morals. peace,
good order comfort, and convenience Of
the city and inhabitants thereof"
1t is given power not only ito license
and regulate the manufacturing. sell
Ing. giving away or disposition in any
manner OF intoxicating liquors, but to
prohibit the same. Also to suppress the
keeping Of vile houses, gambling and
other vices. and ito declare what shall
be nuisance and to abate the same"
II is body empowered 10 enforce It's
own rules and regulations. ordinances
and resolutions. and, conformity with
the Mayor. to remove heads OF depart
ments and other officers who fail 70
perform their executive duties.
We do not think the city Council
will be deferred from pursuing its
course In relation to the Sunday sa-
loon. We believe the Chief Of Police
viii endeavor to carry out the instruc-
lions given by that body, recognizing
It's authority. We think also that the
better class OF saloon-keepers viii see
that II viii be TO their advantage to
comply with the requirement now made
and save themselves from further trou-
Die.
II they persist In defylng the state
statute and city ordinance they can be
refused a future license. Their places
u business can be declared a public
nuisance, and the City Council has full
authority under the law to "abate"
hem. They may as well understand
hat the great body OF the people are in
iarnest In this matter, and that II will
e wise on their part not TO provoke
I controversy that may end in virtual
OF their business. The
'ouncil has done right. Let It continue
4 well doingl