The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1856-1888, 1873-02-08

In all this We sec the onward movement of the
worlds enlightenment in this one particular.
The time must oomc,-it Is even now fastening
when the revolution in public opinion, that can
not 20 backward, shall have accomplished its
Diyinely appointed work, when the world shall
have caught up with those who are now stigma
TIED as fanatics, and when prohibition shall be
the rule in all civilized communities where the
voice of the majority rules
Hawaii nei made a notable stride in advance OH
this question in the principle enunciated in the
Act passed at the last regular session of the Leg
~islature, 10 make all persons retailing spirituous
and intoxicating liquors liable IN damages for in
juries done or received by those becoming intoxi-
Gated on such liquors, and as the result of such
intoxicatiOn." This is copied mainly from the
statute of an American state, where il has been
proved by practice to be eminently satisfactory IL
Its results. As vet, there has been no instance
here Of an appeal TO this law, but its known ex-
istenee is a standing menace and a safeguard that
must exercise ALI influence.
On the recent occasion of the pIeBiscifun for
the choice of a King, on New Years Day. a good
deal of apprehension was felt that some disturb
ance was likely TO occur among the masses, if
liquor was easily obtainable as had usually been
the case here ON holidays. But on the suggestion
of the Attorney General and by request of the
Marshal, the liquor shops were closed on that day.
The result of quiet and good order was so remark
able, that it was a subject of universal comment ;
and since the coming into Office of the present
Ministry it has been announced through the Off
cal organ, that henceforth all retail licenses for
the sale of intoxicating drinks will contain u
provision to the effect that the licensee shall close
his shop on all public holidays when required by
the Mashal to do SO. This is an eminently wise
provision; one that will more effectually ensure
the public tranquility and security as well as
private peace and comfort, than would the COM
missioning of q hundred extra policemen.
But while these proper restrictions are placed
on the retailing of intoxicating drinks, are we
TO overlook entirely the places licensed to sell
ardent spirits in quantities not less than one gal
Ion, or wines, ales, &c, in quantities not less
than one bottle? Do not the same considera-
tions, in a great degree, apply to these establish
ments that have been urged with regard to the
strictly retail shops? Ii a person, or several
persons combining, purchase a gallon or more OF
spirits, or any number of dozen bottles of some
thing else that is Intoxicating, from one of these
establishments, may not he or they impOverish
and demoralize their families, disturb the public
tranquility and security, and bring about all the
evils that we are endeavoring to guard against,
as efectually as though they patronized the re,
taller? Most assuredly, they may and do.
Thus, while we are thankful for the progress
made in the cause of sobriety and good order,
and award all praise to those who have beer
directly instrumental therein, we apprehend thai
something yet remains to be accomplished in the
direction indicated.