The Nashville globe. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1906-193?, 1913-01-31
SPECIAL MESSAGE ON LAW EN-
FORcEMENT.
Continued from Page IL


necessary for the state to possess
some method Of protecting her citi-
zen5 and indicating the law other
than the ordinary process OF the cri-
+ nal courts. In fact, the state al
Ttady mas a law for such an emergen-
.oy, namely, the use of the state mill
tia by the authority and under the
command of the chief executive.
Why Cities Are Lawless.
The violations of the liquor laws in
the cities of our state are not the
isolated violations of individual Of
tenders. They are the result of a
powerful, organized conspiracy of a
great number of men in and out of
the state. The lawless saloons in the
cities have obtained control of the
electorate in said cities by a combi-
nation of three factors. In the first
place, much of the vicious elements
of the floating populations, white and
black, have drifted into the cities of
the state. The saloons, gamblers and
d~lve-keepers of every character have
naturally taken control of this ele-
ment of voters, and have, in each city.
formed a combination with some or
g%anization of practical politicians.
Such a combination is close, powerful
and effective. The saloon-keepers,
gamblers and dive-keepers furnish the
corruption fund to control elections
and prostitute public officials. The
trequenters of these haunts of vice
furnish a large body of voters. The
political organizations manipulate the
elections for the selection of crooked
toficials, and receive official patronage
and in many instances graft as their
reward. In back of this combination
stand the United States whiskey
trust, ready at all times with counsel
and leadership and, when necessary.
with financial assistance. In this con-
%nection it may be frankly stated that
the operations of this combination Of
sinister influences are not confined to
any political party. Neither the le-
Called nor the lawless saloon has n
politics. The lawless liquor interests
in Tennessee have shown a willing
ness at all times to cooperate with
whatever party or candidate would
best %subserve their purpose-the un-
molested violation of the law. In state
politics, it has been their custom to
support the so-called regular demo-
lcratic organization, but in some coun-
ties they have simultaneously sup
ported republican candidates for local
Offices.
To you it has been said that, per-
haps, the governor would not utilize
additional power, if it were conferred
upon him. My only reply to that is
that it would be justice to me. to the
people who elected me and to the
state at large to place upon my Shout
ders this responsibility. The legisla-
ture would then have performed its
own duty and left me to answer to the
people. sar rt
Be it understood that | am not an
pealing for additional executive power
merely for the sake of power. For
this, | am not ambitious. It would be
worth nothing to me or any other
executive as an individual. The con-
stitution of Tennessee says that "the
governor shall take care that the laws
be faithfully executed" This is not a
self-executing provision, and l am ask
Ing the legislature TO enable the gov
ernor OF the state to comply with this
constitutional requirement.
1t will be observed, moreover, that
the legislation herein recommended
does not, as a rule, propose to add to
the power of the executive, but sever
al bills are intended to strengthen
the law in a general way and to give
the courts further facilities for its
enforcement.
In such instances as it is suggested
that the governor be clothed with
added power, the suggestions are by
no mean novel, radical or unreason
able They are such laws as have
been enacted in other states, and are
not out of harmony with the spirit
of u institutions.
Recmomends Legislation.
In view of the premises, | recon-
Recommends Legislation.
l. An act to authorize the remova
of county and municipal officers foI
mis~feasance, malfeasance or monica
Isance in Office.
This act should confer jurisdiction
upon the circuit, chancery or crimi
nal court of the county in which sucl
Office is held.
1t should authorize such petition t
be filed upon the relation of the attor
n%ey-general, the district attorney
%