Newark leader. ([Newark, Ohio]) 1917-1946, 1923-03-09
STATE CONSTABULARY.
lBV John Bushl

Promise is most given when the
least is said" All fair minded pea
pie who are familiar with the facts
as regards the real object in view of
those WHO are endeavOring to stab
lish state constabulary, which in
principle is diametrical to all Amer
lean ideals will readily note the truth
fulness Of the above quotation, mas
much as the promoters of he pend
ing bill, which in reality means the
further enslavement of labor, arc the
people who in the recent past said so
much about world wide democracy.
Practically the same measure
which was defeated two years ago
has been introduced in the Ohio as
sembly for consideration.
There is in existence at this time
an organization which is creating
much comment
1t claims to have a large member
ship. and its avowed object is to
promote true Americanism. The
writer notes by an article which ap-
peared in a recent issue Of their Of
ficially endorsed newspaper or or
gan which is being sold on the
oClccCo IllaC IL IdNo1S q oIeIIS CO1ISed-
bulary.
After organized labor in Ohio and
other states was given an opportun-
ity to debate the subject in the state
house at Columbus two years ago,
the same bill was defeated. Regard
less of what association or organiza-
ton, its members or numbers, and
the object in view, the writer wishes
to state frankly and without a sense
of fear, that a state constabulary is
not American, and those who advo-
cate or support the passage of the
measure are not promoting one hun
dred percent Americanism.
The bill as introduced by its spon-
sor, Representative Justin Harding,
of Warren county, provides for three
troops of rolice which would operate
outside municipalities excepting in
emergencies. All bills that are in
troduced by groups of men having a
selfish object in view are always
carefully couched behind a skilfully
designed mask. The writer has much
data at hand which makes apparent
that the, object of state police
though the public by propaganda is
led to believe different, is to compel
labor in the large industries to accept
any and all kinds of tyranical condi-
tions, the employers have mind to
impose on them.
The article in the official organ of
the organization referred to reads as
follows:
GAS a rule we are against any ad-
ditiOhal taxation or expense, but we
are for the state rural police bill now
pending before the Legislature. The
country districts are being opened up
by good roads, the motor car and
require a state constabulary. The
escape of criminals after crime is
easy if there is no force for pursuit
from county to county; and the fact
that it is easy provokes and encour-
ages crime.
We believe the bill can be framed
to meet opposition.
The money is in the auto theft fund
Labor who is against the
bill cannot say the state should be
exposed to crime. The constabulary
would be used against criminals not
labor. A state police is needed"
On the outset the article lays par
ticular stress upon the fact that the
is as a rule opposed to
additional taxation, and then speaks
of good country roads.
What is most needed is not rural
police, but an organization with force
and power enough to compel the au
thorities in charge of road building