The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1910-02-03
EDITORIAL
Enforce the Law.

i
"A The thanks o the law-abiding citizens of Rich
kond are due to Rev. Henry Pearce Atkins for his
etion in reference to the enforcement of section
LEGO the Code of Virginia concerning the ''Nio-
stion Of the Sabbath" AS il is possible that many
IN our readers do not know the wording of this law
1t is given here
.sViolation of the Sabbath; how punished
hi If a person on the Sabbath day be found labor
ing at any trade or calling, or employ his APP
prenticcs or servants in labor or other business
except in household or other work OF necessity
4 Or charity, he shall be deemed guilty of INSIDE
fneanor and upon conviction thereof shall be
fined not less than five dollars for each offense,
II Every day any person or servant or apprentice
is so employed shall constitute distinct offense
and the court in which justice by whom any
judgment of conviction is rendered may require
9 OF the person SO convicted a recognzance In
& penalty of not less than one hundred or more
than five thousand dollars with without
curity, conditioned that such person shall be of
good behavior, and especially to refrain from
repetition of such ofiense, for period not
exceeding twelve months
u The violation of this law in Richmond by certain
persons has been fragrant and notorious. The Po-
lice Department of the city must be acquainted with
the facts II theY have not knownit then they
lacking the power OF sight, hearing and thought,
ArDmmon TO average humanity, and should not be
Enlarged with the preservation of order and the en-
sforcemen, OF the law. But knowing the law and
apartment has done nothing and the law has been
openly defed with its knowledge and with its tact
@consent
I Mr. Atkins, in his capacity as citizen of Rich
Rmond, who believed that the law should be en-
Eforced personally witnessed the violation of the
law, and carried the TO the police court, where
the offender was fined $40 and put under bond of
@$Ioo.
lit is very disagreeabIe work for private citizens
10 make complaints and out warrants against
persons who violating the law with the knowledge
and tacit consent OF the department which is
no enforce the law, and it is serious reflection upon
the Police Department from the head down to patrol
kInen that such condition should exist. The qucs-
Etion inevitably arises Why does not the Depart
Elnent enforce the law?' The officers are paid by
the city to enforce it. They have solemnly sworn
no enforce it. What contempt men must have for
themselves when they the law being violated
that they paid to enforce, and that they have
sworn that they will enforce!
Tine OF three things is true in such cases. Either
have aspect for this law or they are
are afraid to enforce the law it to their interest
not enforce the law In either case they are not
1It 10 be charged with the enforcement of the law
"a The question as TO whether the particular law
Ecnncerning Sunday labor wise law is not the inn
pDTtanr consideration. The vital matter is that the
Law was enacted by the General Assembly of Nir-
|sglnIa representing the will OF the people Of the
otate At the last session OF the General Assembly
MI was amended, and made more stringent The
bill was called up out of its order the last night
lot the session by Senator, now Governor Mann
land was passed by unanimous vote 1t is not a
blue Law in the sense Of being recently dug up from
6mnsty files. 1t Is recent up-to-date legislation
The only question is Shall this law be enforced?
q BY all means enforce the law not only this law
9nt every other on the statute books. The officials
pught to do II; they do IT, or violate their sol
INN oaths II they will not do il the citizens
mould demand it. and if the demand is not Needed
|&nen there should be demand for new officials
1T the people make up their minds to have the
NY enforced it nil be done. It all rests with the
lcoplc in the end Again The Nirginian tenders to
Ia. Atkins the thanks of the awabiding citizens
Richmond. May his tribe increase.