The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1902-01-20
DR.. Parkhurst's Busy Winter.

DR.. Parl&hursts Busy Winter.
Jan. 2o.-Dr Parkhurst was asked what his
society would do If the excise law was not
enforced on Sunday in the future, and what
opportunity would be given to Mayor Low to
see that the law is enforced, before the
society did something.
'The society never makes known in ad-
vance what it intends to do said DR.. Park
hurst 1.-The conclusion can be drawn, how
ever, that the society will demonstrate con-
vincingly that the law Is not enforced
Referring to letter sent to Mayor Low by
his society, DR.. Parkhurst said:
1.-THE society had only one idea in send
ing that letter and that, was TO call attention
to the non enforcement Of the Sunday excise
law The matter has been under considora-
ton and it was decided at called meeting to
send the letter.
81 am very sorry for Mayor Low. The So
ciety appreciates the fact that he is ir an
awkward position. But that has nothing to
do with his moral obligations to enforce the
law. The present situation is disgrace1ui'
an abomination; utterly demoralizing and de-
grading Certain temperance people, sucn as
the Temperance Aid society, and certain
church people, seem to think all that Is
necessary Is to get an excise law on the
statute books. How much would these people
give in dollars and cents to see that the
law is enforced? They may have an OPP
pOrCunlty IN (Qe near Aulule W sAoW just
what they would give.
II don't believe that the Sunday law we
have now can be enforced. The law was
tested by Roosevelt. II l remember right we
had three dry Sundays. What was the re-
suit? The entire police force was concen-
trated on this one law and all of the other
laws went by the board.
"There is no such thing as liberal Sum
day under the present law. Mayor Low has
he 10 hot 10
shall be obeyed ard what laws may be broken
with impunty. You have just as much right
to decide what laws you will obey and the
laws you will not obey. One law is as bind
ing as another.
''If Mr.. Low endeavored in straightfor-
ward and manly way to enforce the exercise
law and failed, as I believe he would, he
would at least be commended for doing his
duty. according to his oath of Office. know
that his friend (here DR.. Parkhurst winked)
District Attorney Jerome, will keep him in
| formed as to how the law is enforced by the
| police. When 1t is demonstrated to Mayor
Low and the public that the law cannot be
enforced, then the mayor and the people OF
this city will be in a position to urge this
object lesson on the legislature to obtain
law which will be respected and obeyed.
Mayor Lows administration is now weeks
old In quiet, respectable and polite way
things are going back to the very same con-
dition that made blackmai and corruption
possible under the old administration This,
Of course, is purely relative to excise
st have been criticized and accused OF
being in sympathy with the saioonkeeper. l
am not. I don't consider the saloon poor
mans club I have been in saloons and I
know that they are nothing but swi!ling
nlaces. The. society is an incorporated body
for the prevention of crime and must act
| when the conditions warrant 1t. There is no
distinction between side door and front
door so far as crime is concerned.