The American Issue

THE WET DISARMAMENT MOVEMENT

(Chicago Evening Post)

The wets are zealously promoting a movement to disarm all representatives of the law who are charged with the duty of curbing smuggling, rum-running, bootlegging and other like offenses against the statutes of the United States.

When they have succeeded in depriving revenue officers and prohibition enforcement men of their guns, we presume they will provide a polite formula and code of etiquette which the agents of the law may follow in approaching a law-breaker.

"May I be permitted, my dear sir, to search your baggage for dutiable articles? I regret the necessity for putting you to such inconvenience, and, if you refuse my request, I, of course, will be compelled to desist from the proposed examination." This would be a general extension of the so-called "courtesy of the port," and would obviate much deplorable friction which now results from the ruthless procedure of babbage inspectors.

The border patrol might be provided with little flags instead of guns. Instructions could require its members to stand in the middle of the road and wave the flag at an approaching car, if occasion existed to suspect that it carried contraband. If the car refused to stop the officer would be out of luck-very much so should he fail to sidestep with promptitude. The killing of a-border patrolman, however, would be good only for a small paragraph under a one-line caption on an inside page. (Lanterns should be substituted for flags at night.)

"Service with a Smile" or "Say it with Flowers" could be adopted as the inspiring slogan for revenue men and dry agents. Enforcement of law would be popularized, and the lives of many valuable rum-runners and bootleggers saved.

So far as we have followed the disarmament movement of the wets it does not extend to disarming the law-breakers. It seems to be recognized that since their occupation is so hazardous the carrying of revolvers, sawed-off shotguns, machine-guns and other weapons is a necessity.

The story is told of a farmer, carrying a pitchfork, who was attacked on the highway by a savage dog, manifestly bent upon doing him grievous bodily injury. With dexterity born of long practice in the use of his implement he speared the brute on the tines of the fork. When its angry owner arrived the dog was breathing its last.

"What do you mean by killing my dog?" he demanded.

"Self-protection." answered the farmer.

"But why didn't you use the other end of your pitchfork to beat him off?" persisted the owner.

"Well, why didn't he come at me with other end?" asked the farmer.