Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1873-01-22

.yUDICIOTS ACTION.

The State Temperance Convention which
met last week at Augusta, brought together
representatives of every phase OF true temper
ance sentiment in the State-the old workers
in the cause like Hon. Arson P. Morrill,, Neal
Dow, Joshua Nye and d. b. Randall; Good
Templars, Sons Of Temperance, and Templars
of Honor; and last although almost first in
importance, such earnest workers in the new
temperance reform movement as Hon. F. F.
Pillsbury, DR.. G. f. Brickett, J. X. Osgood
and Francis Murphy. Yet notwithstanding
the supposed variety of sentiment among these
men, there seemed to be but one purpose and
one mind animating all. All agreed that the
moral work ia which the reformers are so pre-
eminent is the most important work to be done
at present in promoting the temperance cause,
and all also agreed that this work must be sup
plemented by legal enactments to snppr, IS
the rum traffic.
| In discussing the prohibtory law, there
was but one opinion as to its main features.
ALI thought the law an admirable one, and
strong enough to close every open grog-shop
in the State when properly enforced. No
amendment of its essential features was sug-
gested or desired. All agreed that the sheriff
enforcement act had proved to be most ad-
mirable law, and afforded all the machinery
! for the enforcement of prohibition that could
be desired by law. Now all that remains is
to elevate public sentiment in each county to
the standard requisite to elect faithful Sheriffs
and County Attorneys, and support them in
the impartial discharge of their dhties.
The only points bearing upon legislation on
which there was an apparent difference OF
opinion, was that relating to the method OF
dealing with cider. To superficial observer
it might have seemed that there was an essen
tial difference of opinion in the convention on
this point, and some reporters who were not
present all the time seemed to have inferred
this. Yet as a matter of fact, and as was
clearly shown at last, there was no real diff
ference of opinion on this point. There was
entire agreement that there ought to be enough
law to prevent the retailing of intoxicating
cider TO be drunk on the premises or grounds,
but no interference when sold otherwise, and
a resolution to this effect was unanimously
adopted. The only difference of opinion was
as to what form of law would best secure this
end. Indeed the final result showed that the
convention preferred to leave that whole ques-
ton TO the wisdom of the legislature, although
the convention were unanimous that the pres
ent law bearing upon cider is UNIV Use and in
expedient, and injurious to the temperance
cause. The enemies of temperance will find
that the hollowness Of the rallying cry which
they had begun to raise against 'cider pro-
hibitionists," will soon be made clear. The
friends of the cause won't be caught in any
such trap.
The convention looked with great favor
upon proposition made by Hon. +. F. Pills
bury and DIR. Brickett, for the State 10 aid in
extending temperance instruction by schools
and lecturers. This proposition came up just
as the convention was adjourning, and hence
there was no opportunity for discussing it.
1t net with great favor, however, and some
thing may be done in the direction indicated.
However that may be, the convention has
firmly welded all men of whatever phase of
opinion, who are true friends of temperance
Accepting our prohibitory laws as the settled
policy of the State, all will go forward in ef
forts to elevate public opinion and to mitigate
the terrible evils Of intemperance. In the
language Of Gen. Dow's able and ringing ad-
dress, all feel that Maine leads the van in this
grand work, and victory here will cheer the
hearts and sustain the hands of every friend
Of temperance in the civilized world
FOR the journal
TAXATION or 81 WINGS BANKS.
Having read with much interest an article
in the Daily Kennebec journal Of January
18th inst, entitled San Unwise, Unjust and
! Unprecedented Law" in which the more ap-
parent uelecto III lne law III relit10n TO Saw
ings Banks as enacted by the Maine Legisla-
ture of 1872 are pointed out, we would beg
room to add our testimony in condemnation
Of this unprecedented law.
We join in the call to the Fitty-second Leg,
islature to abrogate the law of their prede.
cessors, and to give US back law founded il
the wisdom and experience of many genera
tiops. To repeal the second section of the
law is utterly useless, unless the burdensomC
State tax is removed. 1t is idle to talk of 4
surplus at the end Of four years. None bu
those older banks whose good fortune il was tC
begin business many years ago, and thus ge
long distance the start Of the tax gatherer
only those whose reserve fund is made up
can hope to make an extra dividend. The an
swer of our late Bank Examiner, when asked
why the Savings Banks were allowed to d.
vide but six per cent is pertinent, GLOW
can they divide any moref" There can be nc
hope of large division except in resort ia
exorbitant rates of interest from the borrow
er, or to investments in unsafe and unreliable
securities.
Well may j, be said, 'Let the voice of the tax