CHAPTER XxXlll.

Tur CoURTS AND LAWS OF WASHINGTON AND ALASKA, condensed from the
Press with explanations, etc.—Women as jurors, ete.—‘‘The infamous
decision,” etc. —‘‘ Complaints of court.”—‘‘ A novel ruling,” ete.

" Tue time has come when no one feels safe from the attack of the
assassin, and the frequent inquiry is, what good man will be next to yield
up his life for the reason that he possesses a little property, or has in-
curred the displeasure of some [masonic] wretch who has no fear of the
law. Scarcely a man dares to leave his own door without firearms in his
possession, and women and children are in constant terror lest the mur-
derer may select them for his next victim.

The graveyards are filling up, and horrible crimes are forgotten almost
agsoon as committed. A person who willfully murders another for gain
isentitled to no sympathy, and deserves to be treated more like a wild
beast than a human being.”

How Iris pongE.—‘‘ Be it remembered that the battleis generally won
or lost when the twelfth juror is sworn.”’ These words are remarkable in
that they are so fearfully true; remarkable, too, that they should be
spoken by an attorney at such a time. It is equivalent to saying that
jurors do not decide according to law and evidence. Itis coming to bea
recognized fact that the man who summons the jury has more to (lo in the
decision of a cause than any other one connected with it. Let all who fail
to comprehend a verdict remember and ponder these words, ‘‘The battle
is generally won or lost when the last juror is sworn.”

[Yet people often support candidates of a midnight brotherhood for

sheriff and commissioners. ]

*
*

“The case of W. K. vs. J. K., to try the rights of property in relation
toa certain colt, came up before Justice J. B. L, last Saturday. The jury
gave a verdict in favor of the plaintiff. The costs of the suit amount to
over $500. Rather an expensive suit over a $50 horse. The case will be
taken up on a writ of certiorari.”

[Such is the price of justice in a masonic court. ]

N. B.—‘‘ Captain ‘J. B. L.,’ formerly State librarian of ——, recently
ajustice of the peace and auditor of Pomeroy, was placed in jail last night,
in default of $500 bonds, to await the action of the grand jury, on a charge
ofembezzlement. Several charges of alike character are hanging over
him.”

[Though the parties were robbed of large sums of money, the brother,
being a licensed criminal, was dismissed by the good to him judiciary.
And of such are the ‘‘ courts of justice.”’]

(447)

448 Courrs IN WASHINGTON AND ALASKA.

‘Judge G.. has decided that titles to legislative acts may not specifi-
cally express the object of the law, and still be valid. This was to have
been expected, as Judge L.. held to precisely a different opinion some
time ago.”

* * *

‘“‘Demurrer to the petition was overruled, In thisJudge G.. decided
that the insolvent law of the Territory is valid, holding contrary to a de-
cision of Judge W.. some time since.”

[The profession of law is a vicious, expensive humbug, and should be
abolished. ]

* * *

“Judge L.. has decided the local option law unconstitutional on the
ground that it is an attempt to confer legislative power upon the people at
the polls. This is precisely what might be expected from such a source,
His decision will carry no weight outside of his own district. It is well
known that the local option law, and especially the local option principle
of voting by the people on the question, was carefully considered by three
ex-Judges, by Chief Justice G.. and by other lawyers far superior in
ability to Judge L.., and they unhesitatingly pronounce the law constitu-
tional in every respect. It isa pity that judicial ignorance and stupidity
of the L.. kind should be a stumbling block in the progress of moral
reform, His appointment, was avery bad one from the beginning, and the
question as to who is responsible for itis pertinent at this particular time.”
[The masonic ring. |

“Judge T.. has decided in a Yakima case that the local option law of
the last legislature is valid. His decision is a strong document, and is sup-
ported by a formidable array of judicial decisions,

The turning point in the decision is, that the local option law is nota
delegation of legislative power, but merely the delegation of the power to
determine upon what contingency the law shall be operative.”

[And the Supreme court decided both ways, so as to make business for
the brotherhood and ‘‘members of the bur,” at the expense of the pxople,
and making the legislature a useless body or branch of government. |

‘There is intense excitement all over Washington over the decision of
the supreme court, declaring unconstitutional the act of the legislature,
granting suffrage to women.

Last Friday the people of this coast were astonished by a despatch
from Olympia, stating the supreme court had declared the women’s sui!
rage law void, and that hereafter women could not lawfully vote or sit ou
juries in this Territory.

Judge L.. in his opinion says, that the present code of Washingtou
does not contain any authenticated act of the legislative assembly. It
purports to have been edited and compiled by a private party. It con-
tains no titles to acts, no enacting clause, no signature of the president,
speaker, or Governor. The chapter, divisions and sections all purport to
be the act of a private party. He saysitis clear that this book does not

may not specifi-
iis was to have
t opinion some

lye G.. decided
mtrary to a de-

x, and should be

titutional on the
yon the people at
m such a source.
trict. It is well

option principle
sidered by three
s far superior in
the law constitu-
.ce and stupidity
yrogress of moral
eginning, and the
s particular time.”

ocal option law of
ment, and is sup-

pption law is not a
n of the power to
tive.”
make business tor
nse of the pxople,
ernment. | .
er the decision of
f the legislature,

d by a despatch
he women’s sull-
Ly vote or sit ou

He of Washingtou
ive assembly. It
e party. It con
of the president,
bns all purport to
his book does not

WoMEN As JURORS. 449

contain an act or copy of an act passed by the legislative assembly, and it
cannot be known officially what it does or does not contain,” | Yet it was
effective as against outsiders. |

‘In this way all the acts granting women the right to vote are void,
and. if unable to vote they are incapable of acting as jurors.”

* Chief Justice G.. says: ‘From all that is decisive, and from much
that is not decisive, in the very able opinions just read, I totally dissent.’”

‘Following is the opinion of Judge D.. with some facts cited by him:
‘The opinion announced by Justices T.. and L.. holding the woman sutff-
rage law unconstitutional, does not have that effect.’ ”

‘The same questions have been differently decided by three of the
judges of the supreme court while hearing cases in that court...... If
the opinions in these four cases are not decisive of the question, how can
the opinion of L.. and T.. be decisive? Butif the woman suffrage act
anending section 3,050 of the code is void for the reasons assigned in the
opinion, then the act amending section 2,113 of the code, and fixing the
time of holding the present term of the supreme court is void for the same
reasons, namely, a defective title,”

‘The title of the two actsis in substance and effect the same, and if
one act is void, the other is void, and the supreme court is now in
session without the authority of law, and all its decisions and doings have
no validity.

T am not attemptine to show the fallacy or unsoundness of the opinion
in question, but only one of the results of such an opinion, that if ‘all the
acts granting women the right io vois are void,’ the act under which the
supreme court is in session 1s also void. [In other words, the lawyer
machine is a humbug and expensive swindle. |

The editor says: ‘Our readers can take each their own views of tie
matter set forth above, and when they get through studying on them, if
they know any more about the real statutes of the question than they did
before they commenced, they know more than the writer does about it.”

‘The decision of the supreme court, declaring the woman suffrage
act of 1883 unconstitutional, has been the absorbing topic of conversation
along the streets to-day. In view of the special interest counected with
the case, representatives of the News have taken pains to secure expres-
sions of opinions from a number of our leading citizens.”

One says: ‘Public sentiment in Washington Territory is largely in
favor of woman suffrage. When I first came here I was prejudiced
against woman suffrage, but my experience has shown to me that the
good of society demands that women should exercise the same political
rights as men. This decision is a real calamity. It is made on purely
technical grounds and without reference to the merits of the question.
The matter is still more to be regretted for the reason that it will impair
public confidence in exposition and administration of law by our courts.
Itis feared by many that the supreme court of Washington Territory is

29

450 “Tue Inramovs DEctsion.”

inclined to keep in the old ruts and avoid the decision of questions upon
their iutrinsic merits.”’

Another.—‘‘The court has stultified itself. The decision locks pet-
tish. The supreme court having three times passed cn the question, it
should be recognized as settled. The legislature having been in session
since the time of those decisions, it can be well considered that the people
have acquiesced in these laws. Here is another consideration: If that
decision goes to the extent that female juries, or juries in which there were
women, are invalid, then all present indictments now pending, the Chinese
‘ases included, and the conviction in the celebrated W.. murder case that
is now before the supreme court, are invalidated.”

Another.—‘*The decision knocks the stuffing out of things, and yet
does not settle the question. It makes a muddle. If an offender is tried
and convicted in the second or third judicial district by a jury composed
in whole or part of women, si appeal to the supreme court would result
in the annulment of the judgment ; whereas, if an appeal should come up
from the first or fourth judicial district, based on the present decision, the
judgment would be affirmed, asitis known that Judge G.. and Judge H..
favor female suffrage and regard the law as constitutional, and Judge L..
and Judge T.. maintain the opposite views.”

Another.—‘‘T am sorry to see the woman’s suffrage act declared un-
constitutional. I was not at one time in favor of woman’s suffrage, but
since I have seen its workings in this territory, I am in favor of it.”’

Another.—*‘‘T have sat in the Jury box with women and always found
them good ‘jurors.’ ”

Another.—‘‘I am opposed to woman suffrage and glad to know the
Supreme Court has rendered the decision it has.”

Another,—‘‘T am in favor of woman suffrage, provided they vote the
democratic ticket.”’

Another.—‘‘I consider it a great public calamity. Woman suffrage
has been a success in this territory.”

Another,--‘‘ I invariably found that women made as good jurors as
you find anywhere. They had keen perceptions and exercised most ex-
cellent judgment. The decision was wrong.”

Another.—'‘T have always been opposed to woman suffrage and like
the decision.”

Another.—A legal gentleman said: ‘A quibble, yes, sir, a quibble.”

Another legal gentleman:—‘‘The decision is a splendid one. It will
benefit the judiciary system of this territory. Women have not made good
jurors.” [They not being so safe to bribe or subject to mystic signs.
And such decisions benefit the judiciary system by making the territory
“a very inviting field of clover for the legal fraternity,” THE CANCER OF THE
PEOPLE, |

**\ SEQUENCE,

The legitimate fruits of the Supreme Court are already making their

appearance. The result is to create endless controversy, constant cou-

questions upon

cision locks pet-

the question, it
y been in session
1 that the people
eration: If that
which there were
ding, the Chinese
murder case that

f things, and yet
n offender is tried
ra jury composed
ourt would result
1 should come up
esent decision, the
.. and Judge H..
al, and Judge L..

e act declared wn-
nan’s sutirage, but
favor of it.”

and always found

glad to know the
led they vote the
Woman suffrage

as good jurors as
xercised most ex-

suffrage and like

sir, a quibble.”
did one. It will
e not made good
to mystic sighs.
king the territory
IE CANCER OF THE

dy making thei
Sy, constant Con

Courts IN WASHINGTON AND ALASKA. 451

ee

fusion and instability of judicial proceedings under our statutes, for the
decision will reach and apply with equal force to half the enactments of
the last two sessions of the Territorial Assembly, whenever the point is
raised [ for a big price or ring influence) with respect to any one of them.

Upon the convening of the District Court in Seattle, the United States
Attorney raised the objection that no legal term of the District Court could
then he held, since the act of 1885, changing the time of holding the
terms of the District Courts, was likewise imperfect in its title, for the
sane reasons upon which the decision against the woman suffrage act was
rendered, and, therefore, void. And further that, according to the prin-
ciple involved in its own decision, no legai to»m of the Supreme Court had
been held, since its authority to sit at tlet time was derived from an act
with the same imperfect title. He believed, in a rehearing of the case, the
decision would be reversed, for the same Judges, if they were consistent,
must decide that they had no jurisdiction, since they were not legally in
session,

Judge G..., after hearing arguments on both sides, determined to hold
the session of the court, ‘ since it was clear in his own mind that both acts
were valid, though he believed that the logic advanced by the judges who
delivered the opinion in the suftrage case would render this act also void,
because the title did not state the object of the act.’

In case of any conviction at this term of corrt, it is more than likely
that an appeal will be taken [if the parties have p 2nty of money or belong
to the gang] to the Supreme Court, on the ground of no jurisdiction, and
it will be interesting to see, how these same Judges will accept the fruits
of theiv former decision.” —Daily News.

«The result of this decision, if adhered to by the District Courts and
followed to its legitimate end, will occasion endless litigution [and enrich
the gang, to which the Judges belong, at the expense of the people],
Titles to much proper‘ will be unsettled. The decision is disastrous. It
will result in setting asic e all the indictments against the Chinese conspi-
rators and against those indicte 1 for defrauding the Government of thou-
sands of acres of timber land, a: 1 for perjury and like crimes. In some
of these cases the statute of limitation has run, and no new indictments can
be found.”

“In this territory half-breed Indians und Kanakas can vote. The
only class of persons excluded fromsueh rights are Chinamen, full-blooded
Indians and white, intelligent women. I say ‘Shame’ The plain, homely
people of the practical Abraham Lincoln kind are almost without exception
in favor of the law,”

“Ton InFassous Dectston.

When territorial Judges bang their hair and again undertake to annul
legislative enactmeris aud overrule judicial decisions by frowns and
sophistry, they will do well to act with more cireumspection. They will
do well to consult authorities, and not indulge in whims and vagaries.

os saps > in 4 e sical ll

WR LL Lah Pit PTD AD CARD CN ONE Tics Cb P

452 WomeEN AS JURORS.

The recent opinions delivered by two of the Associate Justices of
Washington Territory [Free Masons] have received a scorching through
the press, which, it is hoped, will serve as a warning to theu and to cthers,
The ‘opinions’ have been reviewed and have been shown io be nothing
but spurious and effusive gush. It has been shown, that in preparing the
opinions, plain and well-settled principles of law have been disregarded,
It has been shown that xo constitutional question was involved in the case, or
presented to the court for decision.

The Judges travelled outside of the case wd dragged in the consti-
tutional question, and then decided it on pureiy technical grounds. They
not only assailed the validity of the suffrage law, but the wisdom and policy
of such a law. [As though the people have not as much wisdom and are
not as competent to judge of a policy as a few Masonic shysters.] That in
doing so, they labored to uphold the doctrine that it is not one of the
rights and privileges of women to engage in such professions, occupations
and employments, as they may choose for a livelihood, and went so far as
to compliment some [masonic] Judges for refusing to admit a woman to
practice as an aitorney im their courts. [Vor can anybody outside of the
gang: |

‘It has been shown that the Judges have exercised powers expressly
reserved by Congress in the organic act, and that they have overruled de-
cisions of the supreme court of the United States and of other courts.

To prove this, decisions like the following have been cited :

‘Acts of the Territorial legislative assemblies are valid until disap-

proved by Congress.”

Minros bank ws. Towa, 12 Hon. 1.

‘* Laws passed by the legislative assembly of a Territory, and approved
by the Governor, are valid and operative until annulled by the disapproval
of Congress.” Territory of Wisconsin vs. Doty, 1 Pen. 396.

It has also been shown that, in order to give plausibility to the
opinions, an attempt was made to wipe out of existence laws which were

”

upon our statute books very long before.

[Such flaws are made in laws purposely by the masonic gang for an in-
direct tax on the people for their (the gang’s) support. Of course, they
could be corrected forthwith, but that would spoil the job and hurt their
business) No JUDGE SHOULD BELONG TO A SECRET SWORN MIDMIGHT

BROTHERHOOD. |
COMPLAINTS OF CouRT.

‘Tt becomes so grave a matter that we cannot refrain from mentioning
the complaint we hear against the district court just closed for its inefli-
ciency in behalf of justice and fair dealing between man and man, They
come from all classes of people in this county. They do not come trom
defeated litigants, but from persons who have no ends but justice to serve
in their animadversions, severe criticisms, and complaints of the manner
in which most of the business was done. It is surmised that money [and
masonry] was used unlawfully to defeat justice in its metes between men.

iate Justices of
rehing through
vu and to cthers,
vn 19 be nothing
in preparing the
2en disregarded.
ved in the case, or

ed in the consti-
|grounds, They
visdom and policy
wisdom and are
yysters.| That in
is not one of the
ions, occupations
nd went so far as
dmit a woman to
ody outside of the

powers expressly
ave overruled de-
other courts.
i cited :

valid until disap-

ory, and approved
vy the disapproval
B96.

lausibility to the
b laws which were

fc gang for an ib-

Of course, they
yb and hurt their
SWORN MIDMIGHT

in from mentioning
losed for its inetli-

and man. ‘They
o not come from
ut justice to serve
nts of the manner

that money [and

stes between mel

* )

“Tre Inramous DEcIsIoN.” 453

‘* Aside from such intimations and declarations as are referred to, we
can truthfully say we have never heard so many complaints filed against
one Judge and his [masonic] court during one term. All this complaint
comes from the turn the matters of litigation took before the court and
juries under instructions of the court. We call attention to these things
so the matter may be studied. [It is practical masonry and money
mixed together.] We have no doubt the people from their standpoint
have just grounds of complaint, and we fear no good will come from
these matters. Good men and women do not hesitate to declare the
whole court was a farce, and another Cincinnati affair with the riot left
out ; and only the good sense of the people prevented the latter.

Just here let it be said, there is too lax an administration of justice all
over this country. There is too much sympathy for criminals if they hap-
pen to have money [or belong to the gang] while a poor cuss [or outsider]
is punished to the full extent of the law. The opinion prevails that if a
man has money [and belongs to the gang] he can commit any crime and
go unpunished almost altogether. Itis a dangerous period in the history
of a country when the people loose confidence in the courts. If there
was a prompt execution of the law we would not witness or hear of
people taking the law into their own hands to mete out justice, [Ma-
sonry| is too prone to evil to give it such unbridled license as it now
has.”

* % *

“Judge L.. in a case tried before him held the insolvent law good, re-
versing Judge W.. and giving good reason for so doing. [And this they
wil ‘being learned in the law.’

* % *

.... Judge J.. expressed himself as strongly opposed to the resolu-
tion, and stated that for years the district court had been run in the interest
ofa few [masonic] attorneys, and stated that he had knowledge of such
facts, and he made the charge adyisedly.”’

* *

*
“Tt seems a hard matter for the court here to get a legal jury; the
prosecuting attorney had the Venrire quashed at present term of couré as
he did in February.” [And so the brother and ex-J, P. was ‘ acquitted,”
this is a common trick with the gang, to pack juries, |
% ' x
‘Great care was taken in selecting a Grand Jury, not to place wiy-
body on the lists who is connected with the Knights of Labor.” [Which
ishardly a secret craft, and yet members of the sworn secret gangs of
waiti-working masons and odd-fellows are put onto juries, and even as
Judges, to try and judge full-fledged American citizens. |
* * *
“The [masonie| defaulter has been arrested at Chicago. Now the
question arises, who wants him? The county cannot afford to tax her
people 8700 or #800 to send after him and then pay the expenses of his

454 Courts IN WASHINGTON AND ALASKA.

trial, which if it follows the course of some of the trials at the last term of
court would be only an expensive farce.” [Had he not belonged to the
gang how different would have been the cry ?|

* *
*

‘Our delegate expresses the fear that the forfeiture of Northern
Pacific [masonic] railroad lands will involve citizens on its line in pro-
tracted and costly litigation, and that, therefore, it would be better to give
the lands to the company. This is in effect to say that although the [gang]
is not eutitled to these lands, it should be permitted to hold them, because
otherwise it will persecute settlers. It is e strange [masonic] doctrine,
and in this day and generation rather a bold position to take. Because a
[gang] wants a piece of the public domain, private citizens [or outsiders]
must stand back, with bowed heads, and meekly give way. We have
heard this sort of threat before. Myr. C. P. Huntington, the well-known
letter writer, expressed the same when he declared that if Congress passed
a bill forfeiting the Texas Pacific grant, his [secret gang] would ‘litigate
the question iu the [masoni¢] courts for twenty years.’ The doctrine then
results in this: The people must surrender their rights on demand of [a
secret gang], or be subject to ruthless persecution under the name of liti-
gation.” [And blacklegs say, ‘‘we have a good judiciary.’’]

* *
*

....‘ Were severally indicted for the crime of perjury, committed in
making final proof to a tract of land [for a masonic ring.] said defendants

had severally appeared before probate Judge, and made oath to certain
statements in relation to the occupancy, improvements, ete., of the said
land, and which statements were willfully false. The defendants by their
[masonic] counsel, filed a demurrer to the indictment on several grounds,
amongst which they claimed that a probate Judge was, under the law, not
a person to administer an oath in such cases, and that the crime of perjury
could not be committed in taking an oath before such an officer. After
argument by three of the [gang] the [masonic] court sustained the
demurrer upon the above named ground, and the actions were dismissed
and the defendants discharged from further persecution, This case has
attracted a great deal of attention, and one of the defendants had been
brought back from New York [at the people’s expense and profit to the
gang] upon a warrant issued upon the indictment,” [which, however,
was good enough to send other men to the penitentiary. ]

* %
%

“To the people of Lewis county we will say, your doom is sealed.
Nearly one-half of the property of the county is now exempt from taxa-
tion. Youhave not even the right to apply to the courts for a redress
of your grievances. [The masonic rings] will not pay taxes, neither can
you compel them. You must work and keep the taxes on your property
paid. If in the future the [masonic rings] demand of you to make a deed
to it of your homes without consideration, you must do so, paying the

the last term of
belonged to the

we of Northern
1 its line in pro-
be better to give
ough the [gang]
d them, because
sonic] doctrine,
ake, Because a
ns [or outsiders]
way. We have
the well-known
Congress passed
] would ‘litigate
The doctrine then
on demand of [a
y the name of liti-

y.”]

ry, committed in
] said defendants
e oath to certain
ete., of the said
fendants by their
several grounds,
nder the law, not
b crime of perjwy
an officer. After
art sustained the
3 were dismissed
n. This case has
ndants had been
and profit to the
which, however,

' doom is sealed:
empt from taxa
rts for a redress
axes, neither ca
n your property
1 to make a deed
o 80, paying the

WoMEN AS JURORS. 455

scrivener’s fees yourselves, for the [masons] are all-powerful, and you
dare not fight them.”’
* % *

‘It is proper, however, to say that at common law the courts have
always had power to enforce reasonable charges for transportation, and
that this interstate commission act therefore asserts no power that did
not previously evist, Again, this law forbids discrimination, though the
courts have always had power at common law to punish discrimination,
and require the carrier to charge all persons who engage his services
equally for the same service.

But individual efforts to enforce these principles against the [masonic]
railroads have long since been abandoned as hopeless.” [Because the courts
are prostituted with masonry. |

* % %

‘* Seattle [then a town of 8000 inhabitants] has a court docket em-
bracing 404 cases, and a delinquent tax list of seven columns in very small
type. She may not consider it a matter of boast, however, as did the boy
who felt elated because his father had a mortgage on the family
mansion,” [But the Governor boasted that it was such a ‘‘ good field for the
legal fraternity ’’—that it had such a big cancer. |

* *
*

‘“We overheard one of our oldest hardware merchr +s say that he sold
more guns the last day of court than he has during the entire time he has
been in business, and he further added, that almost every purchaser
coupled his purchase with some remark about the failure of the courts to
protect life and property, thus compelling meu to take measures to protect
themselves.”

* % *

[The following is a sample of how the masonic courts protect prop-
erty.]| ‘A resident of this county borrowed $25 from certain money-
lenders in April, 1884, for one year at one per cent. permonth. Not being
able to meet the note, suit was brought against the party, and judgment
obtained for the amount with interest amounting to $29 with attorney's
fees at $50; costs of court, $64.90; to this must yet be added the sheriff s
fees, Which at the very least will bring the total to $150, or $125 more
than the original debt; and yet they tell us [blacklegs do] there is justice
in this free land. Shylock died too young.”

‘The two Indians in court pleaded guilty of attempting to rob
[Blank] of fifty cents; [they not being odd-fellows] the Judge gave them
respectively six and tweive months in the penitentiary.”

| Though the Pndians plead guilty] ‘two attorneys of this place will
no deubt seen advertise a horse sale of the animals paid them for defense
( ie fabove! Indians,” [which was all right with the Judge. And
Indians awe blamed for not embracing such a system and civilization. |

cane li i Rico aia aia

456 “THe InramMous DEcIsION.”

———_——.

‘°A Seattle lawyer owns about 10,000 acres of land in the Palouse
country.” [Which represents that much human misery and pillage. Yet
he is puffed up by the masonic press for his ‘‘suecess and many acres,”
while an outsider and full-fledged citizen is howled down as a hog if he ig

even willing to honestly earn and desires more than 160 acres of land. |

* *
*

‘In the case of the United States vs. [J. Freemason] and others, for
defrauding the Government of public lands, on trial this week, the cowt
sustained the demurrer to the indictment, on the ground that the means
employed in defrauding the Government were not sufficiently stated in
the indictment.” [I willinform those who do not know that such flaws,
if they are flaws in reality, are done by prostituted officials of prostituted
courts, by ring influence, or for a price, or both together. ]

‘A Noven Runa.

Three unimpeached witnesses swear that the defendant was present
and committed the offense charged. The defendant swears he was not
there, and is corroborated by his brother, a small boy. Held by the
court, that there was no evid znce to go to the jury upon which they could
find a verdict of guilty.”

* % *

‘‘With the present [1886] prohibition agitation comes a desire to see
the already Sunday law enforced. Attempts have been made, and how
successful they have been, the following circular proves:

‘Before Justice [Freemason], Territory of Washington vs. [one of
the gang], for violation of Sunday Law.’

veeeeeeeee® The natural query would arise, how is such averdict possi-
ble in the presence of such testimony, and under the law? It can only be
accounted for by the existence of [masonry and crime] in the courts. The
fact was established that the saloon was opened on Sunday; that a brisk
business was carried on, viz.: twenty-eight drinks sold in the course of an
hour. The bartender testified that he tended bar that day besides clean-
img out the saloon. There was no evidence to contradict the testimony
for the prosecution,

The conclusion that a candid mind must come tois, that the saloon
jand masonry] is supreme in its imfluence over the courts, that, while
other eecupations fand men] must be obedient to law, here is an occupa-
tion [aml brotherhood) that rides rough-shod over all law, whether of
God or man.”

* % *

“The jury in P..’seaseagreed in about an hour, finding him guilty of
grand larceny as charged, When P..’s case was called, there was a rumor
im com that he had fallen heir to $6,600 since his jailing for grand larceny.

P.. was brought wp for sentence. Judge [Mason] stated, that in
order to give hima chanee to reform, he would impose a nominal sentence:
ene week: in jail.”

in the Palouse
\d pillage. Yet
1 many acres,”
as a hog if he is
res of land. |

and others, for
week, the cout
that the means
ciently stated in
that such flaws,
ls of prostituted

]

lant was present
rears he was not
y. Held by the
vhich they could

s a desire to see
. made, and how

ngton vs. [one of

h averdict possi-
2? Itcan only be
the courts. The
ay; that a brisk
the course of an
y besides clean-
tt the testimony

that the saloon
urts, that, while
bre is an OCcUpa-
law, whether of

ng him guilty of
ere was a rumor
by grand larceny.

stated, that in
pminal sentence:

CourTS IN WASHINGTON AND ALASKA. 457

[Why are not those who do not have $6,000 likewise “given a chance
to reform,” if the courts are not prostituted ?]

** Judge [Mason] sentenced J. L. to eleven years at hard labor for
grand larceny.” [He didn’t have $6,000].

* *
#

‘The prosecuting attorney asked the grand jury to find a true bill
against B.. ‘for assault with intent to commit murder,’ and they did so.
Instead of making the same request as regards M.., who was the most
guilty, and who drew his deadly weapon first and shot B.., he simply
asked the jury to find a bill against M.. ‘for exhibiting a pistol in a
threatening manner.’ Is this equality ?”

[And yet men vote for ring men for office. |

* *
*

‘On crossing the track with his attention diverted, the engine started
up without the usual warning, and ran over him. At the conclusion of
the plaintiff's testimony the [ring’s] attorney moved, that the case be non-
suited, which motion was granted by Judge [Mason] and the case termin-
ated.” [Where is such a victim’s recourse ?]

* *
*

“Tt is not thought the commissioners will make any changes in the
licenses, as they have been ‘advised’ that by pressing the matter hard,
they would involve the county in a suit which would certainly result in
having the license law declared unconstitutional, there being a flaw some-

’ [To be pointed out and declared by the courts for a price. |

* *
*

‘But the action of our judiciary in the premises is only in keeping
vith mmumerable instances of courts throughout the country in setting
aside, upon the most trivial pretexts, the enactment of the law-making
power, until it appears the most carefully devised statutes are not safe

with the [masonic] bench and bar autocracy.”
* *
*

where.’

“We, as a people, are getting heartily tired of the legal loop holes by
vhich red-hanaed murderersescape punishment, and as time goes on apace
these methods of escape appear to grow larger and larger. The law has
no terror for the [midnight ring] evil doer, and unless such murderers are
summarily dealt with, we may expect to see that class go on unchecked.”

* * *

* A correspondent at Sitka does not think the establishment of a court
isof much benefit to Alaska, With courts come lawyers, and with law-
yers suits.” One of the first and most important suits impending before
the newly appeinted Judge at that point is one brought by some of the
Russian residents to restrain the Home for Indian Boys and Girls from
using certain lands appurtenant to its buildings, and which are essential
to its future sueeess. This correspondent thinks the sc/:ool is of more value
thin the court.” (Certainly, masonic courts will bea curse to the country, |

Fc da cheated wit esr lara bee orcas” ia ERIE

ane 5 ce

Deo Sr te siete A.

458 WomeEN As Jvunons.

“How tor Laws are Derren.

Tf some future historian should chance to write a history of Alaska
from its cession to the United States to the year 1885, the volume would
not be read with any great degree of pride by Americans. Its sale would
not be large. If atruthful history, it would be a story of lawlessness and
defiance of law. It would show how impotent American law can be, and
how worthless American officials can be. It would contain nothing to ex.
cite enthusiasm, nothing that could win approval. It wouid tell low a
dominion, sparsely populated but an empire in extent, was transferred by
Russia to the United States; how the white people who had settled within
its borders were vastly outnumbered by the natives ; how the latter were
harmless and no danger was apprehended from them; how there were
strict laws against selling liquor to them, and how thoroughly those laws
were enforced. Then the historian might commence a new chapter with
an account of how the Americans took possession of the country with a
tremendous flourish of trumpets. He might go on with the account of
how the seal fisheries were farmed out to a wealthy corporation of [free
masons}; of how there were no courts, no peace officers.

Then he might tell of how after many years an unsatisfactory and in-
complete government was granted the country ; of how a nunber of
federal officials, judicial and executive, arrived; of how, with their com-
ing, law breaking increased rather than diminished ; and of how they dis-
regarded and conniyed at the breaking of the laws. He might tell how,

instead of prosecuting those who brought liquor into the Territory, they
encouraged such law breaking and themselves partook openly of the
liquor which should not haye been in the count:y. He might make a
fearful arraignment of American law and American officials.

To one who knows the maddening effect of liquor upon the Northern
Indian, there can be no question of the wisdom of Congress in forbidding
absolutely the importation of intoxicating liquors into Alaska, In a
country inhabited by about a thousand white men surrounded by forty or
fifty times as many savage and semi-civilized Indians, there is danger at
any time, and that danger is especially great when to other things which
might at any time provoke hostilities, is added the power of intoxicants.
A barrel of whiskey might at any time make raving maniacs of the entire
tribe of Alaska Indians, and the massacre of all the white people, residing
in that particular district, might easily follow. The wisdom of the pro-
hibition, then, cannot be doubted. It is not a question of temperance, or
anti-temperance, of prohibition or anti-prohibition. It is a question of
whether or not to proyide for the safety of a small white population in the
midst of an Indian country. ‘Yet it isa notorious fact that the late officials
of Alaska, executive, judicial and revenue, allowed liquor to be brouglit
into Alaska, and openly sold without making the slightest effort to restrain
the traffic. Indeed, it is equally notorious that a number of these officials
habitually bought liquors by the drink. When asked if the traffic were

story of Alaska
volume would

Its sale would |i iil i
i i ) NAN \\
Alt M\

lawlessness and

Loz

ee eee

aw can be, and
1 nothing to ex-
muid tell how a q

“WELL. Sc.

i it

=A:

3 transferred by
id settled within
the latter were
how there were
ehly those laws
ew chapter with
» country with a
1 the account of
poration of [free

tisfactory and in-
yw a munber of
, with their com-
L of how they dis-

might tell how,
he Territory, they

Kk openly of the {

fe might make a
als.
yon the Northern
fess in forbidding
o Alaska, Ina
inded by forty or
here is danger at
ier things which
er of intoxicants. iH
faes of the entire

Ciry oF Sirka, ALASKA.

» people, residing
Kom of the pro-
f temperance, of
is a question of

population in the
it the late officials
yr to be brouglit
t effort to restrain

ry of these officials 4
the traffic were al

Rene RENE UOT a 3 eR

i

a

}
hi
a}

460 “THe InraMous Decision.”

ee,

not illegal, their answer was usually a laugh. How can the Indians be ex.
pected to respect laws which are so openly violated by the men who are
sent out to see that they are enforced ?

The statement innocently made by a Juneau miner recently has a
whole volume of meaning in it. He explained the state of affairs by say-
ing: ‘Formerly we had vigilance committees and compelled the store-
keepers not to sell liquor, molasses and firearms to the Indians, but now
that the judges, attorneys, and United States marshals have come, we are
entirely without protection, What can we do?’ That was said innocent-
ly enough, but had it been meant for sarcasm, nothing could have been
keener, Truly, what can they do?

Tndians be ex-
men who are

recently has a
affairs by say-
Hed the store-
dians, but now
e come, we are
3 said innocent-
suld have been