Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1871-02-16
STATE LIQUOR COMMISSION.

To the Editor of the Journal:
In looking over the doings of the Legisla-
ture, | perceive that the Committee on Le-
gal Reform" have reported bill repeating
the act for the establishment of the State
Liquor Commission. What are the reasons
which induced the committee to take this ac-
ton? Has there been any call from the peo-
pie of Maine for its repeal? Have there been
any petitions presented to the Legislature
asking this? 1t so, have these petitions come
from the friends or enemies of the prohibitory
law! Is the movement an entering wedge for
the repeal ultimately of the Prohibitory Law
Is this the method that the present dominant
party are to take to show their friendship for
the principle of prohibition, and its rigorous
and impartial enforcement"
These are questions which suggest them
selves to many temperance men of Maine.
But it may be said that many agents complain
that it is annoying to be obliged to buy their
supplies at one particular place. Why not
be allowed to buy where we can do it to the
best advantage? Why not in this branch
of business be allowed the freedom of the
market as in any other branch? In reply, allow
me to say, l. l have yet to learn that these
objections to the present system come from
any agents or municipal authorities who are
in favor of the prohibitory law, and who real.
State, but, on the contrary from those sources
who feel that the law as it now is, stands d.
rectly in the way of their personal views and
designs to make the sale of liquor matter of
personal interest and speculation.
mo rogue e'er felt the halter draw
With good opinion of the law"
I'd. Such a cause as above contended for
would directly defeat the objects of the law.
| enter not now into the question whether
intoxicating liquors are necessary for medici-
nal and mechanical purposes. 1t is enough
for the present purpose to know that the
community demands them and will have
them. Nothing would sooner break down
the Maine law in this State, than the allowing
of no provisions for the sale of liquors for
these purposes. Hence the provision for the
establishment of agencies for their sale. Now
the object of the establishment of the State
Liquor Agency was, to furnish pure and I'M
aGfn,terated medicine. 1t is notorious fact
that the most Of the liquors on sale by the
various dealers, are wickedly adulterated, so
that, indeed it is very difficult to find the pure
article, that common buyers, especially the
inexperienced men who are usually selected
as agents are almost sure to be imposed upon
in this direction. 1t is frequently the case
that these agents keep on sale (bought out
side of course an article called liquors, that
is utterly unfit for the purposes for which it
is to be used, nay, that is absolutely danger
Gus. 1t is known that the State Commission
er is under heavy bonds to sell nothing but
pure liquors, such as by test are found to be
so. The State Assayist Imakes an analysis of
every package of liquor which the commits
sioner sells and keeps a specimen of the same,
SO that any imposition in this direction is
easily detected. If this were not the case the
character and standing of Mr.. Shaw, the COM
missioner, is sufficient guaranty that the bus
mess is transacted by him perfectly in ae-
cordance with the principles of law. l am
aware that agents, when accused of selling
impure liquors, reply that they purchased
them of the State agent But this is false and
may easily be demonstrated to be SO. Every
specimen is analysed and sealed by the asay-
ist, and numbered, and if there has been
wrong. in this direction it can be easily prov
en-. l do not write for Mr.. Shaw, and he
does not know l am writing this article, as
have had no consultation with him upon the
subject, but / venture to challenge any per-
son or agent to present single instance in
which liquors have come from the State com
mission which have been sold by hirpwithout
complying with the provisions of the law in
such case made and provided. These COM
plants are all unfounded. Moreover the
commission is open at all times to the inspec
ton of the Governor and Council, and they
are not only at liberty, but it is their duty to
see that the business is transacted properly
and according to law. 1t would be sad blow
to the cause of temperance and to the prohib-
itory law to have the present law for the State
commission, repealed. Its repeal is just what
the liquor sellers in Boston and New York
are laboring for. l trust the present Legisla-
ture has too much wisdom, too much love for
the cause of humanity in the State, too much
regard for the principle of prohibition to be
used as a tool in the hands of liquor sellers,
democrats, and rumnlies, to destroy them
selves, the interest of the cause of temper
ance and the existence OF the republican par
ty in the State. TEMPERANCE.