The Montgomery advertiser., 1909-12-07
LIT rHE LAWS BE rxroncED.

LIFT THE LAWS BE ENFORCED.
 The question of constitutional pre- hibition having been settled by the voice of the people there is no req son why all should not join in the ef- fort to make the present prohibitory laws effectusi. There are many who think the laws entirely too drastic and far-rsaching. in some of their requirements, and no doubt they are corerct. but violation of these laws will avail nothing by way of amend- ing them.
 Absolute prohibition for the whole State is an entirely new experiment in Alabama. We have had local laws in various parts of the state. in many cases including whole counties. but 1t is something new to have the en- tire State made dry" territory, and people must always have time to ac- custom themselves to new conditions and requirements. Changes In hu- man habits do not come all at once; they require time and experience. so that the people may come gradually to fit themselves to the new condi- tions.
 Whether the present laws should be changed, amended or modified in any respect Is for the future to decide. At present they are being tried be- fore and by jury composed of the great body of Alabama's citizenship, and that jury will render its verdict in due time. The decision may be for or against prohibition. or 1t may be in favor of such changes and mod ifications as experience and fair trial may point out. Public sentiment must decide this. as 1t must decide other questions.
 Law is law" we are told. and the truth Of the expression should not be forgotten or disregarded. The law is for all classes. in theory at least, and should be made so in practice. If those Of one condition in life violate 1t with impunity 1t will not only en- courage others to do the same, but will really justify them in so doing. for they can plead in Justification that they have the example of those higher up and better informed. It is said by those qualified to speak that the best and quickest way to se- cure the modification or repeal of bad law Is by its strict and impartial enforcement for by that means the people will be made to see where the wrong lies. ,s4
 We are not saying that prohibition is bad thing for Alabama. We are not contendtng that present laws are wrong and should be repealed, for that, as we have said, is a matter that only time and experience can decide. What we insist on is that the laws as they are should be strict ly and impartiaiiy carried out. The verdict of the great body of Ala bana's voters Is against putting pro- hibition in the organic law. but the voters have, not had the opportunity to either endorse or condemn State wide prohibition. That opportunity may be afforded them in the future, or 1t may not; meanwhile all should observe the law as it stands.
 And so we come back to the main point. which is that the laws against the sale of intoxicants were enacted in due form and regular order, and they should be considered binding on all good citizens. Aside from the fact that they are violations of the laws on our statute books. the "blind tiger" and other subterfuges. and sub stitutes for the open saloon are dan gerous to any community and hurtful to Its good name. When people prAhB InomSeiVes To the point where they may treat one law with contempt they will naturally be led to treat others in the same way. If each cit-. izen is left to judge for himself whether he will obey or violate any law we would have a government without law. if such a condition could be called government.
 And so, to come to the conclusion of the whole matter. let us all unite in the observance and enforcement of our prohibition laws until such time as experience shall convince the great body of the people that those laws are good and proper or that they are evil and must be repealed. So shall we convince the world that We are lovers of law and order both in theo- ry and in practice. This. we insist, Is a duty all of us owe to ourselves, to our fellows and to the good name of our great State.
 -S-oS-