Hannibal journal. (Hannibal, Mo.) 1853-1853, 1853-08-08
WHAT Is THE MAINE LIQUOR LAwI
Very Respectfully,
Your Fellow Citizens,

As many who are ignorant of the provisions
and workings of the celebrated Maine Liquo
Law, may be DESTROYS of information on these
points, we annex an abstract of its provisions
in the form Of question and answer, by one o.
the editors of the Maine Law Aduocdte, tenn
perance paper of Columbus:-Intel.
Q.--What is the Maine Law?
Alt is law prohibiting the manufacture
and sale Of Intoxicating liquors, to be used as
beverage.
Q.-How does this law provide for the man.
ulacture and sale for purposes other than bev,
erage.
AIN the law of Maine there is no provi
sion for manufacturing, though some Of its pro
visions seem 10 contemplate it. 1t does, how
ever, provide for the sale for mechanical ant
medicinal purposes, by appointing men TO sell
as agents for the State or county. These agents
are bound under heavy penalties to sell only fol
such purposes. They do not traffic in the arti
Gle. They do not buy at all. They only sell
and this they do as agents eff the State or coun.
ty. Thay derive no pecuniary benefit from tn,
sale, and are in no sense Of the word, trafficer.
in intoxicating liquors. They stand in the sam,
relation 10 the State or county as treasurers do
llldl 10, dClS lOI TIC Olule
for which the State pays them q fixed compen
sation.
Q.-Docs the Maine Law prohibit the use
of intoxicating beverages by individuals or fam
lilies?
A.-No. Its entire prohibitions relate to til,
sale, and not TO the use.
Q.-What are the penalties for selling con
trury to law?
s IT, the 6r.t oor,n.n I,, J,llo.,. r. Al, -
second twenty dollars; and for each subsequent
offense, twenty dollars and Imprisonment moi
less than three nor more than six months
costs follow conviction in each case, and the
convict stands committed until the fine ant
costs are paid.
The liquors kept for sale, contrary TO the pro-
visions Of the statute, are also liable TO be seiz
ed and destroyed by que process Of law.
Q.-Are agents held to be as guilty as prin,
cipalsp
A.-Yes; and they are liable to the same Pc
nalties.
Q.-May the defendant appeal in case of be
ing found guilty3
A.-Yes; by giving bonds conditioned that he
will prosecute the appeal; will pay the amount
Of fine and costs assessed on final hearing, ant
that he will not violate any Of the provisions Of
this act during the tendency Of the suit
Q.--What is the process of sGizing liquor.
kept for sale contrary to law9
ALI three creditabe witnesses make oatl
before a magistrate that they have reason to be-
lieve, and do verify believe that intoxicating H.
quOrs are kept or deposited, and intended fol
sale, in any shop, store, warehouse, or other
building or place, Except dwelling.house) .
search warrant is issued, authorizing the search
of the premises described, and if any such liquor.
are found therein, the officer making the search
must seize and keep them safely until final &C.
ton is had thereon.
Q,--Are dwelling houses entirely exempt
from searchl
A.-Yes; except when witnesses testify tc
satisfaction Of the magistrate that there are rea-
sonable grounds for believing that liquors are
kept or deposited there for unlawful sale, and
this testimony must be reduced 10 writing and
signed by the witnesses and when such testimo.
ny is produced, and three witnesses on oath make
complaint, a search warrant is issued, as in case
of shops or stores.
If any such witnesses are convicted of giving
false testimony, they shall be sentenced 10 the
PenitentiOry for one year.
Q.-When liquors are SEIZED has the owner
the privilege of making proof that they were
held fer lawful purposes?
A.-Yes, in all cases. If the owner or por-
son in whose custody the liquor is found is
known, he is summoned to appear at the trial.