New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1854-12-02
THE MAINE Law IN ONNECTYCUT.

We will now give some additional particulars in
regard to the working of the Liquor Law in Connec-
teut as reported at the recent meeting Of the State
Temperance Society in Hartford.
In New Haven, from LIST August to lst November,
there we're .67ysir liquor prosecutions; .tfyt'ro OF
these resulted in conviction; four failed Under the
old regime, four out of fftysix might possibly have
been convicted; probably ffty-tw would have failed.
So much for having law that is good for something,
The amount Of money paid into the town treasury
Of New.Haven from these prosecutions was 81, 500.
And what is still more remarkable most Of those con-
yicted and fined for violating the liquor law were
romen. One woman paid at one time no less than
$50. And the was witness against herself. When
the indictments we're read to her, after another
she replied with the utmost simplicity, Yes, re-
collect selling that time or Yes recolect selling
him glass" In few instances she did not recol-
lect. But as she had recollected and confessed
enough to load her with a fine OF $50, the Court
thought best to let her 90 at that they did not call
any witnesses on the few remaining charges.
Another was a widow woman who hal been en-
gaeed in the business of selling for fifteen years
The fines against her amounted to 500. Some
thought as she was woman and widow, perhaps
thew ought to let her off easy. Others sad No if she
on this abominable business of making drunk ards,
and paupers and fends in the very face and eyes OF
our most righteous statute she is no woman; she de-
serves no pity The law was left TO take its course.
The friends ofTemperance in New-Haven manifest
most commendable determination TO see the law
fully and fairly executed II we stand by the law
without fear favor and that il does iis perfect
work the law will stand byus. IL we WAX at the
inquity in some places and try to crush it out in
Others, the law will come into contempt or its
friends and supporters will and the effect will soon be
general revolt against its most righteous provisions.
We shall regard with the greatest alarm any manifes-
taton of t to execute the law against any class of
offenders, high or low rich or poor, male or female.
There the law stands. 1t is itself due warning to all.
lie or she that ofends does it knowingly And if the
law is to command universal respect it ought to be
faithfully executed in every case. They have seemed
determined it shall be in New Haven.
Some testimony from our enemies was adduced, TO
show the glorious work which our law is accomplish
ing. A man from one of the country towns was over
heard lamenting the present condition Of things
These were the devilishest times he ever see. He
had pocket full of money but it good for moth
ing because he could not get what he wanted with it "
A large liquor-desler had been in the business six
this abominsble Maine Law went into operation.
Since that he had not paid expenses
A hotel-keeper complained-we had spoiled his
stand. II was not worth so much by thousands Of
dollars as il was before this law went into operation
But he did not care for that He only thought Of the
dreadful moral effect this law going to have. 1t
would produce great amount Of " domestic" drunk
enness; everybody would get liquor; carry it home
and drink there, and the family would have all the
misery Of it. How pitful some liquor sellers have
become Of late. Wonder what sort Of time the
families OF that m-selers customers had before our
law went into operation Wonder if there was no
domestic drunkenness then
saloOn-keeper says This cursed law has cut off
my income $500 in the last three months. Every
evening there troops Of young men in my shop.
They wanted an ice cream, glass of liquor and then
cigar and by the time they had smoked half a cigar
they wanted another glass Of liquor and perhaps an
other when they had finished the cigar and then an
other cigar to smoke as they left And thus / would
get from fifty 10 seyentyye cents out Of each one Of
them OF an evening. But now that cannot furnish
Them liquor, very few Of them come near me my
customers are gone, and am alone"
Alas alas we hope be will long be So before
these customers return to spend their money for that
which is so very far from being bread Our
liquor Law will drive some men into homes, business,
who have long been strangers to anything of the
kind. But we can tell them Tor their comfort dl>y
EtH teel Jetter EheH they get there.