Eastern times. [volume] (Bath, Me.) 1846-1857, 1852-07-29
Mr.. Crosby and the Liquor Law.

Mr.. Crosby and the Liquor Law.
The reply of the wing candidate for Govern
or 10 the questions propounded to him by The
temperance people, is the most evaslve docu-
ment we have seen for a long time. If posi-
BILE. it exceeds that of Gen. Scott in his letter
of acceptance of the Presidential nomination.
1t is all yes-'.I am in taror of the laD,' and
actually winds up with a saving clause, the
amount of which isl am in fauor Of the la,o
if the majority Of the people are" Mr.. Cros-
by has the reputation of being shrewd, close
lawyer-well skilled in Especial pleading"
and certainly his letter substantiates this repu-
tation. He is opposed 10 any modification of
the law which favors the removal of all re-
strictions upon the traffic in intoxicating
drinks" Indeed He would not oppose all
restrictions as 10 the sale of spirtuous liquors,
thereby permitting them 10 be openly and
everywhere offered for sale; but yet he does
not say ho,o far he would go-that is the point
he lodges. In fact he equivocates and lodges
tiC ttI tSSuc ut POft-hdiiCiJ tliO lCpCul vi
modification of the present law, intending by
his especial pleas" to make himself an advo-
cate of the law when a vote can thus be OBJ
tanned, and an opponent when another vote can
be thus obtained. Any sensible, unprecedented
man who reads his letter can see the drift of
his plan, and though lawyer-lke, and adrotly
1rn cpa1ES vrb ayauinoH tho fol
lowing plain language-"I am for the law or
against it just as can get votes" Men who
are actuated by principle, cannot fail on read
ing his letter to discern the subtle, crafty man
ner in which he gives his answer. Let them
read it carefully-especially the latter clause,
and they cannot fail 10 discover ''loop hole''
large enough for Mr.. Crosby TO crawl out,
whenever he may deem it erpedient so to do.
We published the letters of the several can
didates last week.
SINCE writing the above, we have received
another letter from Mr.. Crosby in reply to the
State Temperance Committee. 1t 'ttuadAies'
if possible, more than in his former letter. He
is truly endeavorng to play the ''double game"
How far he will succeed, the result of the
election will show. Here is his last epistle
BELFAST, July Ii, 1852.
Gentlemen i am in receipt of your note of
the 10Th inst, enclosing a copy of the pub
lished proceedings cf the State Temperance
Convention, and calling my attention TO the
resolutions which requests you to interrogate
I bo 1J,t,s g.,
real position in relation to the "Maine Law
regard the unrestricted sale of intoxicating
drinks as prolific Source of neral and physi-
cal evil, and approve the employment of all le-
giliffiate means to suppress it. The "Maine
Law, as one of the means employed for the
attainment of That object, IN It's leading and ma
terlal provisions meets my appreciation.
That my reply may be fully responsive to
your interrogatories, i add, that in the contin-
gency of my election, | should rot regard it as
my duty 10 recommend TO the law making de-
partment Of the Government any modification,
or the repeal of the law. Whether it shall re-
main as it is, or be modified in its provisions,
or repealed, are questions how occupying
large share of public attention. The people of
The Stale are Witnessing lis practical operation
and discussing It's merits and the action of
thCil Representatives, III inC HCAt lSldLuIC
will be entitled to be regarded as the sentiment
of the people deliberately formed and clearly
expressed. Under such a state of facts, should
the Legislature see fit upon mature delibera-
ton, to modify, or repeal the law, should not
feel at liberty TO withhold my official approval
of their action. | am, gentlemen,
Yours, &C., &C., w. G. CROSBY.
Contrast the above with the frank and manly
reply of Gov. Hubbard, to the same Commit
tee -
HALLowELL, July -, 1852.
Gentlemen Yours of the 10th inst, is be-
fore me, and | hasten TO reply. | had sup
posed that my acts in connection with the
Maine Liquor Law had sufficiently defined my
position in relation 10 it. AS there has, how
ever, been much misrepresentation of my acts
and motives in this as in other matters, and
the public may not understand me, as | know
You must on this subject, | shall not hesitate,
agreeably To yonr request, TO define briefly, but
trust in a manner not 10 be mistaken, my po-
sition, on this all important law.
have no concealment of my views in mat
tiers involving deeply the public veal if could
have upon others; and | wish none by those
who may be made acquainted with snch views.
RUN Is all dSk, ana cdnulu CONSTRUCTION
of sentiments uttered by me. From you, gen
tlemen, | have no fear of any different treat
ment.
would then say that the Maine law is the
law of the people, deliberately matnred by
them through series of years, and enacted by
the Senate and House of Representatives in
Legislature assembled, by overwhelming ma
jorltles.
1t is constitutional law.
l am prepared 10 enforce it as il now stands;
and am opposed to its repeal until it shall have
had fair trial before the people.
have always approved of the object of this
law, "lhe suppression of Drinking Houses and
Tipping Shops" and ] am, therefore, OPP
posed to any amendments which would impair
its efficiency while | am nevertheless of
the opinion that is susceptible of amendments
that would not only not impair its efficiency,
but would render it easier of execution and
more efficient | am, gentlemen, with high
respect, Yours, JOHN HUBBARD.
The Popular Vote Of 1848.
6 &c Va