The Brookings register. [volume] (Brookings, Brookings County, S.D.) 1903-1971, 1917-07-26
COUNTY FARMERS
TO GUARD CROPS
MEETING OF TOWNSHIP AND VII.
LACE OFFICERS HELD TO OR.
CAME MINUTE MEN
Of REPRESENTATIVE FARMERS
Every Precinct Represented at Meet
ing Held in Court House at the
Sherif's Call

On the call of Sheriff Miner all of
he townships and villages of the en-
tire county met in session at the court
house Tuesday afternoon, to discuss
the question OF guarding and protect
ing the property in the county from
ally damage that might come from the
unsettled conditions that seem to be
spreading over the country. Most Of
the precincts had their full board
present, and some were accompanied
by the men who were appointed as the
Minute Men for hat township. 1t was
most certainly as representative a
body of the back Done of the county
as could have been gotten together.
These were the men who stand high
in each community, being chosen by
their %neighbors TO look after the veal
and welfare of the people.
After the purpose of the call had
been explained by Sheriff MINER, and
States Attorney Purdy had given a
talk on the law that governs the keep
ing of the peace and the matter of
vagrancy, a friendly discussion of the
methods to be pursued was had and
everyone given a chance to ask Ques-
tons and give his view on the subject.
II was agreed that each precinct
should select three men, who would be
furnished proper ammunition by the
county commissioners. and who would
be expected to see that order and
peace were preserved in that COM
munity. Every citizen has the right
by law, to arrest any man, who in his
presence commits a violation of the
law. This right is plainly expressed
in the statutes, but no n should ex-
ercise that right unless they know
from a deliberate judgement of the
facts. that such crime has been ON
mitted, or an attempt is to be made 10
chosen for each township and village
are to be the leaders in guarding and
protecting all property rights, and
every man within their call is expect
cd to respond when they m as
sistance. These men were chosen be-
cause they were cool headed and
cautious men, and would not be liable
10 do things just because they were
placed in a position Of trust and an
thOrity. 1t was the delegation, by a
representative body of citizens of the
county, of that authority which in a
free republic rests at all times in the
people themselves. These men are the
sentinels on the heights watching to
preserve order, with the whole popu-
lation ready in the background to sup
port them in every lawful move.
1t is not thought wise to give the list
of the men who were placed in this re-
sponsible position, as the knowledge
Of their identity. if made known to
everyone, might defeat the purpose for
which they are striving. There are
men floating around the country who
should be watched, without their
knowing it.
The men who were selected are Ger
tlinly of the calibre that the country
needs at all times. They are the pick
of the townships, Determined, quiet
firm and cautious in their discharge of
these public duties placed upon them,
they will render a service to their
country just as valuable in its way as
that of any fighter on the front
Though the young men go to war, we
at home will be surrounded by bands
of older men Who can fight if neces-
Sary, but who are determined to main
tain peace and quiet.
The move of Sheriff MINER in organ
izing this county association Of Minute
Men. is to be commended as being
wise and thoughtful.