1840 Miss. Laws 181

Sec. 5. 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 of this State, and the United States, whereby education and morality may be promoted, and the retailing and vending ardent spirits, gambling, and every species of vice and immorality may be suppressed, together with the exhibition of the orders and savage practice of wearing dirks and bowie knives or pistols; and, in their corporate capacity, they may inflict a fine or penalty on any person for a violation of such by- laws, not exceeding fifty dollars for any offence, recoverable, with costs, before their mayor or any justice of the peace for said county, in the name of said corporation, for the use and benefit of said town.