The commonwealth. (Scotland Neck, N.C.) 1896-1929, 1914-05-14
Mr.. PURRINGTON DEFENDS
THE DRASTIC SUNDAY LAW,

To the Editor:-I am not used to
newspaper discussions, and shall
probably not be tempted to indulge
further after this venture. But l
have thought it highly fitting at this
juncture, as one of the commission
ers anathametized, to make, in some
sort, reply to the scathing edito-
rial of the past week. I desire to
state right here in the outset and in
all sincerity, that if you be stating
your honest convictions, and would
not even hint otherwise, then I have
nothing but respect for the clear
ness and fearless honesty with which
you have uttered them; but at the
same time | claim equal indulgence
and courtesy for the opinions / may
happen to entertain, even though
they differ materially from yours.
/ grieve to say it, but not to be out
done in frankness, am constrained
to say that in my humble estimation
the editorial argument is shallow
and flimsy and the construction of
the article loose and weak. But
then you had a poor case. Without
fattery may say you are young
man of considerable ability and
probably said all it was possible to
say for your cause.
Your first tentative argument
shows either Wilful misrepresenta-
ton or egregious ignorance. You
seem to be apprehensive that some
one may "LAY down and de- in
consequence of the drastic measures
of the town board at it's last session.
If you will consult the town ordi-
nances you will find the sale Of
DRUGS On Sunday is NOT prohibit
ed. In other words, we do not close
the drug stores, but we do prohibit
the sale of any goods or merchandise
whatsoever other than drugs. So
no one is obliged to LIE down and
die for lack of physic,
Trusting that have allayed all
anxiety on this point, l proceed.
Your next point may be veiled
threat; but believe me, my dear
young man, you have touched the
wrong note when you hint at no re-
election for me. Far from desiring
reelection, l shall most cheerfully
and gladly lay down the truncheon
of power whenever the majority of
the voters Of the town desire it, pos
sibly sooner, for the staff of Office is
not only entirely unremunerative
but appears to be even grossly thank
less. However, if my Office were a
we'll paid one, l trust would have
the courage and manhood to do my
duty as see it, regardless of threats,
4 vituperation, dirty calumny and ma
licious Misrepresentation. Of these
/ last two charges do not accuse
you; but dirt manufactured for the
occasion has been hurled at me from
the ranks of your cohorts. How.
ever, bear no malice towards the
singers, for have found such FILTH
DOES NOT DEFILE WHAT II
DOES NOT HIT.
Now, in regard to the laws Of
other towns, can only say that the
fair fame arising from civic purity
and righteous municipal government
) has reached my anxious ears from
no town in our broad Common
wealth, hence judge that none ha'
! attained prominence in these vir
tures. acknowledge lido not know
weat other little towns have done il
: regard to this matter. Possibly i
there be towns that have open foun
tains on Sunday they see good il
) such a course, cannot. Nay, more
( if every town in the country count
} enanced such proceedings, shoul'
not be convinced one whit the NOR
I that it was right nor give my sup
} port to the measure one whit tn
: sooner.
Ridiculous! Absurd! they AR
) the words" Of course I knew tina
{ Scotland Neck and its vicinity was
! hard working community. earnin
( it's bread by the sweat OF its brow
( but had not thought there was i
! all the town and surrounding cou1
I try one soul whose toll was so unrt
!? mitting as to leave no single fly
! minutes in the six days of the con
) mercial week in which the poor ma
J might rense mot wrench, Mr.. Ed
{ tori his dusty throat. Sad! Sa'
! They all, believe, find it perfect
! possible, nevertheless, to come