Kenosha telegraph. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1850-1854, 1853-12-02
Bishop Burgess on the Maine Law.

The lit. Rev. Geo. BURGESS, ProteStan
Episcopal Bishop of Maine, was recently ap
piled to by friend residing out of the State
for his testimony as to the effect of the Pro
hibltory Law. He replied as follows:
GARDINER, Me- Aug. %, 1853.
Reperend and Dear Sir: 70 your queries
reply briefly, in their order.
9. /. did this prohihitory law originate
in the schemes of politicians for other purpos-
Is, or did it stand in the Legislature upon its
own merits"
A. have very little knowledge of the OPP
erations of politicians amongus; and, undoubt-
edly, individual leaders, or Others, members
of parties, may have been influenced by their
political interests in sustaining or opposing
this measure. But | suppose that, beyond
all question: the law originated with persons
who were solel y concerned for the suppression
of ntemperance and that it was passed only
because it was believed to be demanded by a
great majority of the people for its own mer-
its
O. 2. HAS it justified the expectations en-
tertained of it by lis friends at the time of its
passage"
|
cannot venture to say; but every reasonable
expectation must have been more than salts
fed Whatever it is in the power Of pro-
hibitory law to accomplish without extreme
severity or inquisitorial 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 DO
an article Of traffic; it has ceased to present
any open temptation; the young are compar-
atiycly safe, and all the evils of public drink
ing shops and bars are removed, together with
the interest of large body of men in uphol-
ding them for their own pecuniary adyan-
tage.
Q. 3. Have there been any reactions in
public opinion, as to induce the belief that at
a future day it might be repealed!'
4, In my opinion, quite tie contrary
Should the law be repealed, which seems in
the highest degree improbable, it will be the
ie suit merely of political arrangements; but
do not believe that any political party would
venture on q measure so hazardous to its own
prospects. Undoubtedly many discreet and
conscientious persons saw strong objections
to some features of the law, and still feel their
force. But multitudes who doubted the cx-
pediency Of adopting it, would, believe, re-
gret and resist its repeal.
@. 4. "ias the law been generally cxecu-
ted, and the amount of intoxication beenspee-
d.ly diminished in the State in consequence p
Il. The law has been, believe, generally
executed; though not everywhere with equal
energy; and the amount of ntoxcaton has
been, in consequence, most evidently striking,
and even | think | may say, wonderfully di-
minished.
Q. 5. Has the health wealth, morality and
general prosperity of the State been apparently
promoted 10y it!
4. PROFESSIONALLY.
Q. g. Has the law been found in its op3-
ration to be oppressive to any citizens not guilty
of its violation.
4. So far rs | know, not in the least.
In thus answering your questions, would
avoid everything like the intrusion of an opin-
ion respecting the practieability orwisdom of
such measure elsewhere. l never appeared
here rs its public advocate and | am not
blind to such arguments as may be urged
against legislation, which, though it is pccu-
liarly humane in its operation upon persons,
is so sweeping with reference to things. Never
theless, am most devoutly grateful for the
practical working of the law; and believe that
to every family in Maine it is of more value
than can be easily computed
am, very faithfully, your friend and brother,
GEORGE BURGESS.
Rev. C.. w. ANDREWS, ID. ID.