The Fargo forum and daily republican. [volume] (Fargo, N.D.) 1894-1957, 1917-08-04

ing or threatening to commit any
such Iawless acts.
And l cannot urge upon you too
strongly that you make every en-
deavor to have any such person
promptly tried and punished, If gull
ty, in accordance with the laws of
the state, in order that all may take
heed that this state will not tolerate
either lawlessness or violence.
Society Must Enforce Law.
"Society's very existence depends
upon the enforcement of law and
order. In these troublous times all
authorities must be on the alert.
You may rest assured that this ad-
ministration will back you in seeing
to it that all laws are observed and
enforced.
According to reports mob violence
is prevalent in many parts of our
country. Within the last few days
most deplorable reports have come
from South Dakota and Montana 1t
is charged that the constitutional
rights of individuals have been tram
pied under foot by mobs in the guise
of socalled safety committees, de-
tense leagues, vigilant committees,
labor organizations and even by
peace officers.
ITO some Of these misguided mobs
and officers it seems to be a crime to
be seeking work and not to possess.
money. Men have been illegally
searched, beaten, deported and 9TH
erwise mistreated contrary to all
law and in direct violation of the in
alienable right of every citizen.
81 wish it distinctly understood
that no such unwarranted actions
he RIGHTS nf individual
will be tolerated in this state while
l am governor. No official has a legal
right to search any man. without a
search warrant. He has no right to
beat any man. He has no right to de-
port any man, because he is with
out money, or because he demands
higher wages. The federal and state
constitutions guarantee to individ-
uals certain rights. These rights
must be respected. The surest way
to lose our liberties and constitu-
tional rights is to take them away
from those who are less fortunate.
Abuse of official power is but to
weaken all respect for law and or
der. Officials must protect the weak
as well as the strong. / call upon
you to sustain me in making North.
Dakota a model state Of law s1j Lr-
der.
Prosecute All.
I'm conclusion, let me urge upon
you again the necessity of dealing
with f1rmness and determination with
any man who is guilty of burning,
attempting or threatening to burn
crops or destroy farm machinery, or
any other property, or committing
any offense against the peace and
order of the state. Such a man must
be promptly arrested, tried and pun
ished in accordance with the law.
Let us use the strong arm of the
law, but not the strong arm of a
mad mob, or of a bullying official.
Il trust that all officers of the
state will sustain me in enforcing
and observing the laws, and thus
protecting the rights of all people,
but if there should be any who so
far forget their duty to the state and
their official position and oath of
office as to assist or countenance
violence, shall not hesitate to cause
their prompt removal from office.
Nothing does more to destroy respect
for government and to cause dis
LOYALTY than violation of the law by
those entrusted with its enforcement.
/ urge your earnest cooperation
that our government may have the
united support of all its people"