The Columbia herald. [volume] (Columbia, Tenn.) 18??-1935, 1913-10-03
LAW ENFORCEMENT.

upon the great question OF law en-
forcement no observing man can
question. That the ranks OF those
who believe in the supremacy of the
laws of the land are being daily re-
cruited is no longer open to doubt.
There is evidence of the growth of
this sentiment every where. 1t Is
reflected especially in the conduct OF
the criminal judges at Nashville and
at Chattanooga.
McReynolds has been criminal
Judge at Chattanooga for ten years.
He was on the bench when the state
wide prohibition law became effective
four years ago. But all of this time
he has permitted the law to be openly,
fiagrantly and defantly violated.
However, within the past week he
has closed every saloon in Chattanoo.
ga. This is admitted by the Chatta-
nooga organ of the lawless liquor
forces. He has done this without any
additional laws. Years ago the su-
preme court of the state decided that
a federal liquor license was prima
facie evidence of the guilt OF the
holder. That is not only the law but
it is common sense Men who pay
good money to the federal govern
ment for liquor license can have
but one object in view. and that Is
the sale Of liquor. Long years ago
the supreme court also decided that
it was beyond the power OF crimi-
nal or circuit judge to suspend SEN
fences. So we repeat that no new
law has been invoked in Chattanoo-
ga, there has been no change in the
personnel of the officers of the coun-
ty, hence the action of Judge Mercy
nolds is directly due to the increasing
sentiment that will rot tolerate open
defiance of the laws of the state.
What is true of Judge McReynolds'
case is true of Judge Neil in Nash
vile. He has been upon the bench
three years. He has had all the legai
weapons at his command that he has
now. He could have done what he
is now doing at any time within the
past three years. He has, however,
Just discovered the tremendous force
of the law enforcement sentiment OF
Tennessee These judges have been
moved by the aroused conscience of
thinking citizens. They feel the force
of that sentiment that is ever grow.
ing, a sentiment that refuses to sub
scribe to the pernicious doctrine that
a law must be repealed because those
at whom it was aimed will not volun'
tarily obey it's mandates.
Memphis stands alone the only city
in Tenntssee that openly boasts the
defiance of the law. 1t stands alone
the only city that unblushingly de-
clares its subserviency to the law.
less liquor dealers. 1t stands by it
self, the only place on the map of the
state that has not felt the force OF
the law enforcement sentiment. The
action OF Judge Gholson and other
prominent regulars of Clarksvills
shows the force of public sentiment
and proves the strength Of the move
ment to enforce all Of the laws.
Legislators are very human. They
are not slow to yield to an over.
whelming sentiment. Many of them
are ambitious. And in view OF the
changed situation in Tennessee, that
outward and visible evidences of the
strengthening Of the lines Of the
good government forces, that the
present legislature can be induced
to make law enforcement certain and
secure. IN the light Of conditions
that now exist we are firmly Of the
opinion that Gov. Hooper has acted
wisely and properly in again conven
ing the legislature in extra ordinary
session on Monday, Oct. Is. And he
Is to be unreservedly commended fol
combining his call to the law-enforce
ment bills and necessary amend
nents to the funding act.
This paper does not believe thai
Stanton will be bold enough or braz
en- enough to prevent vote in thu
!, house, even IL the majority OF thu
members are so cowardiy as to per
NIT SO fragrant usurpation OF pow
Ar. II is true that The Herald hal
insisted that good government legis
lation could not be obtained from thu
legislature as it Is now constituted
but In the light Of the facts allow
enumerated and of the tactics neces
sary to accomplish the defeat OF tn
Iaw-enforcement measures at tn
recent special session, we frank,
admit that the situation looks yer,
different to US. Unquestionably