The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1904-01-24

I begins to look like public sentiment
has finally become aroused against
the pistol toters" without sufficient
law, only public sentiment can root out
this evil. Judging from the interviews
in yesterdays Age Herald, the best people
of Birmingham are wrought up to a point
where they are determined that each indi-
vidual influence Of the best type in this
community shall be exerted to do away
with the evil of concealed weapons. do
hope that every preacher, every business
man, every banker, every mechanic, and
every other man of proper thought in
Birmingham will constitute himself, in a
measure an officer of the law, and en-
deavor to break up the practice which
daily endangers the life of every man,
woman and child who must go upon the
streets of Birmingham.
The lawlessness of this town Is really
appalling. The number of people who
carry pistols must be greater in Birmng-
ham than in any other city in this coun-
try of like population. There are more
shooting affairs on the streets and in pub
lie places here than in any other city in
America 1t is almost like the western
mining towns during the fifties
hope that public sentiment will CON
tinue in its contest against the pistol
toter" until there will not be one left in
Birmingham.
I had unique letter today from one
who lived in Birmingham then in Wash
ington, and who has returned to Birming-
ham. He comments ON everything. Some
of his comments are a bit too personal
for newspaper use, but others may be
worth reproducing in type. Among other
things he says
II am glad to note that the epidemic Of
pistol-totng is on the decrease and the
resultant crime is also falling a little shy.
From the papers 1 see that you do not
have more than one murder a week now
and while this progress Is slow If we
live long enough we will see the day when
shootings and cuttings will be semi-an-
nual affairs. The cuttings are not so bad,
as visitor has a chance to see what Is
coming. The main trouble is in the shoot
ing. Two or three persons may be shot
by the pistol-toter when he is really after
another man, A friend of mine in Boston
told me last week that Birmingham was
a movement was on foot to have the good
citizens protected by wearing metallic
vests. The loss of an arm or leg is not
of so much consequence, but these people
can't afford to have their hearts and lungs
punctured while attempting to fill bust
ness engagements. Now, hope you will
take this matter up and see If the metallic
vests can't be put on sale in your es-
teemed city. I assure you this Is moth
ing like the Croft fastener that got Ma
chen in trouble in the postoffice depart
ment and there is no graft whatever on
the side.
Speaking Of CRAFTS that reminds me
OF what you people have been against for
some time. I notice that $4,000 Is the
market price OF advisers III your city. OF
course If they earn the money they are
entitled to the price, but you must be sure
and see that they earn It. Up our way
the graft is stronger, but the people don't
know much about it. The thing to do is to
keep these things out of the papers
understand you write regularly for the
papers so you might use your influence in
keeping those things quiet as it interferes