Page:American Journal of Sociology Volume 1.djvu/186

 174 the study of the local problem, with a view to finding the best solution, etc.

6. Sunday observance. — Much can be done to improve Sabbath observance by showing the people the basis on which our Sabbath laws rest, which is very commonly unknown, especially by foreigners. Members of Endeavor Societies, Epworth Leagues, and the like might render great service by systematically distributing Sunday and temperance literature.

7. Law and order. — Under this general head special attention will be paid to the saloons, disorderly houses, gambling and Sabbath desecration. The town should be districted and each member of the committee assigned a district in which he will keep vigilant watch of all law breakers.

8. Legal advice. — Good legal advisers will be necessary.

9. Publication. — An important service is rendered by preparing a digest of the liquor, tobacco, gaming and Sunday laws of the state; also of the laws specifying the duties of public officials, such as Mayor, Prosecuting Attorney, the Board of Excise, Excise Inspector, the Police, etc. Knowledge of the fact that the public is well acquainted with the law will often bring officials up to duty, and also prevent the violation of law. Furthermore, knowledge of the law serves to strengthen public opinion in regard to its enforcement. This digest should be widely scattered.

Further service is rendered by first carefully verifying facts concerning the characters and records of unworthy candidates and of unfaithful officials, and then giving them publicity in a non-partisan way. An association of citizens in Boston so exposed an unworthy candidate for the mayoralty as to force him to leave the city.

10. Municipal reform. — Instead of "going into politics," the Alliance will aim through this committee to separate municipal elections from state and national politics. It will insist on the official fitness of candidates, oppose incompetent and corrupt men, and sustain the constituted authorities in a faithful administration of the public service.