The Brunswick news. [volume] (Brunswick, Ga.) 1906-2016, 1909-01-10

talk in all secuonsfof the state. ana
little as she people OF Savannah ma,
|. think OF It the result may yet be ser
loss
Tie -stianfa Journal 81 Friday con-
tanned long editorial on the sub
lject, which has been discussed at some
length in all sections. The editorial
in part is as follows;
4 There are persistent reports
throughout the state that the prohi-
bition law is being openly and defiant.
IIy violated in Savannah and that the
constituted authorities refuse to take
the proper steps in the premises.
$50 far as We are aware, these
charges. are not categorically denied
and there seems to be every reason
to believe thai they are true.
The Journal does not charge that
they are true; but they are generally
credited throughout the state and me
facts are easily ascertained.
If these reports are vel founded,
Savannah presents condition which
is not 70 be tolerated and the most
vigorous steps must be taken TO en-
force the law.
This naturally applies TO any otl-er
section Of the state, but It Appeals to
be an accepted fact that Savannah s
the most hrazen and notorious offender
against the law
The fact that the people Of Sayan
nah do not approve OF prohibition Of
fers no palliation or excuse for this
outrageous disregard Of the laws Of
the state. Their guilt differs, not in
kind, but only in degree, from that Of
any other common offender agangt
the laws Of Georgia. and they should
have as little consideration before
court Of justice.
"Other sections Of the state haif
accepted the prohibition law in so9a
faith. Certainly common report has
NOT given any other section the eyil
emlnenee If which Savannah appe lrs
10 be proud rather than regretful q
repentant. She enjoys a revenue from
tn: system by which she leyies hush-
money. At stated intervals, according
to the reports which reach us, arrests
are made, the regulation bond Is re
quired and then forfeited, after which
the offender continues business With
official conn!vance for another exstn
sive period.
Indictments are qnashed with the
complacent remark that conviction
would be impossible in Savannah.
THE sheriff, the prosecuting aitor.
ney and the courts Of savannaa, will
hind that they have been sowing dra-
CONS teeth unless they promptly nike
steps to remedy situation which Is
| not to be tolerated by the people OF
! Georgia, and in the name OF the peo-
pie of Georgia we call upon the an-
thorities of Chatham county to y'noi-
cate and enforce the law. Thef I'VE
Il to their good name. as law -abidns
citizens to do this. but Il they PER. 81
in their defiance. it will then become
he imperative duty Of the governor
o take a vigorous hand in This mat
ter
And when be does he should MAKE
his efforts effective and complsts.
There is no puritanical cals n
this suggestion. We have no Illusions
On the subject Of prohibition Hut ii
Is sufficient for US. ana it shoa.d
sufficient for TIE people of sayarnaa.
to know that prohibition is the law,
equal in dignity and sanctity With the
.nhihitions against murder and ARISEN
| FThe Savannah authorities have tr.-
| fled with this statute long enough and
II there. are offenders in other ~ is
OF the state the same applies to hem
rhsle arc ample opportunities Cor So
cpfing the evidence. instituting mo5
ceedings and enforcing the lay. IL
ncials can be found who viii uphold
Ithe law and respect their oaths of
ofiiee, and unless there is an end to
this open violation Of the statute IN
! Savannah, It win become the urgent
duty Of The governor to take such act
ion as will Insure conformity 10 the
law on the part Of Savannah which
every other section of the state is