The sea coast echo. [volume] (Bay Saint Louis, Miss.) 1892-current, 1912-05-25
FOR A STOCK LAW.

live stock on the public thoroughfares OF
the city of Bay St. Louis has been firm
ly crystalizing for some time, and it is
apparent that the long looked-fo relief
is about forthcoming. At least, that is
how it looks from the present time.
AT its last meeting, the Bay St. Louis
Commercial League, composed largely
of the representative citizens and pro-
perty holders of this city, adopted re-
solution, composed in no uncertain
terms and couched in language unmis-
akable, numerously signed by members
| and non-members of the League. The
purpose of this resolution and petition
| was to create something tangible by
which the subject could be handled and
the ultimate purpose more definitely
reached. This petition. with its hum
dreds, possibly thousands, OF signatures,
| will be presented in due time to thepro
per authorities for action.
1t appears there are also a number OF
people who do not favor nor wish to
sign this petition. A little investlga-
ton shows that a number of these own
live stock, others prefer to remain neu-
trail for business reasons; some because
they opine it would work hardship on
their neighbours COW and horse (since
these could not intrude and gain access
to the private gardens), while others
are creatures of customs and precedents
and dislike to disturb fixed order of
things. But none doubt for one mo-
ment that the move is not progressive
and is not in keeping with the best and
modern mode of municipal government
and the science of civic progress.
The Echo regards and respects the
opinion of every individual, whether
they be, according to our mind, right
thinking or not, and We believe the
administration or city council feels the
same way and are of the same dispo-
sition, The council represents the rights,
wishes and will of every man, woman
and child composing its constituency,
hence it must, too, consider the mlnorl-
ty. But in matters executive the ma
iority must rule and carry. This is
fundamental law of government; always
for the people and by the people, and
no one man can set up law or govern
ment of his own, have laws for the be-
nefit of the Individual or measures for
the minority, but the best that will re-
dound to the interest of the majority
and to the city as a whole, must prevail.
The assertion is ventured, that the ma
majority favor stock law and want to
see it adopted. Both for the subse-
ouent interests to follow later in build
ing and beautifying the city and for the
immediate relief it will afford a suffer
ing public.
If the Council in it's wisdom does not
see its way clear to pass any such ordi-
nance; if the Council is in doubt as to
the certainty of the wishes of the ma
iority or has other rea sons for not act
| ing in the matter, since it is beyond
doubt measure almost universally a.
dopted by every progressive and. sue
cessful town, then why not put it up to
| the people themselves? This might
solve the perplexing side of the situa-
ton and would settle the question for
quite a while. But, if possible, to be
safe on the legal side, why not give
chance to the property owner, whether
male or of the sex that does not vote, an
equal show, since the matter vitally
affects every man and woman owning
property and who has the moral as we'll
as the material welfare OF the city at
heart?
This is merely suggestion, and while
it is rot given out for adoption it ap-
pears to be key to the situation.
"To be or not to be-" seems to be the
trying question OF every administr a ton
entertaining the subject OF a stock or
dinance. And, like the ghost in Shake
speare's, play it will not down.
Is the voice of the minority more lusty!
The Echo has every confidence in the
ability and wisdom of the Council, and
we believe that in time the question OF
a stock ordinance will be settled, and
that in favor and in keeping with the
resolution as adopted by the Progress
| i've League.