The Onslow County News And Views

The Village Parson

By REV. L. GRADY BURGISS

GOOD WORDS

Good words. words of commendation and compliment. have come to the ears of the Village Parson in recent days concerning the work of our new Chief of Police. And these words were no criticism of the former Chief Rather they expressed pleasure on the part of the one who voiced them that our new Chief of Police was getting off to a good start in the administration of the many and worthy ordinances of the town. This is a most promising augur of the future. we trust. And it should be a challenge to every law abiding citizen of our town to throw their strongest support behind the Chief and all his men and thus strengthen them in their efforts to uphold the requirements of the law without fear or favor.

There have been towns which have been known to have had their favorites, their pet families. who were allowed to violate almost any and every town ordinance with impunity. Police officers started their work in good faith and with the high purpose of enforcing the law without partiality. but were soon faced with the problem of either letting some people, members of certain families, off, or of losing their jobs For these families. being among the ruling clique of the town. would frown down any effort of the police to apply the town laws to them. Such a circumstance in any town is an indication of at least two things. First. It indicates littleness. and Second. It is an indication of dishonesty. both on the part of the person who seeks to escape the just requirements of the law. and on the part of the officer who fails to administer that law impartially.

A number of years ago the Village Parson moved to a city of some 70.000, and discovered that the Chief of Police was a member and leader in his church The Parson went around to the Chief's office to call on him. In the course of the conversation the Chief pointed out the fact that he tried to discharge his duties as Chief without favor. to anyone. And said to his new pastor. "I will expect you to observe the various laws. and traffic rules, just as any other one will have to do. And if you should get a parking citation ticket. I will expect you to pay the usual penalty for it." Those words were a little startling at first. But he explained them by saying he wanted to give warning beforehand and save embarrassment for both later. The outcome of it all was that the Parson never got a ticket in the six years he lived there. and the Chief and the Parson have always been the best of friends.

The administration of the law to friends may at times be irksome or even painful, but it will always be profitable and satisfying in its final outcome.

Let us give our loyal support to all of our officers, and encourage them to give justice to every man.