East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1914-03-23

iano Judge A. >. bennett, VINO does not
like Governor West
Where declared by implica-
Jadge Bennett ton that il elected
Fails Down governor he would
not do as Governor
West did at Copperfield, but would
follow the due processes Of law, or
words to that effect
Sounds just like a lawyer. 1t so
happens. however that Governor
West went in accordance with the Law
when he cleaned up Copperfield. The
circuit court of Baker county has so
ruled
The law even as it stands is very
broad and allows the governor much
latitude. When there is a community
or a county wherein conditions are
notoriously bad and regular civil au-
thorities are unwilling or unable to
perform their duties the governor
may step in and bring wholesome re-
suits and do so with much speed. Gov
ernor West did that with the Portland
road houses. He did the same at
Copperfield. he accomplished similar
results at Cove. and he helped the
good work along right here in Una
tilla county.
All this governor can do when he
is in earnest and is willing to use the
authority given him under the law and
the constitution. On the other hand II
he wants to do so a governor may sit
back in his big chair and take a Who'll
L. different attitude. He may refer
complaints to local civil authorities
and force them to rely on men who
perhaps do not want any law enforce
ment at all and stand in reality for
lawlessness. That is the time hon.
ored role for a governor to play.
But such spinelessness on the part
of a governor is not more in accord
ance with law than is policy of en-
ergeuc. effective action. The consti-
tuition commands the governor to see
that the laws of the state are effective
ly enforced. BY showing resourceful-
ness and courage in dealing with law
lessness wherever he has found it
Governor West has but obeyed his
oath of office and has more nearly
measured up to the requirements of
the law than has any governor in the
history of the state.
Judge Bennett implies that the gov
ernor has disregarded the law. The
made the law thing of life instead
of a dead letter. There is no danger
that officials will be too aggressive in
enforcing the laws against vice. The
menace comes from too much spine
lessness on the part of prosecutors
and others who, while sworn to en-
force the law often acquiesce in
crime and are the worst sort or an
archists
TO thoroughgoing and red blooded law
enforcement brands him as unsuited
for the democratic nomination for
governor. All appearances indicate
the republicans will name the flabby
type Of candidate in Attorney General
Crawford. The democrats should
name a man who will stand withou.
fear and without palaver for law and
decency. DR.. c. J. Smith is such a
man. II the democrats want man
whom they can back with clear consci-
ences and enthusiasm and with whom
they can go forth to victory they
should unite in support Of DR. Smith.
In the state campaign this fall the
East oregonian will support no man
for governor. democrat or republican.
Sho does not stand straight up and
without quibbling for law enforce
ment. II is oregon's greatest need
>>>~s>~>>
FREQ tolls would be great incen-
live to the building OF American
ships for our
How 10 Build Up coast wise
The Merchant Marine. trade; st
would go far
TO restore our merchant marine and
cause more OF our traffic 70 be car
ricd in American vessels" says the
Journal. Yet even with the free tolls
provision repealed we should have a
great revival Of our merchant marine
unless the railroads are allowed 20