Show PROVOS prohibition taic liquor question in provo is the occasion of more comment at the present time alian at any kotlier period in the history of this city it is to be regretted that such is alie case so far as the 01 denance on the books of provo ay iy liquor nothing better could bo desired it haa been declared constitutional and at the haht term of court maintain d by judge by hiis enforcing its penalties upon alie violators consequently it is not the law that is at fault it would be inconsistent to charge the present situation to that source the question eliat confronts us is Is alie law enforced this is the only view wo can take of the situation to answer in the affirmative would be ridiculous alie law is not enforced if it was and there is no question but whit it can be wo would not find such a sad condition as that in which provo is placed regarding this matter we are well abaro that many have no faith in prohibition thinking such a thing impossible imposible impo sible were there no evidence to the contrary we would certainly be among this number but inasmuch as prohibition lias been practically demonstrated a success elsewhere it would be folly for us to join in and say there is no such a tiling as prohibition it is a farce governor larrabee of iowa in hiis biennial message to alie legislature of that state last month speaking of alio prohibitory law there says much progress has been made in the enforcement of alie prohibitory law not only has public sentiment much in in relation to it but judicial officers are more disposed to secure its enforcement many judges give strong testimony in its favor sli owing eliat where it has been well executed lias been a marked reduction in criminal of fences and also in court expenses during the past year and particularly during its latter half there lias been a decided falling off hi penitentiary convicts and a very large number of county jails havo been emptied some of them for the first time in years there is a marked improvement in alie condition of the poorer people in 10 of laboring men addicted to strong drink while there is very little difficulty now in enforcing alie law in the rural districts and in a very large majc ity of alie counties there are still a few portions of alie state par tic some of the larger cities where the law is not enforced this however does not include all such cities for in des moines sioux city and cedar rapids three of the largest and moat rapidly growing cities in the state the law is now and has been for the past year well enforced alie constitution makes it incumbent on the governor to enforce the laws citizens have again and again called upon me to enforce alie prohibitory law in the few counties and places where as yet but little regard has been paid to it I 1 in turn have called upon the judge slier ufa and other officers to aid in accomplishing shing aliis but I 1 regret to say without success I 1 know of no means at the command of the executive which can be relied upon to secure better results in the future the last two assertions of iolas governor is the keystone undoubtedly to alie present condition of provo it is no earthly use in ordinances being passed by alie city council without those officers who have sworn to do their duty will see that aliey are enforced governor larrabee recommends as a means of remedying the evil of alie non On of the law that a joint com cittee of alie legislature t appointed to enquire into the reasons of this neglect and ascertain whether the officers of the different localities are neglectful of their duties 1 I think says he some measures should bo adopted to quicken the consciences of alie officials who neglect or refuse to perform their sworn duty or else provide a way for their suspension or removal it is a disgrace to the state to have its authority so openly defied our people are strong in their convictions that this law shall be enforced as well as others and it is the duty of the legislature to provide means the authority of alie legislature in these matters is no longer a subject of dispute the recent decision of the court of the united states settles that question the article of 8 S J in this issue s certainly strong in denunciation of the manner in which the prohibitory law las been treated in provo certainly with the encouragement received from tho bench and with the popular sentiment of abo people there is no reason why a change in the premises should not bo effected tho officers of the city aro the servants of the people they are called upon by those who elected them to fill their trust and see that their interests and the interests of their children are attended to that the laws on tho statute book for the peace and welfare of the community aro treated act if they do this and pursue their duty faithfully persistently and fearlessly a happy change will take place and provos prohibitory law will bo as great a success as that of des mainos sious city and cedar JR acids referred to in the governor of iolas message |