Great Falls tribune. [volume] (Great Falls, Mont.) 1921-current, 1921-01-15

uTe WHICH mas alItduy UctIl
Anti-Saloon league and which
lature within a very short tin
The bill has been drawn with the
idea Of conforming to the sentiments
expressed by Governor Dixon in his
recent message and will be submitted
to the governor prior to its introduc-
ton to ASCERTAIN if it meets with his
ideas.
State "Dry" sIeuth.
The bill will not seek to go very ex-
tensively into the illicit liquor traffic
but will contain three or four amend
ments to the present law with the idea
Of making it conform to the Volstead
act. 1t will provide for the appoint
ment by the governor of an enforce
ment officer who Will serve at the
pleasure of the governor, will pro-
hibit the transportation of liquor with
in the state and will bring the ;njunc-
ton into effect against the bootlegser
who sells from the person. The in
junction provision would be made ap-
pl;cable to the bootlegger who sells
from the pocket and does not main
tain place of business and who would
be penalized for contempt of court in
y the case of violation Of the injunction.
The transportatin clause would per-
NIT of the seizure and sale of vehicles
utilized and of the money derived from
these sales onehalf would go to the
state board of examiners for the use
Of the governor in the enforcement Of
the prohibition law, one-fourth to the
school fund of the county in which the
seizure or furnishing information upon
which such seizure would be made.
This bounty idea is in keeping with a
federal law bearing upon similar con-
eiscations upon Indian reservations.
$50 Reward for Still.
The bounty idea is desired to be
further carried out in the matter of the
seizure of illicit stills. in which case
$50 would be paid to the person bring
ing about such seizure. According
70 the Rev. Joseph Pope, Of the anti
saloon league. this plan has already
proved successful in one of the lead
ing counties of the state.
Speaking Of this proposed bill Mr..
Pope Thursday said:
During my visit in Billings I heard
many very favorable and commend
atory remarks concerning Governor
Dixon's message. 1t is regarded by
our most intelligent citizens as a
statesmanlike facing Of the problems
confronting the state.
THAT part of the message in which
the governor announced a policy of
law enforcement. and requested the
legislature to provide the machinery
therefor and to make any necessary
amendments to make more effective
the laws we now have that Illicit
liquor vendors be suppressed, was
especially pleasing to the constituency
Of the anti-saloon league.
Objections Not Feared.
! 1--WE do not believe there will be any
serious objection or opposition to the
xovernor's proposals for more effect
We enforcement Of the law. The ex-
perience of the past has taught US.
AS a similar experience has taught
other states, that effective enforce
pent Of the prohibition law, dealing
as it does with the most cunning and
laring violators of law. requires special
state machinery for that purpose.
I'VE would urge that certain amend
nents to the state enforcement code. |
20 make it conform with the Nolstead |
act. be provided and that the governor |
,e empowered to suspend officials who |
neglect. fail or refuse OF enforce the |
aW. !
Stills and Vehicles.
81 would advocate bounty upon
stills and vehicles used in transport |
ng liquors, just as we do on wolves.
The legislative committee Of the anti
saloon league favor paying $50 for in
formation leading to the recovery OF a |
still and of one fourth the amount re- !
covered from the sale of confiscated
vehicle. to be paid to the person Civ
ng information leading to the recovery
IF the same.
'"There are many constables and
other officers who, under the present
,ystem, fail to get more than a mere
oittance for the performance of diff
.icult and hazardous service. If it is a
good public policy to provide a
,ounty on predatory animals for, the
protection Of defenceless livestock,
low much greater the necessity Of
promoting rigid enforcement Of the
aw designed to protect the public well
Are from predatory persons"