Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, 1907-04-06
HIGHER RESPECT FOR LAW
Keynote Of Statements BY New Fire and
Polics Commissioners.
NONE TAKES STAND As EXTREMIST
COvveI FavOrs More LIBERAL Regula-
lions for Sunday Saloons, but
Says EKisting Laws
Must BE Enforced.

The four new members OF the Omaha
Board Of Fire and Police Commissioners
have received their commissions and are
now looking forward 10 their first meet
ing. The new commissioners promise a
rigid enforcement Of laws, with fairness
to all interests concerned.
II was not a candidate for the once Of
IRE and police commissioner" said Robert
Cowell. THE governor expressed his views
freely and emphatically at the Mckinley
club banquet which was held in Omaha a
short time ago On that occasion he stated
that II our people were dissatisfied with
existing laws that was the time to make
an effort to repeal them, but for himself
II was not a question as TO whether he
thought a law wise or obnoxious-he had
taken an oath to enforce the laws and he
meant TO live up TO his obligations In sew
era1 conversations which I have had with
him since that time he has reiterated the
same views and expressed himself in the
same unequivocal manner. He believes the
men selected will act In accordance with
his ideas and wishes.
Would Change, but Enforce Law.
FOR myself would favor q change in
the Slocumb law, and my own impression is
that II the law was amended 80 az TO admit
of keeping the saloons open for a part of
each Sunday and perhaps allowing the sale
Of liquor with meals--alwzys, Of course,
under proper restrictions and regulations
It would please perhaps a majority Of our
people and be much appreciated by streng-
ers who come to our city to spend the
weekend. The law however. is on the
statute books, and I believe II should be
strictly enforced. 1 am thoroughly OPP
posed to any latitude in that direction be-
ing given to clubs formed ror the purpose
Of evading the law, and. am not too sure
but I would go even further and stop the
sale OF liquor IN all clubs on Sunday.
cannot help but feel that all should be
treated alike and that no law contemplates
making fish OF one and flesh Of another.
VIII Make an investigation.
Much has been charged and stated from
time to time anent the numerous evils and
abuses in our city I mean to make a
thorough investigation for my own infor-
nation. do not believe In promising inn
possibilities. Many people have ideals, but
not every one can live up to them. and
conceive It Ia no easy matter to regulate
the affairs Of a large city as one might
wish. realize, too, that It is easier to
criticise than It is to perform, or perhaps
II would be more correct to say instead Of
perform. inaugurate reforms
IT believe the members OF the new board
will earnestly strive to do their duty and
am sure II will be their desire to make
Omaha more wholesome place in which
to live The governor is not fanatical; on
the contrary, he IL broad and progressive.
The slocumb law is not of his making and
may not be In accord with his views. He
believes, however, In its enforcement He
appointed this board because it's members
felt as he did, so on that point I can say
positively the Slocumb law will be rigidly
enforced.
'If may be paraoned for giving a word
of advice, I would suggest that the brewers
and saloon keepers had better accept the
ills they have than fly to others that they
know now Of Reform is In the air and
throughout the state a sentiment seems to
be growing favoring prohibition. Defiance
Of law will only aggravate and accelerate
the movement and may thrust upon us a
condition which few Of us want and which
personally would lament"
Pare Not an Extremist.
TT is too early to speak in any definite
terms of the probable course Of the new
board, except it's intention to DO it's duty
as It sees it" said r G. Page. Person
ally am not disposed to be an extremist
but do believe that the city. take It as a
whole, should cultivate q deeper respect
an Individual, Of the advisability Of law.
pending its passage. have no relation to
his duty as an oficial in the administration
Of that law when passed; that law should
be administered in the spirit OF reason,
firmly It is true, but fairly and impair
TALLY toward all. That It is the duty of
men paid by the public to serve the public;
that the employment and retention Of a
city employe should depend upon his Mt
ness for the position and upon nothing
else. know Of no reason why the 5lo-
cumb law should be excepted from the
general rule as to enforcement"
Kennedy il Deliberate.
John L. Kennedy said: II have not had
time to read the law carefully and am not
in position to express an opinion Just at
this moment. have just received my
commission from Governor Sheldon, which
bears date Of April T. Other pressing mat
tiers have so occupied my attention for the
last few days that / hardly feel justified
at this time In making a public expression
upon my view Of the duties OF a member
Of the hre and police board OF the policies
that we may pursue. I hardly think that
Chief Donahue has been quoted properly
in tho faoetious interview accredited TO
him in the Worid-Herald this morning.
There IL nothing that desire to say fur
Their until have had an opportunity to so
over the law carefully"
as a member Of the Board Of Fire and
Police Commissioners It VIII be my aim
to work in harmony with the other men,
bers OF the board for the betterment OF
the conditions In the city OF Omaha" said
W. NJ GIller. Il win endeavor to keep
the police and fire departments out Of
politics and give to the citizens and tax
payers the very best FIRE and police pro-
lection possible / viii insist that both
departments be brought up TO the highest
standard Of efioiency I will enforce the
laws and ordinances OF the city In ac-