Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1872-05-14
For the oxford Democrat.
The Li0uor Lac q Democratic"
Measure.

Wr. Editor:-In democratic paper oil
recent date | find copied the following
extracts.
The reelection of Gov. Perham is
conceded Press.
Yes, conceded by the Office. holders,
but wait till you hear from the cider
makers Argus.
The latter was evidently considered =
very clever hit. and intended to influence
the mind and vote OF somebody. More
than one quarter of Il century ago, when
the democratic party was in the hey-day
of its prosperity and political power in
this State. what We term the Maine
Law" was enacted by strong vote OF a
democratic Legislature, whose political
strength was neither feeble nor doubtful
at that time.
1t was the purpose. the end and aim
of that law, when enacted, not only to
repress, but totally prohibit the sale oil
intoxicating liquors. to be drank rs 4
beverage, irShis State. 1t was to pro-
hibit the sale OF alcoholic liquors Tor ans
other uses than medical and mechanical
purposes. All the amendments and sup
Elementary or additional acts since 1886,
that have been passed since that time,
have only been passed to consummate,
effect, aud attain the object and purpose
aimed al by the law at the beginning.
That the law was imperfect and liable to
be evaded, was more the oversight than
the Intentional fault Of the original leg
islators. Experience practically demon
strated that further legislation was nee
essary to carry out the design OF this en-
actment and make it efficient.
The maine Law was creature oil
the democratic party, and nothing has
been done to it since it came from their
hands, except to perfect it, as far as pos
sible. and make il original provisions
principles and intentions possible OF en-
forcement. The prohibition OF the sale
of cider, and some other intoxicating
drinks, was not included in the original
law. 1t did not probably occur to the
minds OF the original makers OF the law,
that in absence OF other strong drink
men would indulge in the use OF cider
and beer, even 10 drunkenness, and would
often so adulterap them. rs In make
them equal 10, it not more dangerous
and destructive than pure liquors. Sub
sequent enactmenlS, including these ar
ticles. are in perfect keeping with the
spirit AND intentions OF the original law.
Cider contains alcoholic and intoxicating
qualities as well as whiskey, and, used to
excess. is more deleteriOus to health than
most OF other intoxicating drink. Why
should the law discriminate in favor OF
this beverage equally rs destructive rs
others?
Some additional penalties for tho vio'
laiion OF the law have been provided
since it was first passed; but these do
not interfere with or change the prln-
ciples of the Statute of prohibition. If
the law was lit to be made il is also tit to
be obeyed \ non-violator of the law
incurs no penalty. Recent amendments
ouly make the law consistent with IT.
self, and hoaors it by making provisions
for its enforcement.
Though there may be republicans who
DO not fully approve OF all the provisions
of the Liquor Law" it Is q mistake Tor
the Argus or any other organ of the
democratic party to suppose that they
will discard their principles, OF vote
against Gov. Perham on account OF any
independent act OF the Legislature, which
they do not fully approve. Ii comes
with bad grace Tor the Democratic
darty to complain that the principles III
volyeI in the law of their own making is
made to cover all pernicious articles OF
equal destructive clements and tenden-
cles.
As Republicans, we profess to be, aud
We believe we are a party of more than
lone idea"-a party OF principles and
progress, and claim the right to our own
opinion individually as to the propriety
or improperly OF the various laws pass.
ed by our Law makers and it Is not TO
be expected that on all minor points we
should all agree, but he reckons without
his host, who supposes that we have
among Us "cider makers" or others who
will sell their birthright for a "mess OF
pottage," or barter their principles for n
"Ditcher Of cider NON ULTRA.