Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1913-04-07
Monday, April z, 1918.
The Removal of Sheriff eallou.

hes, has been elected sheriff o
gadahoc county. But our interes
the fortunes of communities il
lch greater than in that of in
biduals. We pity the man just re-
wed from office, but We have Ions
led a constituency which has fool
IL elected him, again and again.
We believe the verdict of the Legis-
ure was just and in full accord
th the evidence. The vote might
II have been unanimous, if We are
stand as aw-abiding, morally ad
ncing people. The testimony OF
defense should have been sufficient
convict tfp defendant.
rhe type a official to remove is the
pc that ine rprets the WHY ofaselase
erests to the intent of the law
may be uEged that wasaamisct and
ght not to- Sit too harshly in judg-
mt upon an official whose de-
anency is IN large part result If
aaiiions for which the people elect
him are themselves to blanae.---To
extent that this assertion involves
expression Of sympathy for Mr.
lou personally, we are in entire
lord. Eut so far as 1t might be in
kded as a justification for non per-
mance of official duty, it is a mis-
ding and harmful argument.
Neither the Constitution nor statutes
pose upon the individual citizen
affirmative duty in the enforce
MT of law. Such duties are imposed
On public officials, and if those Of
ais measure their obligations in the
hi of a supposed sentiment in their
Immunity instead of their constitu-
nal and statutory duties, they are
king the kind of mistake which
Ids Ia the destruction of the first
nciples of good government.
I is. with Mr.. Ballou as a type rath-
than as an individual, that the pub
is concerned. The day has arrived
len we should let the old school OF
MITIGATION understand that it is
lever outlawed. The beginning is
eouraging; let the good work go on.
E promised; let us execute.
Il the law is not being enforced, let
officers be turned out and in their
Ices put men who respect their
his of office and the voice of the
pple.
Fbe sins of omission are sometimes
Srse than those of commission.
lett acceptance of the necessity or
n leads to moral decline of COM
bnities as well as of men. That the
" of Bath, two-thirds the size OF
city of Augusta, should have three
hes more drinking clubs than Au-
st. innumerable dives, and several
,ses of i'll fame, with which VIC
he Augusta has nothing TO COM
Re. is indicative of municipal re-
bgression.
What could have brought about
ese conditions except public and Of
Hal liberation of one evil after an,
her? First public acceptance of the
cessity Of evil and, second, public
kction Of officials who will interpret
! law not as it IS wriftens but as,
active element dictates iiani fni
'The target tells the story. If the
MS had been enforced, honestly ac-
rding to oaths Of Office, Bath would
We been better city. The per
bal liberty gang had their own
liz. and they saw to it that officials
10 would continue TO interpret lib
liz as license were elected. year af-
year. The proud boast of long
3blic service, where public morals
g known to be degenerating, is con-
bsion.
Me- are living in an age of revolu-
bn. Our days are marked by nagni-
lent progress. The community that
receding is unquestionably IN the
&ip of vice. The Individual that fails
see the light for himself or his
&ildren were better suppressed. The
hn who brings his son up to easy
Snscience and evil associates reaps
Is crop OF sorrow in the evening of
(e.
Herbert Kaufman, modern news
Aper and magazine philosopher, has
Lid: THE men whom YOU detest arc
item qualified TO serve your needs fai
|6re effectually than the friend
pse company delights you"
The social atmosphere of drinking
HIS delights MANY men, but thou.
(nds OF men would have prospered
|Ore. been happier, lived longer, and
I'VE brought happiness rather thar
|ngrace 10 their wives and children
ia they been kicked down stairs tn,
mt time they entered Instead OF tn,
vt.
The rum shop that gets in the yer,