Smyrna times., 1855-05-09
The Effects ol tha Mans Law,


The opponents of the Prohibitory Law are
harping on the high price of board aud enter
szsainmea, atthe hotels. Boarding has advanced
everywhere throughout the country, in conse-
'quence of the high price of provisions, We
do net know that the temperance men are re-
spolsible for the drought during the last season,
the European War, &c. Well, perhaps, they
are 1 The Reporter says they are bringing
blight and desolation over the land Drunken
ness, of course, comes in the same category,
and is laid at their door But, admitting that the
prohibition of liquor-selling has caused rise in
in the price Of board, &C., what will be theconse-
quence! Why. instead of the nuisances known
as " hotels" but in fact, mere drinking houses.
We will have good, respectable and decent
places of entertainment. We, of course, do
not include all the hotels in the State in the
above expression, for there exceptions but
o. many of the "hotels" have been naught but
= points of rendezvous for drunken wretches who
., almost invariably render such places filthy and
unfit for men of decent habits. No man of
moral and religious inclinations could enjoy
himself amidst the scenes presented by COM
s7mingiing with these bacchanal devotees, and
if be be SO situated, it is from matter of me-
cessity. There is Rot need for all the public
houses which have existed for sometime in the
State If we have fewer, we can have better.
Many persons who have heretofore bearded at
private houses in preference to mixing with
the characters found about taverns, would
rather board at public house, when it could
be done in justice to themselves. 1t would be
highly preferable to have one good, respectable
hotel, than several, more to accommodate
ddrinkersthaH others. The public will be better
accommodated under the new arrangement
than the old. Besides, should the fare be raised
who would not rather pay few cents more
for a quiet, peaceable and orderly stopping
place, than the charges made by hotels tha
know net order, estranged to peace, and where
,quietuae rarely, if ever, come! Why, no de
cent man. Our opponents never throw morali
sty.inte the scale. They seem not to care if one
half the community were beggard, so they
cas- only crafty their selfish propensities.-
Where is the first particle of philanthropy eve
exhibited by them! If they cared one whit 70
-beneftting the people for whom they seem 81
much concerned, they would be willing 10 MAKE
some sacrifice. Nothing, however, but tbt
most beastIy selfshncss is demonstrated by thei
every act.
If we look at Prohibition in the light of er
pense, the ground is equally untenable. In th'
frs; place, the most of our criminal offences
almshouse expenditures, &C., &C., result from
the sale OF Intoxicating drinks-the expense
of which fall upon the people in the form 9
taxes In the absence of liquor, those person
who are now an expense to the State wall, il
many instances, become Industrious. thriving
citizens-.not incurriRg expense upon others
but contributing their portion towards defray
ing the same. Now, the question arises, vii
not more be gained, pecuniarily, than lost b
the Maine Law! And have they one singl
argument or moral reason in favor of liquor
sellingt Admitting that some will suffers los
by the law, will not one hundred be benetitte
where one is injured! Whatever is founde
on right, will be sanctioned by the people.