Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1870-02-17
HEARING BEFORE THE TEMPER
ANCE COMMITTEE.

The third hearing before the Committee on
that part of the Governors Message relating
to Temperance, was held Tuesday evening in
the Hall of Representatives.
Mr.. Nealley of York, was the first speaker.
Is practical and theoretical temperance man.
Our poor house, jails, prisons and reform
schools are all built and maintained on ac-
count of rum. Our prohibitory law is sustain
cd by majority of the people. When the
constabulary law was passed, regarded it
step in the right direction, but the great trouble
was in the selection Of unfit men for deputy
constables. man whose heart was not in
the work would do it in such manner as to
bring the law into contempt.
Favored law providing penalties for the
non-enforcement of the law by the municipal
officers. Many admit that certain things ought
to be done, but the trouble is we have no one
whose duty it is to look after the matter.
Temperance men are apt to shirk their duty
in the matter. We want some one to see that
the law is enforced.
Does not understand that the legislature Of
1868 in repeating the State Police bill intend
cd to imply disapproval of the law, but Of
the manner in which it had been executed.
Mr.. Stickney of Presque Isle, said he was
anxious for the legislature to devise some
measure 10 enforce the prohibitory law. Moth
ing short Of State Police will really answer
the purpose. Penalties for neglect on the
49,, ofyS in
places but not in others. If sheriffs, city mar
shals, &C., neglect their duty, who will COM
mence action against them for that neglect
They are respectable citizens, no one wants to
NEEDLE with them, and so the um-selling will
60 on. Our town officers are generally among
our best men, but they do not like to be mixed
up in "rum affair" five get the right sort
of men to enforce the prohibtory law they
will not be fit for other duties. If these OBJ
jections could be answered he would favor
penalties for neglect by municipal officers, but
does not think there is any remedy except
State Police, especially charged with the en-
forcement of criminal laws.
Allusion having been made in the remarks
to Hon. Joshua Nye, Mr.. Lang said he had
known him for many years and there is not a
more consistent temperance man living. He
has labored hard and long for the children
and the youth, always and everywhere advo-
eating and practicing temperance. and the
people have not given him half his due.
Mr. Longley of Greene, would like State
Police, but did not think we could get it,
Would fine municipal officers for neglect to
enforce the law.
DR.. Sturgis of Standish, said he did not
favor the poisonous liquor bill' now before
the legislature. Was opposed to any one sell
ing liquors except the authorized agents,
whether pure or impure. We have law
enough now. Obnoxious legislation would do
more harm than good. Don't believe in send
ing seized liquors to an assayer to test their
purity, but ''put the seller through" and in
fiict the penalty.
Mr.. Lang said the committee do not want
to report anything until they have heard all
the views of those interested and then would
digest the same into the most acceptable form.
1t had been suggested that bill would meet
with approval which provides that sherifis,
constables, &C., shall without a warrant arrest
any person found selling or offering for sale
liquors contrary to law, and shall seize said
liquors and retain them until a warrant can be
obtained. Any such officer on being notified
by any person not authorized, and on being
furnished with witnesses to prove the same,
shall neglect to prosecute, shall be fined $40
for the first and S25 for the second offence.
He presented this outline of a bill for criticism
and to draw out suggestions.
DIR. Sturgis favored the proposed bill. 1t
would give temperance men chance TO work
in earnest. The most radical conservative
cannot find fault with it.
Mr.. Chase of VIM, said that hardly day
passes but more or less liquor is struggled
into his town. Believed in such bill as sug-
gested by Mr.. Lang. Was opposed to State
Police.
Mr.. Hume Of Cherryfeld, thought the less
tinkering the liquor laws have the better. The
vile rumsellers should be put through, they are
unworthy the respect of a dog. The question
is as far from settlement to-day as it was 20
years ago. Mr.. ii. continued to some extent.
Mr.. Bisbee of Buckield, said the law would
be more effective if we could have imprison
ment for the first offence. A man can make
money by paying his fines. There is power
in imprisonment which the rumseller is afraid
Of
Mr.. Hubbard Of Berwick, said if the law
cannot be enforced without State Police
then let us have State Police, but lie be-
lieves otherwise. The trouble is our citizens
are not educated up to enforcing the prohibi-
tory law. There is danger in too much legis-
lation.
Mr.. Warren of veazie, thought there was
no trouble in enforcing the law. No man
dares to sell liquor where he lives; if the mu-
nicipal officers do not enforce the law, indi-
viduals will. His first choice is State Police;
if he could not get that, would favor penalties
for neglect of municipal officers.
Mr.. Farwell of Augusta, would have the
Covernor allowed a force of State Police, but