1839 Miss. Laws 385-86

Sec. 5. And be it further enacted, That said mayor and aldermen shall have power to pass all necessary by-laws for the good order and government of said town, not inconsistent with the constitution and laws in this state and the United States, whereby education and morality may be promoted, and the retailing and vending of ardent spirits, gambling, and every species of vice and immorality, may be suppressed, together with the total inhibition of the odious and savage practice of wearing dirks and bowie-knives or pistols; and in their corporate capacity they may inflict a fine or penalty or any person for a violation of any such by-laws, not exceeding fifty dollars for any offence, recoverable, with costs, before any justice of the peace for said county, in the name of said corporation, for the use and benefit of said town. And that no law of the state, now in force, or that hereafter may be passed, legalizing either retailing or vending spiritous liquors, or any species of gaming, shall apply in any respect to said corporation; nor shall the said mayor and aldermen have power by any by-laws to authorize any person to sell spirituous liquors either in large or small quantities, or to authorize any species of gaming in said corporation, unless upon petition, signed by at least three-fourths of the citizens of said town.