Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1872-09-02
efectually checked and the manhood of the

effectually checked and the manhood of the
State more fully saved.
So, too, the legislature of Illinois at its
last session, put upon its statute books, the
most stringent law ever enacted for the sup
preston of intoxicating liquors, and TO the
honor OF both parties it was ascertained by
actual count that majority of ali the demo-
Gratis and republicans in that body voted for
the measure.
1t has further been noticed that no political
party in this State during the currept year has
passed, in its convention, a single resolution
condemning prohibition.
Thus 1t was felt that ir Maine at least it
was "out of politics"
1t is, therefore with extreme regret that
temperance men of all parties, witness an at
tempt, on the part of few party papers TO
| rectothe the measure with its old, worn out
political garments. Are there not questions
enough of purely political character, over
which men may differ? Will any party organ
having in view the mere possibility of secur-
ing an occasional vote, oppose measure so
fraught with the individual good of every in
dividual in the State?
These suggestions and inquiries are induced
by noticing an attempt on the part of a few
local papers to make capital out Of the
''cider clause" so called. of last winter; as if
the temper ance men who asked that law, or
the men of either party who enacted it meant
any i'll will to the cider makers or have ac-
tually done them any harm.
How stands the fact? The prohibitory laws
of the State. fully backed by public opinion.
had materially, and in some localities. fully
suppressed the sale of intoxicating liquors by
the glass. Designing men, therefore, under
the guise of selling cider" were actually re-
failing some of the "viest compounds of
modern times. The young and unwary Were
being swamped on every hand. The worst
kind of grog shops in numerous instances
were those known as cider and beer shops.
1t is then for the purpose of checking this
evil, SO foundational in its character, that
temperance men and legislators ask for, and
enact this law-nor are they particular to the
precise form of the law; any other form that
can by any possibility relieve any good citi
zen, and at the same time be as etfectual in
staying the abuse alluded to, will be as ac-
ceptable to temperance men. To effect the
object in the surest and mildest possible man
ner, is the end had in view.
Nor as we understand, do the complaints
come from the CIDER makers. The orchard
lists, intelliget and shrewd men, as they gen
orally are. and why should they? Their cider
barreled and kept over one season will bring
in the market 100 per cent. more as vinegar
than as cider. How can money be made so
readily One intelligent farmer told me that
this had been his practice and so far as the
"cider clause" should promote this practice
among cider makers it would be blessing to
them and to the community. good article
OF cider vinegar is a legitimate article of COM
merce and always in demand.
Summing all up then, let it be admitted
that the principle of prohibition is too well
settled in the public mind, as wise and nee
essary, to be hawked about as a mere party
measures that the ''cider clause" is only
meant to check the abuse of the dishonest re-
taller, while at the same time any other form
of law that will do the work will be just
satisfactory; and that, as it is, so far as it
promotes the sale of vinegar rather than
cider, is of great value to the laboring man
who produces his orchard and thereby his
cider.
Is it too much, then, to ask that editors
will treat their intelligent patrons to better
looking pictures than dilapidated cider press
es; and to better reading matter than sugges-
tons usually accompanying such pictures?
Is 1t too much, too, to expect that no intel
ligent voter in Maine will change his vote on
account of said legislation?
SO far as democrats voted for the law, they
did it in gond faith and the working of the
law vindicates their Judgment. SO far as re-
publicans voted for it the same holds true.
Let US then, keep the public veal in view
and not vote out OF party simply because OF
the enactment of wholesome statutes.
Pro Bono PUBLICo.