The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-02-20
MAYOR TEAGUE |S AFTER THE BOYS Makes a Sensational Reply to
 Sheriff Hood
SAYS LAWS ARE VIOLATED
Implication Is Made That Officers Take 1t Upon Themselves To Interpret Prohibition Act
 As Unconstitutional.

Montgomery February 19.-(Special.)- J. Mayor Teague sprung a warm letter to- day, in which he not only expresses the belief that the prohibition law is being openly violated, but also indicates that the officers of the law are taking it upon themselves to interpret the act, which he thinks brings about a condition where law is a farce and may be transgressed with impunity.
 Sheriff Hood sent a letter to the mayor and the chief of police, asking them to join him in the enforcement of the law. MT. Hood said that while many of the soft drink places were acting within the law, he was sure a number were not. 'l am sure," says the sheriff, that you will do all in your power to assist in the good work of maintaining the dignity of the law. Whatever opinion exists anywhere as to the wisdom of the law prohibiting the sale of whisky and other intoxicating liquors and beverages, there can be no difference among good citizens as to the duty of officials of the state,' county and city as to the proper and faithful en- forcement of the law
 In line with his own activities, the sher- fir sent a letter to his deputies, calling on them to see that every infraction of the law Is punished. He said: T request that you especially look after and inquire into any and every rumor of the violation of the prohibition law, and when any viola tions come under your personal observa- tion 1t is your duty to make arrests with or without warrants. It Is the policy of this office to see to the rigid enforcement of the prohibition law, and 1 hope no of ficer under me will fail of his duty in this respect"
 Mayor Teaeue's Letter.
 The full text of the letter of Mayor W. M Teague follows:
 "EXecutive Department,
 City of Montgomery,
 ''W. M. Teague, Mayor.
 Montgomery, February 19, 1909. Hon. Horace Hood Sheriff, City:
 Dear Sir-Your letter of yesterday S date has been received and noted concur in your belief that a great many so-called soft drink stands are almost openly violating the prohibition law. It is the purpose of the city government to enforce the law, but when those to whom the execution of the laws is entrusted make it optional with themselves as to the enforcement, we have reached the stage where law Is farce, and where it may be transgressed with impunty This, In my opinion, is being done daily in our city.
 'I assure you that I stand ready to lend any assistance within my power to- ward the better and more rigid enforce ment of the law, and shall be glad to promptly respond to any call the pur- pose of which Is the accomplishment of this end
 'The opinions of officers and citizens as to the wisdom and justice of the prohi- biton law should be cast aside and each and every one of Us should join in one united effort to uphold the law, whether personally pleasing or otherwise Unfor- tunately the truth of this statement seems to have failed to impress certain of those mentioned. If one law is violated and the violators are unpunished, where is the incentive to the coming generation to mould themselves into men of integrity and character. Yours very truly, ''W. M. TEAGUE, Mayor"