Omaha daily bee., 1906-01-24
THOMAS RETELLS HIS STORY
Civic Federation Attorney Recounts
Achievements and Calls for
Continued support.

Elmer f. Thomas, attorney for the Civic
Federation, spoke last night before the
Fellowship league of the First Baptist
church on the subject of the Slocumb law
and the accomplishment of the Civic Fed
GRAFTON In its enforcement in the Sunday
closing matter during the present month.
J. H. Dumont called the meeting to order
and Rev. ]. w. Conley offered prayer. Mr..
Thomas said:
The tongue of scandal has never been
stilled against the men composing the
Civic Federation. The grafters and their
organ may say what they please. but the
federation continues its work right along
IL Is not political organization. Men of
every political organization or creed are
invited to become its members. This conf
munity is governed by the typical office
individual opinion and not as a member
of the Civic Federation. co. ~
The slocumb law. If 1t be enforced, is a
good law. 1t is practically prohibtory
law. except that It grants a license for
the establishment of saloons. 1t was drawn
absolute prohibition. Any person may file
q remonstrance for the granting of a
/ license for violation of the law, and either
| party has the right OF appeal year ago
| the Civic Federation tried to enforce GER
| tain features of the law and this year other
J features. Public officers OF this state have
license boards of cities have winked at
its violation; town marshais have failed
stepped, and the supreme court declines
to meet this question fairly.
The Civic Federation has come to be con-
sidered as the law enforcing body, and is
besieged with many amusing requests for
enforcement OF all kinds of obsolete laws
prosecute the violation OF the law, but t.
compel the officials to enforce II. With.
out a police force to assist, but In actual
hostility to us, the police board positively
| refusing to assist US, the chief of police
declining to cause an order to be ISSUED
in Its enforcement, We have succeeded In
In this city, and We appeal to you tC
stand with US for the continued enforce
ment OF law and to stand behind the Civic
Federation.
III. H. Baldrige said:
law that could be enacted for the contro
of the liquor business and backed by
sSat Gould da be- desired The work SD OF IA,
Civic Federation has created sentimen
for the enforcement of law and will leaC
every law should be enforced or repealed
1t Is mistake TO put laws on the statut
books that cannot be enforced The Civil
Federation has shown that law can b.
enforced. II is unfortunately a fact tina
morals are too subseryient to money, ant
principle to pride. The Civic Federation
has behind IL the best sentiment of tn
community, 1t has shown that people cal
be aroused from their sluggishness. GU
rulers are but our servants The peopl
make the laws, and 1 am for the enforce
ment OF the law.
DIR. Conley spoke briefly along the sam
general lines and stated the purpose o
the Fellowship league and asked all pres
emit to become members OF 1t.
Refreshments of coffee and sandwiche
were served at the close of the meetinl
Music was furnished by a quartet CON
posed of A. Lansing. G. c. Edgerly. W. f
Graham and r. G. Watson.