A number of citizens from different sections of the county were in Asheboro Monday to attend a meeting which was called by the local ministerial association. Rev. W.F. Kennette was elected chairman and Rev. C.G. Smith, secretary. Rev. R.L. Davis, superintendent of the Anti-Saloon League, and Rev. W.F. Ashburn made the principal addresses. A public statement concerning the enforcement of the prohibition laws was presented, and it was ordered printed in The Courier, consequently it follows:
Public Statement of the Board of Trustees, North Carolina Anti-Saloon League, April 24, 1924
The Board of Trustees of the North Carolina Anti-Saloon League fully endorses the resolutions adopted by the Anti-Saloon League of America in the Washington convention, January 12-16, 1924, which declared unequivocally for constitutional government.
We desire to emphasize our endorsement of the 18th Amendment and the Volstead Act and the strict enforcement of both. We urge the voters of North Carolina to support for State and Federal legislative offices candidates who by record and public statement stand for these measures.
We believe in the strict enforcement of the Turlington Act. The legislative committee appointed by this body in November,1922, did its work thoroughly and successfully, and deserves the thanks of every citizen in the State. Now we urge these citizens and the executive officers to see that the provisions of this measure are used in every county to rid the State of bootleggers and blockaders.
The sheriff of the county is vested with power and authority to break up the outlawed liquor traffic. He is under oath to “search for and seize any distillery or apparatus used for the manufacture of intoxicating liquor in violation of the laws of North Carolina.” We urge all citizens to require of sheriffs the faithful discharge of this duty and hold them responsible also for the activity or failure of their deputies. We believe the people should support in primaries and elections candidates for sheriff who abstain from the use of intoxicating liquors. If making and selling liquor is unlawful, the consumer is a party to the crime. Not only candidates for sheriff, but candidates for judge, solicitor and recorder should publicly go on record for vigorous enforcement of prohibition laws.
We urge our teachers throughout the State to provide their schools with suitable programs that “Law and Order Day” may be observed. We favor an appropriation that will enable the Superintendent of Public Instruction, as the law provides, to furnish such program. Reverence for law is essential and must be taught. Especial attention should be given to the teaching of the effects of alcohol on the human system, both in public schools and in Sunday schools, so that public opinion will understand the reasons for prohibition and wish the law enforced.
The people must be brought to a deeper sense of civic responsibility. Those who vote are the only ones who really count as citizens of the Republic. As long as approximately half of those who are entitled to exercise the right of suffrage fail to qualify and vote, Christian citizenship must arouse itself and make every non-participating citizen realize that he is a civic slacker. We urge all citizens to meet this responsibility at the primaries June 7, 1924.
Resolution
The following resolution was adopted with a number signing:
Whereas, June 7th will be Primary Day when all political parities will choose their candidates for national, state and county officers, and
Whereas, the North Carolina Anti-Saloon League on April 24, 1924, issued a Public Statement endorsing the 18th Amendment, the Volstead Act, the state prohibition laws and their strict enforcement, and calling on the citizens to support for office those who abstain from the beverage use of liquor and declare for law enforcement to which we give our endorsement.
Therefore, we, the undersigned Pastors and church workers in conference assembled at Asheboro June 2, 1924, urge the citizens of the county to attend the primaries and vote for the candidate or candidates of their political affiliation who will obey the law and support the law and constitution.
We invite the people of Randolph to read the Public Statement issued by the Board of Trustees of the North Carolina Saloon League and therefore request The Asheboro Courier to publish the same in its issue Thursday, June 5th.
We especially urge the women to vote.
We urge the ministers of the county to use all their influence to create a sentiment for law enforcement in their neighborhoods. And, that they observe July 6, 1924, as Law Enforcement Sunday and preach on the subject at least once.
(Signed)
C.G. Smith
W.F. Ashburn
Calvin Gregory
O.P. Routh
W.H. Willis
J.L. Phillips
J.P. Fields
A.D. Shelton
A.B. Ellis
J.E. Frazier
J.T. Hayes
G.D. Pugh
W.H. Brown
W.M. Greeson
Mrs. R.W. Ward
Florence Owen
Geo. W. Clay
W.M. Julian
J.E. Woosley
J.T. Wood
V.B. Stanley
Ruby Pugh
Vanna Pugh
Mrs. G.D. Pugh
Mrs. J.T. Hayes
Mrs. J.T. Brown
Mrs. C.T. Redding
Mrs. W.A. Underwood
Mrs. C.L. Cranford
Miss May McAlister
Miss Ardena Lowe
From the front page of the Asheboro Courier, June 5, 1924
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