The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1914-09-04

Outlaw" and II win not obey any
law. Remember the words Of the
immortal Carmack: 1T has sinned
away Its day OF opportunity: 1t will
not be regulated: II must be destroy
ed" That the enforcement Of the
prohibition laws does reduce crime
and criminal prosecutions admits OF
no sort OF denial refer 10 the
verincation Of this statement While
the figures are not available, venture
to afiirm that there Ii not as much
crime in all the State Of Tennessee,
outside of Its four largest cities. as
there Is In the county OF Norfolk In
the State Of Virginia. Many coun-
ties In this State have no inmates In
their jalls In the large and populous
county of Jefferson, there has not
been but one man In her TAIL in the
last six months
Prohibition and Politics.
Third. The journal also charges
that Statewide prohibition has dis
rupted both political parties in Ten
nessee until no constructive legisla-
ton can be secured by party action.
II 1t is meant by this that no con-
structive legislation can be secured
by the action of any party which
stands for the open saloon In Ten
nessee. the Journal Ia quite right. No
party In Tennessee offering to return
to the old regime of the licensed sa-
loon would stand a ghost Of a chance
OF cnacttng any sort of legislation. 1t
Is true. that there have been some
new party allignments In Tennessee,
as there probably will be in Virginia
when that grand old State adopts
prohibition Of the liquor traffic. But
OF this be assured: That as 1t has
been In Tennessee. so It will be In
Virginia. the finest flower OF all
parties will cooperate, to the great
est advantage to the whole State! The
regular Democracy of Tennessee put
itself on the side OF local option four
years. from 1905 till 1909. with the
result that 1t went out Of power IN
Tennessee. But. 1t Is equally evident
that 1t will return to power in few
years. because 1t has now ranged
itself on the side of the prohibition
laws. Being a Democrat, II / were
allowed to give word of advice to
Virginia Democrats, 1t would be:
Don't get on the side of the open
saloon; II you do. you will lose your
opportunity for usefulness until such
time as you put your party on the
side of temperance and civic right
eousness.
Constructive Legislation.
But 1t Is not true, as charged,
that there has been no constructive
legislation in Tennessee since pro-
the State. The prohibition elements
in both the Democratic and Repub-
lican parties in Tennessee have pass
ed constructive legislation OF the best
kind. | will enumerate some of the
constructive laws which have been
enacted by the legislature OF Ten
nessee since the government OF this
State has been in the hands of pro-
hibitionists:
1. The compulsory school law. by
virtue of which the state now under
takes to see that no helpless child is
deprived of the facilities for an edu-
cation by the State.
2. The increase of tho public school
fund to one-third Of the revenues OF
the State.
g. The establishment of State
banking department for the regula-
ton and examination OF State banks.
to the end that both depositors and
ockholdcrs shall be better protect
ed. This new department has already
been doing splendid work.
4. The law creating the auditing
department, which has already, to q
great extent. wiped out the legislative
iunketing system. and which is CIV
ing substantial assistance In the refor-
nation of business in State institu-
tons and OfRces.
5. The parole system and indcter-
inmate sentence law which are now
prisoner q second chance To make \
good citizen out Of repentant men
who .have been punished for offenscs
against the law.
6. The law creating the denartmcnt
Of shop and factory inspector, the In
crease OF the appropriation for this
work. and the enlarged force and en-
HANGED efficiency OF the department.
Z. The workmen's compensation conn
mission. which comprises nae body of
competent men. representin9 both en-
pioyer and employe. and which IL now
inv~stiCating the entire subject as
signed 10 them. with the hope that they
can report a bill to the next legislature
that will become q law. The enactment
Of such m equitable law upon this sub
ject IL endorsed by every class OF our
people.
3. A law requiring the deposit Of the
states funds ON interest. which has
discontinued the use Of the funds NJ
political asset and which II now bring
ing into the state treasury about S25.-
ONO per year.
o. The enactment e1 the vital rtatin-
tics law, which will sf<~t'y conducc 20
the protection Of the pubiie health and
will assist In the enforcement OF other
laws.
TO- The law putting the regulation of
express companies under the supervt-
sion of the state railroad commission.
II. The enactment Of n law author
ixtns counties TO isnuc bonds for pub
Tic highways without a special enabling
act of the legislature.
Ic. The nuisance law to enforce the
fovr-m.ie law.
~. The antf-shipment law.
II. A law limiting and regulating the
h0urs of labor OF women and children.
Is. Requiring hre-escapes on work.
shops and factories two stories or more
in height.
10. Requiring the reporting of acct
dents to the department OF Workshop
and factory inspection.
II. Requiring hrst-aid supplies 70 be
Is. ProyiAi.g for the maintenance OF
rescue crews ut mfnes. /
10. Amending the eAild-Iabor law no
~ to prohibit night work.
10. Providing a semi-montAly pay
day.
~. The purchase Of the Baxter farm
of 2.312 acreA adjoining the main prison