Our Past Is Present March 14, 2018

March 14, 2018

            This is “Our Past Is Present” from the Geary County Historical Society.

            Today’s story is about an important meeting, which was held on Saturday, March 1911.  Professor Crabtree of the Agricultural College was in Junction City to conduct a street meeting of the Farmers Institute outside the courthouse in Junction City.  Beforehand, however, he determined to hold the street meeting and started to give a lecture on horses in front of the First National Bank on Washington Street.  The rain of the past week had made the streets so muddy that it was impossible to take the crowd off the main thoroughfare.  It was thought that the gathering would not interfere with any traffic. 

            In the midst of the lecture, City Marshall Pritchett arrived on the scene and without consulting anyone ordered the Professor off the street.  The Professor did not appreciate the manner in which he was told nor did the farmers or citizens who had passed by during the lecture.  The Marshall, in defense of his actions, reminded the citizens that he was only enforcing the laws as he had been sworn to do. 

            The comments after the event were critical of the manner in which the Marshall conducted himself.  It was thought things might have gone better if the Marshall had used more discretion about enforcing more important laws and not those that seemed too extreme.

            Our JCPD have laws they may not agree with, but they have been hired to enforce them.  Fortunately, our police officers are courteous and patient and that is reason to support them in their important work. At least that is the opinion of your host on “Our Past Is Present” from the Geary County Historical Society.