Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1853-12-21
The Maine Law.

! The following letter from Bishop Burgess,
of the Episcopal Church in Maine, to
clergyman Of Virginia, is published by re-
Quest.
GARDINER, Mr., August %, 1853.
Rsr. and Dpar Sir To JoGr queries /
reply, briefly, in their order.
@. l. "Did thrs prohibrtory law originals
in the schemes of politicians for other puf'
poses, Or did 1t stand IN the Legislature up
on its own merits 7"
A. hate very little knowledge Of the
operations Of politicians amongst US; and
undoubtedly, individual leaders or others,
members Of parties, may have been infu'
enced by their political interests IN sustain.
ing or opposing this measure. But sup
pose that, beyond all Question, the law orig.
mated with persons who were sofe|y con-
cerned for the suppression Of ihtemperance F;
and that it was passed only because it was
believed TO be demanded BY great major
ity of the people, for It's own merits.
@. 2. Has it justified the expectations
entertained fit by its friends at the tims
of its bassage'"
A. What were their actual expectations,
cannot venture to say but every reason.
able expectation must have been more thah
satisfied. Whatever it is in the power Of q
prohibItory law to accomplish without ex.
treme severity or lnquisitoral scrutiny, this
law has generally, in my opinion, accom-
plished Those who are bent upon obtain
ing liquor can and do succeed bat it has
ceased to be an article of traffic 1t has ceas-
ed to present any 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 upholding them for
then own pecuniary advantage.
@. 8. "Have there been any reactions
in public opinion, SO as 10 induce the belief
that at future day 1t may be repealed"
A. In my opinion, quite the contrary
Should the law be repealed, which seems
IN the highest degree improbable, It will be
the result merely ofpoltical arrangements;
but | do not believe that any political party
would venture on 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 multi-
tudes who doubted the expediency of adop.
ting it, would, believe, regret and resist
its repeal.
@. 4. "Has the law been generally ex1
ecuted, and the amount ofintoxication been
speedily diminished in the State in conse.
quence!"
A. The law has beenj I believe, general
Iy executed, though not every where with
equal energy and the amount of intoxics-
ton has been. in consequence, most evi-
IDENTIFY. strkingly, and even, l think may
say, wonderfully diminished.
@. 5. "Has the health, wealth, morality,
and general prosperity of the State been ap-
parenty promoted by ti'
A. Unquestionably.
Q. 6. HAS the law been found in it's
operation to be oppressive to any citizens
not guilty of its violation p
A. SO far as | know, not in the least.
In thus answering -FOUR inquiries, would
avoid everything like the intrusion Of an
opinion respecting the practicability or WIS.,
dom Of such measure elsewhere. Ihever
appeared here as its public advocate; and
am not blind to such arguments as may be
urged against its Legislation which, though
it is peculiarly humane in its operation up:
on persons, is SO sweeping with reference
to things. Nevertheless am most devout'
ly grateful for the practical working of the
law and believe that to every family in
Name 1t is of mole value than can easily
be computed.
am, very faithfully, your friend and
brother, GEORGE BURGESS.
Rev. C. w. Andrews, D. D.