Martinsburg gazette. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1833-1855, 1853-11-16

BISHOP RI kGk-SSs LIZ AN-fk'
some time since ths Lev. Mr. AndFews.
Of sbepherastown, addressed letter ct ~
quiry touchiog The operation Fl sae Aaine
| Liquor Law 10 that state. 70 Bishop BaFgess
and the following Is the reply. The facts
speak for themselves;
/ GARprSrR. (sIe,) Aug p, '53.
/ Reverend and Deer Sir 10 your queries
/ reply, briefly, ID their order:
! Gu i. did this proaibisory law origi-
nate 10 the schemes Of politicians, for other
purposes, or did il stand ia the Legislature
upon It's own merits
| Ansper. have very little knowledge Of
the Operations gf politicians amongst US and
undoubtedly individual leaders 81 others,
members Of parties, may have been inauen-
ccd by their political interests in sustaining
o. opposing this measure. suppose that,
beyond all question the law originated with
persons who were solely concerned Tor the
suppression Of intemperanee, and that IT was
passed only because it was believed TO be De
manded BY great majority ofthe people, for
fits own merits
On. .. Has it justified the expectations
entertained By its friends at the time Of its
passage Y"
| ,4ns What we're their actual expecta-
tions, | cannot venture 20 say I; but every
reasonable expectation must have been more
than satisfied. Whatever it is the power Of
prohibitary law to accomplish, without ex-
IRENE severity. or inquisitorlal scrutiny, tbs
law has generally IN my opinion, accomplish
ed Those who are bent upon obtaining IL
quor, can ard do succeed; butt has ceased
to be an article Of traffic it has ceased to
present any open temptation Tho young
are comparatively safe; and al the evils Of
public drinking shops aud bars are removed,
together with the interest Of large body Of
men 10 upholding them for their own pccuni-
AIRY advantage,
On 3. Have there been any reactions in
public opinion, so as TO induce tile belief that
at future day it may be repealed2'
4as. IN my opinion, quite the contrary
Should the law be repealed. which seems in
the highest degree impso babe, it viii be the
result merely OF political arrangements: but
do not believe that any political party
would venture on measure SO hazardous to
its own prospects Undoubtedly many dis
Greet and conscientious persons saw strong
objections to some features of the law, and
still feel their force But mutitudes who
doubted the expedieney of adopting it, would,
believe. regret and resist it's repeal.
On 4. HAS the law been generally cx-
ecuted, and the amount of intoxication been
greatly diminished in the State, in conse-
quence r
Ans. The law has been ] believe, gene
rally executed; though not everywhere with
equal energy. And the amoust of intoxica-
ton has been, in consequence, most evident
ly, strikingy, and even, ! think | may say,
wonderfully diminished
GUS elias the health, wealth. morality,
and general prosperity of the State been APP
payently promoted by it ?"
Ans. PROFESSIONALLY.
On 6. HAS the law been found, in its
operation, oppressive to any citizens not gull
ty Of its violation?"
4fns. So far as know, not in the least.
In thus answering your inquiries, | would
avoid everything like the intrusion of an opn-
ion respecting the practieability or wisdom of
such a measure elsewhere. never appeared
here as it's public advocate, and am not
blind to such arguments as may be urged
against legislation which, though it is pecu-
Garly humane in It's operation upon persons,
is so sweeping with reference to things
Nevertheless, am most devoutly grateful for
the practical working Of thelaw; and believe
that to every family in Maine it IS of more
value than can easily be computed
| am, very faithfully,
Your friend and brother,
GEORGE BURGESS.