Rogue River courier. (Grants Pass, Or.) 1886-1927, 1906-05-11

by the Grants Pass Woman's Christia
Temperance Union.
1t is often said that it is no use {
have prohibition law because it will
be violated. Following that line O
reasoning would it not be better +
remove all laws from the statute boo
for some will be sure to break then
and then no matter what is done Their
will be no laws broken? But it i
necessary for the protection of societ,
to have laws and to have them en-
orced and one class Of people shoult
comply with them the same a,
another. No other business show,
such utter eontempt for and evadins
OF the laws as the liquor traffic. We
all know that the liquor laws Of oul
state are being constantly violated.
For instance they say that liquor shall
not be sold or given to minors or to
habitual drunkards. Yet We know
they get it some way even when sa
Icon men have been forbidden by the
authorities to let them have it. 1t is
against the state law to keep the "a.
looms open on Sunday and still week
after week this is done. Who is to
blame? Those who have sworn to en-
force these same laws and yet have
not the moral backbone to keep their
oaths of Office and back Of them the
people who elect them knowing they
have no regard for those oaths. The
voters need to be aroused and to de.
mand that the laws be enforced.
Would that this country had more
governors like Joseph Folk who has
accomplished so much in law enforce.
ment in the cities Of Missouri. and
that public sentiment were aroused 30
the people would be determined to
sustain those officials who are ready
TODD their duty. and to see that those
who will not do right are succeeded
by good men. When our officers do
we'll the good citizens should en-
courage and help them. Some say
that public sentiment would not up.
hold them If they should attempt a
strict enforcement. Folk saws:
Public officials do not swear to sun.
port public sentiment, they swear to
support the law" In a special to the
Associated Prohibition Press last Win
ter several points are mentioned as
having been demonstrated in Kansas
City and ST. Louis by the enforce.
ment of the Sunday closing section of
the dram shop law:
/. The law not only can be en-
forced but its enforcement is one OF |
the easiest of any law on the statute
book. -eE2--kssa::--:-.--
2. 1t has actually simplified and
made easier the general burdens of
the police department.
3. 1t has resulted in an astonishing
decrease in the number of young girls
coming in contact with the police de.
)artment.
4. 1t has resulted in marked de.
'rease in the number of saloons.
b. II has resulted in q marked de-
'rease in the demands on public
'harity.
8. 1t has been q powerful influence
n elevating the moral tone of the
ity. At the beginning of 1905 Kansas
Jity contained 636 saloons, and
fairs we're in serious condition.
Is they knew no law that hampered
heir business and de6ed everybody.
iven the judge refused to hear cases
gainst the saloons. and the courts
would not iRfiiot punishment. But in
darch, 1905, the Kansas City Star
ook up the battle for civic. righteous
less and in the editorials demanded
hat the laws against saloons be en-
orced. Then began Gov. Folks pro-
ram of Sunday closing.
The Oreg oman speaks to the point I
vhen it says: "At Corvallis, Forest
irove and other places where Attempts
re being made to sell liquor in de-
lance of law and public opinion, it
will be found that such course only
erves to strengthen the anti saloon ,
orces and increase their determine
ion to win. The local option law is ,
low the law of the state and should ,
e obeyed. The man who openly de. ,
les the law is walking the high road
hat leads to anarchy" !
The Pacific Christian Advocate 1
an article on Civic Righteousness,
ives some good advice as follows:
LET us contend for simple. com.
,on everyday honesty and fair treat. t
lent Of all parties, of all classes, in 7
II places. '
We would exhort that all demand an
IMPARTIAL enforcement Of law and
universal recognition of justice,
'hether the law spplies to the poor,
egrsded creature who makes her liy-