The Detroit times., 1908-08-10
SCORES
POLICE COM.
SMITH
TELLS HIM HE SHOULDN'T CON-
STRUE LAWS TO PLEASE RE.
SORT KEEPERS AND INTIMATE
FRIENDS AND ADVISORS.

w. ID. Southwick has written a long
letter TO Police Commissioner Smith
In which he reviews the history of his
attempt to secure the cooperation OF
the police department in enforcing the
law In the case OF r. Z. Moore, the sa-
loonkeeper who has a place OF busi-
ing. OF which Mr. Southwick is the
lessee. The letter. while very mod.
crate in tone, scores the commissioner
for his failure to enforce the law. and
calls attention to the statement OF the
police that under present orders"
they are unable to insist on Moore
closing at the legal hour-11 o'clock.
A portion OF Mr. Southwick's letter
follows:
1t never injured any man to en-.
force the laws that he was sworn to
uphold, and | believe you have the OF
portunity OF a lifetime. Because n
man approves liquor IL is no sign
he approves law-breaking Men who
drink, and drink regularly, favor tho
enforcement OF the law. and cannot
uphold you as police commissioner In
your policy of constituting the law to
please intimate friends and advisors.
No official has the right TO say to a
contrary TO law. provided you don't
make too much noise about it.
The political future of Theodore
Roosevelt was not dimmed by his en-
forcement OF the laws as he found
them on the statute books when he
was police commissioner OF New York
city. When a man accepts public Of
fice, he can't expect to please all Of
his friends. and If he maps out 4
policy and does things. even II some
OF his friends do not approve, he is a
better man than the one who temper.
ICES for fear of displeasing. Saloon
men themselves. | believe, would be
In favor OF the lid. provided 1t was
double riveted, and no favorites
played. II the next-door neighbors Of
the law breaker take no notice Of tho
violation of the laws. II encourages
Weakened officials to wink at the
violation.
Nov, inasmuch as you refused to
give me any satisfaction. refused to
say yes or nc as to your intention
to give us relief from this nuisance,
adding that this is all the satisfaction
| could get. the only thing l can do is
to appeal directly, make the complaint
myself.
1T is sad condition OF affairs
when you force your duties upon the
common citizen In this manner, du-
ties which. II you executed according
to your oath, would cause you TO stand
out as q better. more noble and ef.
fcient executive. II the laws are not
right, put them into operation. that
Is the quickest way TO change them
II the majority of the people want the
saloon law changed. all we'll and good.
take the proper time and place, but
until that time comes. your duty reads
like this:
"'l, Fred W. Smith, do solemnly
swear that ! will support the con-
stitution Of the United States and
the constitution of this state, and
that ! will faithfully discharge the
duties Of the office Of commits
sioner of police OF the city Of De-
troit, to the best Of my ability
You signed the above oath on Feb.
%, 1906, before Simon S. Blumberg.
notary public, who took your acknowl
edgment.
II must add. want to be your
friend and will aid you in any possible
way In executing the duties of this
Office in such a manner as will reflect
credit and honor upon you as a man
and official"
Mr.. Southwick swore out three new
complaints against Moore. Saturday
| - ~ 10.
after IL p. m, one for each OF the
past three nights.
Il will continue TO swear out com.
plants as long as Moore continues TO
violate the law" said Mr.. Southwick.