The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1909-03-25
A Good Law This
For Every State.

For Every State.
The jacksonville Metropolis does
we'll to commend a bill introduced in
the legislature of Massachusetts regu-
lating the sale and purchase of fire.
arms. The. measure says that
newspaper, prohibits the sale OF fire
arms to juniors, compeIs all dealers to
take out licenses, forces all purchasers
to show a license from local police
authorities, and to register with deal
ers facts as to name, business and IN
tended use of the weapon. The only
opposition to the bill comes from
makers and dealers in firearms. Police
authorities of twenty-four of the
thirty three cities in Massachusetts
heartily. support the proposed law
Continuing and commenting on this
law, the Metropolis says:
SUCH law is needed not only in
Massachusetts. but in other states.
Every law abiding citizen is aware of
the trouble and crime originating in
Florida from the indiscTiminate sale
and carrying of revoIverS. ANY per
son, from a child to a centenarian,
can purchase weapons in this state.
and any one can sell them, without
the least restriction. That many of
the most reckless and irresponsible
persons do purchase and carry them
is evidenced by the court proceed
ings If the Florida legislature, which
convenes next month, fails to pass
law governing the sale OF deadly
weapons of all kinds which can be
secreted about the person, it viii fail
of duty for the best interests of the
people and the state.
The Journal along with substan-
TALLY every daily and weekly paper in
Florida, has frequently reprobated the
fatal pistol carrying habit. There
should, except under exceptional cir
cumstances, be no license granted for
the carrying of deadly weapons. 1t
may be that officers of the law acting
in police capacity are forced to pro-
vide themselves with pistols or other
weapons for self defense in their
dealings with dangerous criminals
But the permission to use them should
end with those so employed.
The very fact that the ordinary
citizen wishes to arm himself is the
best possible proof that he should not
be permitted to do so. For the desire
is an indication that he contemplates
making use of his death dealing
weapon-otberwise his having it at
hand would be meaningless and silly.
In q hu
those who apply for a right to use
weapons are of two classes: |
towards or DULLES; but, truly, the
names are almost synonymous.
Your genuine coward is most as
suredly not a mt person to entrust /
with a dangerous weapon. He is /
easily frightened and viii go off half |
cooked, his arm shaking. perhaps. and /
his aim untrue; but, nevertheless, he /
is a danger in any community and /
helps TO build up the number of the /
lawless enemies of peace and of sane /
government.
Your bully, besides being q coward !
by nature. is both selfish and cruel. /
nc OStCGAAAS AAO ne SctfS MS OWL lie /
is a loud mouthed, despicable and
swashbuckler and to place |
a weapon IN his hands is almost as
certain TO lead TO destructive violence /
as TO apply spark to key of pow !
der.
With the power of the whole press /
behind the movement for the passage /
Of a law in Florida regulating this /
matter il Will be strange indeed should /
the legislature fail TO act during its
coming session. The law proposed +!
.or Massachusetts appears 10 be an
excellent one. Let all the forces in
he state which work for a higher
Join together to secure the
adoption of some similar measure.