Polynesian. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu], Hawaii) 1844-1864, 1854-09-16
The Maine Law in Vermont

Ex-Governor Eaton, of Vermont, has written a
letter giving his opinion of the operation of the
Maine law in that State. AS many conflicting
statements are made by interested parties in re-
gard to the operation Of such laws the opinion of
a gentleman holding the position that Governor
Eaton does, Is entitled to more than ordinary re-
spect. The letter is long, but the essential part of
it is embraced in the following extract:
s. That the law has exerted an immense iniu-
ence, and accomplished great good, is as plain to
him whose eyes are not resolutely closed to the
light of truth, as is the light of tine sun to him
who opens at midday, eyes that have not been
deadened and darkened by paralysis, or veiled by
cataract.
Yet, on the other hand, would not overstate
the amount of what the law has actually accom-
plished. EIacted it was, and executed as it has
been in defiance of the strong and bitter opposition
OF portion OF the community, no would sup
pose that in the short space Of few months it
could have exerted in full its benefeent influence
And besides, so vast is the magnitude and extent
of the evil to be removed, no reasonable man could
expect to see the whole work account mplished in
single year, even under the most favorable auspi-
ces.'
After adyerting to the opposition the law has ex-
Perlenced, and the difference OF opinion which ex-
lists among well-meaning men as to the necessity
of prohibitOry legislation, he says
That the adoption of regulations, such as we
nave W, is POIilt W WHICH All duVal-
cling and improving society is steadily tending,
have not the slightest doubt. And hence, to this
complexion Pennsylvania and every other State
in the Union must come at last, if they are to
make any substantial progress towards higher
and more perfect civilization.
60 How soon such prohibitOry laws as we have
enacted, will be in force throughout the Union,
do not assume to say. But scarcely anything in
the history of human progress is more surprising
than the rapid Advancement of public sentiment on
this subject. 1t seems as if experience had been
bringing the public mind in our country almost
consentaneOusly to the conviction, that it is to
such legislation we must resort, to find remedy
for the and wrongs of the traffic in intoxica-
ting liquors.
- The enactment of the Maine Law in this
State, has unquestiOnably as primary effect
though for the future | fear DOt--Operated to the
prejudice of the political party to- which must
admit myself stiR attached. But T rejoice that
what has been lost to- mere party has nevertheless
been more than gained to- she wide interests of hu-
manity. The welfare of society, indeed, has been
promoted on broader scale of bene6cence than
any simple political organization could aspire to
reach. And hence neither she politician nor the
philanthropist has any occasion to- depTore the re-
suit.
II might notice here, that during the recent
session of on. Legislature, efforts were made to
destroy the law, by entire repeal, or to so modi
fly 1T, as TO rob it of all its effective energy. But
II was 20 no purpose and the maintenance of the
law m al its essential features and characteris-
ties may be regarded a fixed fact in the his
tory of Vermont legislation"