The Davenport gazette. [volume] (Davenport, Scott Co., Iowa) 1841-185?, 1853-12-15

~ 80 NV Atu. nuIScsS lTOleSlanl
EplscoPal~lSishop of Maine, was recently
applied to by a friend residing out of the
State for his testimony as to the effects Of
che Prohibitory Liquor Law He replied as
follows:
GARDINER, Me, Aug, -, 1853
Reverend and Dear Sir: To your que.
ries reply briefly, in their order
Q. /. Did this prohibitory law originate
in the schemes Of politicians for other pnr.
poses, or did it stand in the Legislature upon
its own merits.''
: A. l. | have very little knowledge of the
operations Of politicians among us and un.
doubleday, individual leaders or others, mem
bers or parties, may have been Influenced
by their political interests in sustaining or
opposing this measure. But suppose that
beyond al question, the law originated with
persons who were solely concerned for the
suppression Of intempcra nee; and that it was
believed to be demanded by great MAORI
ty OF the people. for its own merits.
z. 2 HAS it justified the cxpectatio ms
entertained Of it by its friends at the time
Of it, passage!"
cannot venture to say; but every reasona-
bic expectation must have been more than
satisfied. Whatever it is in the power of
prohibitory law to accomplish without ex.
severity or inquistorial scrutiny, this law has
generally, in my opinion, accomplished.
Those who are bent upon obtaining liquor can
and do succeed, but It has ceased to bean arti-
cleoi traffic, it has ceased to present an open
temptation; the young are comparatively
safe. and all the evils of public drinking
shops and bars are removed together with
the interest of large body of men in up
holding them for their own pecuniary ad-
vantage.
q. 3. "Have there been any reactions
in public opinion, SO as to induce the be-
lief that at future day il might be repeal
ed!''
4. In my opinion, quite the contrary
Should the law be repealed, which seems in
the hghes; degree improbable, it will be the
resu, merely of political ARA ngements; but
do not believe that any political party
would venture on measure so hazardous to
its own pros poets. Undoubtedly many dis
Greet and conscientious persons saw strong
objections to some features of the law, ard
still feel their force. But multitudes who
doubted the expcdency of adopting it,
would, | believe, regret and resist in its re-
peal
q. 4. Has the Law been generally exc
cutcd. and the amount Of intoXication been
speedily diminished ia the State in conse
queEc y"
A. The law has been believe. gem
ergily executed: though not everywhere
with equal energy; and the amount Of in
toxicstion has been, in cors 'qucn,e, most
evidently striking aud even think, may
say, wonderfully diminished,
O. 5. HAS the health wealth, morality,
and general prosperity of the State been
apparently promoted by it!''
A. unQuestionably.
Q, 6. 'Has the law been found in its OPP
Grafton to be oppressive to any citizens not
guilty Of lis violation
least.
In thus answering your inquiries, would
avoid everything like the intrusion OF an
opinion respecting the practicabiIity or
wisdom of such measure elsewhere. |
never appeared here as its public advocate;
and am not blind to such arguments as
may be urged against legislation, which,
though it is peculiarly humane in its opera
ton upon persons, is so sweeping with refer
ence to things. Nevertheless. am most
devou,ly grateful for the practical working
Of the law: and believe that to every family
in Main e it is OF more value than can be ca
silly computed.
am, very faithfully.
your friend and brother.
GEO. BURGESS.
Roy. c. ". Andrews. D. D.