Graham Guardian

LAWBREAKING BECOMES COMMON

The following editorial from the Douglas Dispatch is very apropos in regard to like conditions here, and it cannot be much worse in Douglas than it is here, especially during the past week, when bootlegging has been the popular game and drunkenness the result:

"Notwithstanding the fact that the police are striving strenuously to stop bootlegging here, there does not seem to be any let up in the practice of obtaining liquor from outside points, and drunken men still are seen on the streets. Whiskey is coming into Douglas every day, and it is consigned to many people who would resent very vehemently the imputation that they were just ordinary law-breakers. It is true, however, and they cannot get around the charge any more than a thief can evade the responsibility when caught with the goods. Whether or not there will be search and seizure action on the part of the officers is yet to be seen; yet, by continually flouting the laws desired by a majority of the people of the State, they are encouraging just such action as this on the part of the authorities. What is the use of prodding the police to abolish the liquor traffic, when some of those who are crying the loudest against alleged laxity on the part of the officers, are getting all the 'booze' they want through the mails or in other ways? The police do not want to go into homes and search for liquor, even if they know of residences where the owners are defying the law by keeping it on hand. It is something they ought not to have to be compelled to do, but if they are criticized continually by persons who keep their own sideboards well supplied, law or no law, they necessarily will be compelled to go over the city with a fine-tooth comb, showing favor to none.

There has been argument put forth that the law, as adopted, is unconstitutional. It may be, but no high court decree has yet made it void, and, until then, it should be obeyed to the letter. Why a person rigidly will adhere to all other laws and break the laws pertaining to liquor without a moment's hesitation is one of the puzzles of human nature. A big howl would be raised if officers were to meet the trains and search the baggage of all passengers, yet something like this is going to take place one of these windy days. It is about time citizens who claim to be law-abiding should practice what they preach."