The Monte Vista journal., 1916-01-08
AN OPEN LETTER FROM
The DISTRICT ATTORNEY

81 Colorado turned over new leaf
S#on January 1st and resolved in the
future to forbid the sale of intoxi-
eating liquor. Whether that reso-
luton will be kept or not depends,
FIRST upon the strength of public
continent in favor of law enforce
ment; and, second, upon the dill
gence of the officers charged with
the duty of enforcing the laws.
Without the backing of public senti-
ment, it will be very difficult for
marshals and constables and sher-
IFS and district attorneys to accom-
plish much, however diligent they
may be, and an awakened public
continent would compel action by
the officers, even should such officers
not be disposed to act
My experience has taught me that
too often those who want the laws
senforced, content themselves with
! finding fault with officers rather
than manifesting any disposition to
I help out. 1t is generally impossible
@for us to know where the law is be-
sing violated unless some one brings
Isthe matter to our attention, and
even when that has been done, too
~often the necessary evidence is not
Forthcoming. Thre is no provision
made by our laws for detective
work; there is no provision made for
the payment of sheriffs and consta-
bles for their time devoted to fer
reting out crime. Much of this work
must be done by private citizens,
3nd complaints Of violation should
lways be made by private citizens,
IRE you going to help? 1 will ven
Seure the assertion that there is not
An officer in the 18th Judicial Dis
Arict who is not ready and eager to
punish every violation of the pro-
I1fibition law, or any other law.
Bring violations to our attention;
ust for a change try giving the Off
eers square deal once, and see
,v3what the results will be.
III There is another form of law
breaking which it seems to me
should go out with the saloons.
That is gambling. 1 am asking my
deputies to rigidly enforce the law
against games of chance in the fut-
nre. There seems to be no halfway
ground in this matter Every form
ef gambling must go. Now, if the
taxpayers want this district cleaned
mp in this particular, let them give
rs some assistance. 1t Is not many
FEARS since gambling was openly in
ulged in, but the cid" has been
lamped on tighter and tighter. The
oulette wheel, stud-poker table and
lot machine have disappeared along
Nith the prize fighters and the red
light district. That seems to me to
be a great deal accomplished. Let
rs go further this new year and
4ut an end to the secret poker-room
md the petty pool hall gambling.
If the good people of the district
will get behind us in these matters,
We pledge a general cleanup such
rs the 18th Judicial District has
Never had.
# There is one class OF citizens we
Near great deal and hat is the
sstaxpayer who complains that too
A much money is being expended in
#criminal prosecution. Some way or
other that kind of knocking seems to
Jake all the ginger" out of our
work. If the taxpayers will help us
make few striking examples of law
preakers. there will soon be a whole
!, bome fear of the law that will cut
..Sdown the cost of our criminal courts.
a l want anyone in the District who
has information which should be
Pcted upon by the officers, to call
me up by phone at saguache at my
Expense, and let me know about the
4 natter.
Yours for law enforcement,