Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1919-04-02

Law Observance in Law Enforcement
IN the wave OF indignation that is sweeping
Virginia because of the illegal and extra
legal activities Of agents OF the Prohibition
Department and the Federal government as
well, thero is disccrnible no sentiment IA
vorablc to noncnforcement OF the laws to
the very letter as they written in the
statute books. Or, il there is such scnti-
ment it is harborcd only by actual law
breakers or potential offenders, and, there
fore, is unworthy Of consideration. Vir-
ginians above all else abiding and
law-respecting people, and they demand that
the laws for which majority OF them voted
shall be enforced, and that without being
brought into disreputc through the manner
of their enforcement They insist that there
be no prejudice and license, and that
those officers Entrusted with compelling rigid
observance OF the statutes do not themselves
transgress them in the misguided zeal with
which they perform their duties Every
citizen of the State and every person within
its borders has certain inherent personal and
property rights which officer is justified in
trampng underfoot, and does only at his
own risk. When they SO trampled they
bring upon'the state unmerited dishonor.
Existing laws properly and judiciously ad-
mnistered, are believed to be sufficient to
stamp out the illicit liquor traffic in Win
gnia. If they not sufficient, then at
the next session of the General Assembly
let them be amended added TO so that
they shall prove ample safeguard against de-
nance OF the popular will. There is an over
whelming sentiment in this State that pro-
hibition have fair trial. Even its former
opponents unite in insisting that no obstacles
be put in the way OF its proving the blessing
which has been promised But let the truth
be told The sravest obstacles at present to
fair trial of prohibition are being inter-
posed by the Prohibition Department itself
for 1t must be held responsible for the con-
Duct or its agents, whether they act under
its direct or implied orders or independently
OF II. 1t is the conduct of these agents that
is bringing prohibition in Virginia under
public condemnation, causing indignation
among all classes of people and even melting
on the part OF its friends a reyulsion of feel
ing which is inimcal TO the Statewide law
Investigation OF the killing OF two boot
leggers in the Valley is in the hands of the
courts, where it will be determined if the
Prohibition agents acted within the law II
they did, they will be eyonerated; if not they
will be punished. That case stands out
above all others, because there was taking
OF human life and because of the mob scenes
which ensued. But every day on the high
roads, on the trains, at the depots, wherever
travellers go, there are violations of the Law
on the part of the officers. Necessity OF
warrants is ignored, personal rights in
lrlnged, baggage torn open and rummaged,
and innocent persons subjected TO incon-
veniences, indignties and embarrassment
Comparatively few OF these cases come to
light because OF the hesitation victims OF
such official zeaousness feel in reporting
them lest their own names come into unwel-
come publicity So disgraceful have these
conditions become that authorities OF other
states have taken cognizance Of them and
travellers who can do SO avoiding Virginia.
These things are unnecessary 10 the stern
enforcement OF the prohibition laws In fact
they are the most serious handicap il has
and if the Prohibition Department permits
them 10 continue il will be its own worst
enemy. a thorough housekeeping by the
department, the release Of agents who have
neen more active than law-abiding, and I'M
mistakaD!e instructions to its employees that
hereafter their conduct must conform not
only to the statutes, but to the standards Of
common courtesy, Will do much toward curb
ing the growing restivencss and dissatigfac-
tion, and restore Yirginias good name