Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1926-05-01
"A LITTLE FIRE klNDLETH"

- A't1 sNtiNS - IL
1t must be understood throughout
the State and outside the State,
however, that whether Mr.. Cum
mngs is successful in his primary
and election campaign or not the
enforcement of the prohibitory law
IN kennebec County is not involved
1t is important that this be under
stood because the, impression has
been given that the issue involved
is the enforcement or the nullifica-
tion of the prohibitory law. Ken
nebec County, like all the other
counties in this State, stands for
law enforcement and that is what
the people will insist upon having
whoever is successful in the primary
or in the election which follows it.
Portland Press Herald.
Right, neighbor, In justice you
should add that Kennebec County
has been having good enforcement,
at least as good, we venture to say,
any other State
But, more's the pity. that fact will
have difficulty in oyertaking the kind
of publicity which Maine is now re-
= ceiving, when the super heated
ina gination of the reporters of sem
sationalism have a vision of two as
tumed sheriffs of Kennebec County
watching each others move like two
TONI cats in back alley.
Surely while watching each other
they are not watching the lawbreak-
ers.
1t appears that the State proposes
TO make no further move to remedy
this intolerable situation, but would
leave that to the old sheriff. There
is way for the State to secure a
decision of the court. We assume
Sheriff Cummings would respect
such a decision.
Newspapers over the country are
not asking the treasury of the State
Of Maine to pay for the kind of ad-
vertising now being spread abroad.
But in the end Maine will pay
roundly and in humiliation for being
defamed,
Is there any need of this? Are the
publics rights receiving the first
conSlQerdtlOn!
Let us try to answer that question
dispassionately, try to clear our
minds from prejudice, personalities
and pique.
Here are few premises that
seem entitled to consideration. AS
we see them, these are first entitl-
ed: Maine is a law abiding State,
its people are instinctively law
abiding. That includes kennebec
County, past and present. Neither
human frailties. petty polit C s.,
political revenge or self seeking
on the part of a few public officials
or bystanders, should be permitted to
obscure the unalterable fact that
the citizens of Kennebec County are
law-abiding, self Prospecting, sensible,
expecting to make due allowance for
pperfections, but insisting on re-
spect for duly constituted authority
properly exercised.
Is authority now being properly
exercised?
Is there not available a peaceable,
legal method for conclusively doing
this without violence Of any sort?
Consideration brings US to condi-
lions. Conspicuous among these
are: the State authorities interfered
with the county authorities, con-
Quoted an examination and arrived,
involved in legal uncertainty. at a
conclusion, which they now would
enforce.
1t is essential that they enforce
this with dignity and in strict con-
formity to the law, which they have
assumed needs their support.
Just what that law may be can
only be determined by the decision
mot. the advisory opinion-of the
Supreme Court
Assuming that would be exactly
like the advisory opinion does not
alter the case; the advisory opinion
is not legally binding. The people
OF Kennebec County are entitled to
have a decision that is legally bind
ing.
terfered with the kennebec County
authorities seem to be morally
bound to secure it. II they install a
sheriff for this county should they
not see that he has title to the
office that is clear beyond all ques-
ton?
AS we see it, they are nowise re-
lieyed of this obligation by saying
that il the sheriff they would GUST
doubts the authority: "let him in
itiate proceedings" If he declines
to do that, as he has up to the time
of writing this, and has given rea-
sons for so doing, then. it seems to
us. the manifest duty of the state is
to, do this.
Why keep the people of Kennebec
County guessing as to the legal
rights Of its sheriff? Does that
comport with dignity? Why keen
his unseemly, undignifed wrangle
before the public in the newspapers?
D"hy twiddle thumbs while stand
Ing in the peoples light? WHY
oo not those. who began this. prop
erly finish it?
behold how great a matter a lit.
tie fire kindIefhu,