Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1909-01-14

deposed sAol.d be lnads easy end CT
factive. While the official who fails
to perform his duty as to the enforce
ment OF the liquor statutes OF the
state is deserving of criticism, the oft-
cial who fails to perform his duty as
to the enforcement OF other laws is
equally entitled to public censure.
There is constant plea for lberality
in the construction OF statutes, espec-
tally of criminal statutes, which with
in reasonable limits perhaps ought
not to be criticised, but such construc-
ton at times becomes almost If not
quite equivalent to disregard for
the spirit of the law. Laws ought to
be enforced; they should be strictly
enforced. If perchance they be too
drastic let them be amended, but let
them at all times be obeyed. Laxness
in law enforcement leads to disre-
gard for the law itself and to disre.
spect for and distrust OF public off,
Gals. In the main, believe the peo-
pie will be given just such ofRcial ser
vice as they demand There may be,
in fact there is, great difference be-
tween public officials as to their nat
ural inclinations toward strict con-
struction and enforcement of laws, but
l believe that there are few men In
official positions but what will re.
spond to demand from the people.
Therefore, say to you, not as mem
bers of the legislature, but as citizens
of our state. and through you to all
the citizens of the state, fix your own
standard of official service, let your
public servants know what you ex-
pect and require Of them, and he who
fails to respond will soon find his Of
fetal career at an end.
1t is perhaps true that the liquor
laws of the state are more difficult of
enforcement than most other statutes,
but in my opinion it is due rather to
local influences than to weakness
of the law itself. A district judge and
i county attorney fearless In the per.
Torrance Of duty. with sheriff or
constable of like character, will find
little difnculty in commanding respect,
not only for the liquor statutes, but
for all laws of the state. have said
that in my opinion local influences
have much bearing upon the situa-
ton. II it be that local officials will
not require obedience to the statutes,
then the power and authority to en-
force the laws should be lodged with
officials removed from these local in
fluences, but If that be deemed neces-
sary there should also be provision
requiring such local officials as fail
to perform their duty to step aside
and give place to others who will see
that the laws are enforced and the
means whereby this can be brought
about should be effective.
am not pleading for any particular
statute nor for any particular plan.
! am only saying what believe every
good citizen of the state will endorse,
and that is that lawlessness ought not
to and must not be permitted in our
commonwealth.
Legislative Responsibility.
Members of the general assembly,
in closing l want to assure you that
1 fully appreciate the important posi-
ton Of the legislator, as have been
privileged to occupy seat in your
honorable body. No greater RESPONSE
bility rests upon any official than the
responsibility resting upon the men
who make the laws.
The executive or administrative oflcer
who is faithful to duty will carry into
effect the laws which he finds upon
the statute books. Therefore, the re-
sponsibility of determining the effect
of statute should rest with the legis-
lature. You alone can determine the
character Of our laws. Others may sug-
gest, others may assist, others may in
fluence the course of legislation, but
you alone can act or refuse to act.
want to assure you of my hearty CO.
operation in everything and in every
way which my judgment leads me to
believe to be for the best interests of
the state. have but one object In
view and that is to see Iowa become
greater and grander state. It's adj
vans ement has been marvellous.