The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1905-04-29
THE FATHER OF MOST CRIMES.

Illegal selling and distilling of
be the father of nearly all crimes Let
moonshine still be set up in any
community, or men begin to retail il
legally, and those in charge are
ready for any other crime up to
murder and arson. Only this week
we have had an object lesson of this
in Guilford, one of the best and most
law-abiding counties III the State. A
good citizen, incensed at the unlawful
traffic in liquor in his neighborhood
took steps to have the evil suppress
ed. What was the result? He and
his family were startled from sleep
by a dynamite explosion and the
lurid glare of flames consuming his
son Of the timely explosion that the
man and his family escaped with
their lives. There is strong evidence
pointing to the guilt of three men
already bound over to court for illicit
selling. Their motive was to punish
the good man for seeking to end their
illegal business and to terrcrize the
community so that nobody would dare
to protect the people against their
nefarious business. Their prompt ar
rest and imprisonment, should be fol-
lowed by a speedy trial and severe
punishment, to the end that this bust
ness can be broken up.
A few years ago in an Eastern
destroyed and their lives placed in
Jeopardy, because they urged the pro-
secution of moonshiners. Men have
been found dead in their homes be-
cause they had given testimony
against the Illicit sale or manufacture
of intoxicants. The fear of being the
victims of these illegal debauchers
of communities silences many good
men and shortens the arm of JUS
tice. The Guilford case. aggravated
as it is. should be prosecuted vigor-
ously and the criminals made an ex-
ample of for the good of the whole
State. One of the first citizens of a
nearby county in a private letter to
the editor, says;
II beg to say that 1 appreciate your
labors in behalf of justice, law and
temperance. | Sympathize with Mr..
Deal who was recently assaulted in
Wilkesboro, but | am glad that it will
result in an investigation. | assure
you that it is an open secret that the
moonshiners and revenue officers are
in collision in this county. We want
an investigation all along the line
believe it is the duty of all good
citizens to see that the law is en-
forced; but / find that many people
do not consider it any of their bust
ness if the law is broken, so they are
not annoyed. 1 find that many of
the people are in sympathy with the
moonshine business. Those who are
opposed to it dare not lift up their
voices against it, because they are
afraid, and with good reason that
their indiscretion. Whiskey rules this
country to a far greater extent than
most people imagine"
The duty of the public official is
plain: it is to enforce the laws In
the State courts, there can be no en-
forcement unless the Superior Court
Judges lead the way, and they mega
tive every effort when they permit
parties convicted to secure the
entry, Judgment suspended on pay
ment of costs The Superior Court
Judges can by determined effort COM
pei the sheriffs, the magistrates and
the constables to execute the laws or
relieve them of their office. The peo-
pie have a right to expect men i'll
public Office to execute these lows.
If they are unwilling to enforce un-
pleasant laws, they ought to have the
decency to resign, and give way to
men of courage who will obey the
oaths they take when they accept
the position.
It is up to" the Superior Court
Judges, Solicitors and other public
officials. They can almost break up
the violations if they will do their
duty and il the Federal officials Will
quit acting in cGIlusiOn with the law
breakers.