The Montgomery advertiser., 1907-10-30

a a bad example. and the worse evil of allowing passion to take the place cf reason and law.
 I It is not possible for mob to take the law into it's own hands and put a feliow-moftal to death without ieav- ling bad effect behind. Even If an innocent person is not put to death-- and we all know that this sometimes happens--the moral effect of thus ex- ecuting vengeance Is lad on many who take no part Init, for 1t tends to breed lin them feeling of disrespect for Jaw Iof any kind and thus undermine the livery foundation of good government. This effect Is bound to follow mob law to a greater or less extent. and 1t is one of the greater evils of such acts. It Is unfortunate that many men in thigh places who should be the first to set good example. and who should be foremost in obedience to the laws of the land, are often most careless in this respect. They depend on their money. influence and position to pro- tect them against the- effects of their law breaking and to screen them from punishment. Thus they are not only guilty of wrong doing. but set a bad example for others and also cause dis content and dissatisfaction among. those who are not so fortunate as to be able to violate the laws with impunity Tn few things Is this more common than it is among the wealthy and in- nuential owners of automobiles ia the large cities of the East. These mag nates--many of them at least-appar ently go on the theory that the speed laws and other highway regulations are intended only for the poor and lowly and that the great are superior to all such trines. Is it any wonder lthat there is complaint among the l-common people, that the laws are partial and unjust? And is it sur prising that those who see laws dis regarded should imbibe some of the same spirit and endeavor to exercise it when occasion offers?
 All who in any manner, small or great. are placed in position where they can give advice or set an example. should feel 1t a solemn and binding duty to teach respect for the laws, even though some of them are bad ones. The way is open for the repeal or amendment of evil or hurtful legisla- tion and that way should be respect ed. Obey the law while it is in force, for in that way only can we be as- sured of good government
 1 One of the great evils. if we may apply that term, of prohibition is that 1t breeds disrespect for law. As it is impossible to Iegislate the taste of liquor out of humanity, so 1t is impos- sible to legislate out of many of them the inclffation and determination to get 1t, if the thing is possible, If they cannot buy 1t openly and legally, they will buy it on the sly, and many men will take special delight ia thus get- ting around prohibition. They will ar que that they have just as much right to buy a drink of whislxey or other strong drink as they have to buy a glass of milk. and they resort to any subterfuge to get it.
 It is no use to argue that this is wrong. Tt is a condition, not the- ory." that must be faced in this as in many other matters. It is easy to say that no one should buy. sell or give away liquor where 1t is prohibited by law. but saying so does not change facts. Wherever in State or city prohibitory laws have been enacted drinks can be had. and in many such places the drinks are about as easily obtained as they were when the sale was licensed. Those who determine to have their drinks will show their contempt for the law by violating it, thus not only bringing that particular law into dis repute but breeding disregard for oth- CTS.
 That such laws when enacted should be respected and obeyed is not dis puted, but that they will be violated is equally palpable. We may regret it and condemn it. but that doesn't change facts. It would be charming and enjoyable condition of affairs, if all the citizens, whether of high or low de- gree, were strictly law-abiding. but can we hope to witness that day? Not as long as human nature remains as 1t is.