The Telegraph-courier. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1888-1946, 1921-02-24
Disregard 70 Law Respons-
ible for Present COndi-
tions Says Judge.
TELLS OF WASHINGTON
Well Known Jurist Delivers Ad-
dress at Celebration of Wash
ington's Birthday Here.

'In these days there is an alarming
disregard of and lack of respect for
law and order. For such conditions
there must be held responsible not on
ly the actual law breakers, but also
and / desire to emphasize it-those
otherwise good and highly esteemed
citizens who wink, at violations of the
law"
This was the strong statement made
by Judge E. B. Belden of the circuit
court speaking before large company
at the Odd Fellows home on Tuesday
night in the feature meeting attending
the celebration of Washington's birth
day in Kenosha. Judge Belden strong
ly arraigned the people of respectable
ty who are not giving full support to
movements for law enforcement and
placed on their shoulders much of the
burden Of responsibility for conditions
existing today,
Refers to Washington and Lincoln.
"Both Washington and Lincoln were
great exemplars and everlasting mon
uments to truth, honor, devotion to
country and to good citizenship" de-
clared the Judge. Each will endure
as an inspiration to all who are we'll
disposed toward good government. Men
are not we'll disposed toward their
country and toward good government
unless they individually respect and
uphold its laws and do their individual
share toward maintaining it's good orr
T., low ; ~
ing disregard Of and lack of respect
for law and order. For such conditions
there must be held responsible not on
ly the actual law-breakers, but also
and I desire to emphasize it-those
otherwise good and highly esteemed
citizens who wink at violations of the
laws.
without their sanction--and mean
what | am saying in effect, their
cooperation, much of the present-day
violation of law could not exist. True,
there are certain officials charged with
enforcement of the laws, but what Of
the moral tone of the community the
state and the nation?' What backing
BY the body of citizenship have these
officials The citizen who winks at
violation Of laws lowers his own moral
character and the moral tone and char
acter of his community, his state and
his nation, until w-breakers ply their
vocations and illicit trafiics brazenly
and in defiance Of law and good gov
eminent What is becoming of good
citizenship?
Recalls Words of Lincoln.
"Let me recall to your minds and
serious meditation what Abraham Lin
coin said sixty years ago: There is
even now something Of evil omen
amongst us. | mean the increasing
disregard for law which pervades the
country / know the American people
are much attached to their govern
ment; / know they would suffer much
for its sake; / know they would en-
dure evil long and patiently before
they would ever think of exchanging
it for another Yet, notwithstanding
all this, if the laws are continually
: despised and disregarded, the aliena-
ton of their affections from the gov
eminent is the natural consequence,
Let reverence for the laws be breathed
by every American mother to the lisp
ing babe on her lap; let it be taught
in schools, in seminaries, and in col
leges; let it be written in primers,
spelling books and almanacs; let it be
preached from the pulpits, proclaimed
in legislative halls, and enforced in
courts of Justice"
Delightful Picture of Washington.
Judge Belden's address got away
from the usual George Washington
speech. While full tribute was paid
to the "Father of the Country" as a
military leader and as stateman, this
view of the Greatest American" was
eubdued rather than emphasized and
Judge Belden told of a Washington
which the people know little of. He
drew wonderful word pictures of the
farm at Mt. Vernon and the athletic
Young man who had graduated with
honors from military service at 81 and
found his highest pleasure in his farm
and gardens It was picture of init
mate home life which brought new
side of the "many sided" Washington.
It was picture of an interest in To-
cal service rather than one which
touched the heights of fame. In it
/. was the story of the men and women
who We're guests at Mt Vernon and
had part in the house parties at the
weekend and in the hunting parties.
He told of Washington at home rather
than that other Washington in the
armv and in the state house.
Happy Incidents of Home Life.
From an infinite study Of the char
acter Of Washington, Judge Belden
drew happy incidents OF his young
-,anhood and of his old are. Visits to