The large attendance, interest manifested and spirited debate were the outstanding features of the meeting of the Law and Order League at the Court House last Monday evening. That this was decidedly the best meeting in the history of the organization was the consensus of opinion among those present. The 57 new names added to the membership roll, consisting of many women, composed the very best element of the town. The meeting was called to order by the chairman, O.H. Orr, who called upon G.W. Hayes for the opening prayer. After voting to receive the 57 new applicants as members of the league, Mr. Orr made an interesting report on the work actually accomplished as a result of the activities of the executive order. This included several arrests for violation of the dry laws as well as assistance and information furnished the local officers. The limitation, if any, was to the jurisdiction of the League was discussed and defined. Upon motion of Mr. Scagle the limits were extended to include the entire county, each township to be represented by a committee to be appointed later to work in conjunction with the local executive committee.
Chief Galloway introduced Mr. Luke Osteen, the present prohibition officer, humorously comparing him to Luke of the Bible. Mr. Galloway said that during the brief period of office Mr. Osteen had destroyed 18 stills and made 11 arrests, that he had engaged in one pistol battle, but escaped being hit, due in part to his smallness of stature, which was an advantage he did (Mr. Galloway) did not enjoy while in the revenue service.
Mr. Osteen responded to Mr. Galloway’s introduction in a most interesting talk about prohibition enforcement that was enthusiastically received and vigorously applauded. He requested the assistance and co-operation of, not only those who compose the league but of every law-loving citizen of his district and that he intends to fulfill his office and the duty involved without fear or favor.
The league voted to petition our representation to pass a bill to reenact the “Deaver Law”--This law made it unlawful to have liquor in your possession, while the present County law permits a quart every 15 days. This also conflicts with the U.S. government law which is exactly like the Deaver Law and will greatly assist the local officers in catching the law breakers.
Mr. D.G. Ward offered a resolution that the league write Governor Morrison commending his stand in the Harris Case. This was passed by a majority vote, two members dissenting.
The last business of the evening was a resolution by E.W. Blythe that a letter be sent to Judge Shaw, who is to hold the coming term of court here, commending him for the just and adequate sentences imposed at the last term of court.
From the front page of The Brevard News, Oct. 28, 1921.
“First founded in the late 1880s after a series of violent labor strikes, Law and Order Leagues enjoyed a revival during the first world war. Law and Order Leagues defined lynching as a problem of social disorder; they advocated better law enforcement as a solution. Better law enforcement referred both to law enforcement action to prevent lynching, as well as increased effectiveness of law enforcement and court systems more generally. Law and Order Leagues were often led by white, southern progressives, though there were also “colored” chapters, and the organization was publicly celebrated by the NAACP. They could operate more openly and effectively in some areas of the south because they focused less on “racial equality” or “civil rights,” and more (as the name suggests) on promoting obedience to legal authorities and encouraging whites to have patience and faith in the formal criminal justice system. Internal documents of the NAACP suggest they saw the conservatism of this strategy promising as a way to get a foothold in areas hostile to more explicit forms of organizing.” From statesanctioned.com/the-law-and-order-league/.
You can also read an article about the Law and Order League in Scotland Neck in an earlier post is this blog: Rural North Carolina History: Scotland Neck Leaders Form Law and Order League to Restore Morality to Town, April 19, 1921 (ruralnchistory.blogspot.com)
No comments:
Post a Comment