The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-10-17
MONTGOMERY WILL
 ENFORCE THE LAW
Crusade Against Sunday Drink
 ing and Gambling
THE PEOPLE ARE AROUSED
Everybody Takes Hand in Discussing Alleged Laxity of the Police and j. Kirk Jackson Makes
 an Open Attack
BY HERVEY w. LAIRD.


 Montgomery. October 16 = Especially The outlook for the safety of the gamb- ling promoters and sellers of whisky on Sunday in Montgomery Is not fattering just now, and II a number of the viola tors along this line do not find themselves disturbed by officers of the law soon, general impression Is very much at fault.
 It is an open secret that the grand jury Is moving every influence possible to bring about indictments against certain saloon men and one or two alleged ho- tels. It Is also well known that whatever shortcomings of the city authorities ex- ist. are to be given the benefit of official and public discussion.
 The foreman of the grand jury, now In session, sent a request to all the preach CTS of the city on yesterday asking them to urge the members of their congrega- tions to report to the jury any informa- ton that might lead to conviction of run- ming gambling places or selling whisky on Sunday. It Is known that several sa- looms sell as regularly on Sunday as any other day, but so far it has been impossi- h1e to get convictions and fines beyond those of the city recorders court
 The idea now seems to be to get first hand evidence of infractions, indict at once and bring the accused before the criminal court of the county where, it Is well understood, they will be dealt with as severely as the law will allow Judge w. H. Thomas, who presldes over this court, heard Dr. John A. Rice make the announcement of the request of the grand jury at the Court Street Methodist church today.
 Jackson Attacks Police.
 About ten days ago Alderman J. Kirk Jackson, who Is also private secretary to the governor of Alabama, made an open and very vigorous attack on the conduct of the police department in the matter of suppressing gambling and Sunday whis- ky selling. It was openly asserted by Mir. Jackson that certain places were al- lowed to run open and others closed, and that some could violate the law and es- cape, while others were punished. The remarks of MT. Jackson brought out gen eral commendation and the press of the city congratulated him, to large ex- tent, on his fearless stand. So general has been the approval that already a well defined movement has been set on foot 10 run MT. Jackson for mayor. Especially have the ladies of the city showed appre- citation of Alderman Jacksons talk, many sending him letters of appreciation.
 These influences now set in motion are but the evidences of the feeling that has grown up during the past few months demanding better observance of law In Montgomery; especially of those regula- tions that tend to make for peace and municipal purity. Several sermons urging a higher level of civil righteousness have been delivered from different pulpits, and leading citizens have expressed determI- nation to bring about better conditions. In a recent letter to a local paper pastor of one of the we'll attended churches made the statement that in certain section of the city where he con- ducted services the saloons ran wide open all day Sunday.
 Net Unusually Wicked.
 It Is not to be concluded, however. that Montgomery Is more than ordinarily a wicked city It is rather fact that the wickedness that does exist Is being at tackled to wipe 1t out There has been for some time apparent laxness on the part of the police department in certain sections, resulting In more or less severe criticism of the officials, but 1t is expect ed that with the religious condemnation of both aldermen and private citizens, these conditions are to be made better It Is quite certain, though that the mind of the public has been made up to elimi- nate the violations if there is any way to bring # about. and the recalcitrant officer whoever he may be, will have to answer at the bar of public opinion for whatever failure Is attributed to him. or those over whom he exercise control.
 Rev. Dr. o. F. Gregory, pastor of the Adams Street Baptist church. said. in a talk before the Y. M. c. A. Sunday af- ternoon that the failure to keep the law was one of the rocks on which the coun- try would fall, if 1t ever did cease to be. He pointed out the history of Rome and decadence of the empire when the citi- zens began to idle their time away in luxurious living. As the heads of fami- lies became lax In observing the laws, the children followed suit, and in the course Of time the country fell as a re- suit. The duty of every citizen to ob- serve the law and see that others keep 1t was impressed. Though nothing of the kind was anticipated, the remarks of pr. Gregory simply go to show that most everybody Is discussing the uues- ton of lawlessnes, wether in the state or the city. and every opportunity Is given public speaker to put in a word.