American citizen. [volume] (Canton, Miss.) 1864-1890, 1873-03-29
The Temperance Bill.

Tue HOUSE OF representatives
passed on the 9Th inst. the bill in
Irodaced by Hon j. NJ. Stone, OF
Madison county, for the suppression
Df intemperance, and the Senate
has also passed the bill by a hand
some vote, no outstanding the
heavy pressure brought to bear to
deteat IT. 1t is destined to become
IA law. The bill is very stringent in
its provisions, and we joyfully hail
the action OF the Legislature as the
haven't of reformation which We
confidently believe will ultimately
attain a commanding influence, rot
only in our State and national cOun-
ellis, but with the masses of the peO-
pie. Inadequate laws, imperfectly
administered, have given to lIcen-
tious dissipation, as trophies, count
less broken hearts that might have
been beautiful and inviting. 1t is
truly gratifying to note the change
in public sentiment upon the sub
ject of intemperance. Public Opin-
ion all over the land is rising like a
giant and demanding the suppress
ion of this evil. We copy the fol-
lowing sections of the bill.
SECTION 4 Be it further enacted
That every person who shall, by the
sale of Intoxicating liquors, with or
without license, cause the intOxi-
cation of any person, shall be liable
for and compelled to pay reasOna-
BILE compensation to any person
who may take charge of and pro
vide for such intoxicated person,
and two dollsrs per day in addition
thereto for every such intoxicated
person shall be kept, in consequence
of such intoxicatiOn; which sums
may be recovered in an action of
debt before any court having COM
petent jurisdiction.
SEC. ). Be it further enacted
That every husband, wife, child, pa
rent, guardian, employer, Or other
person who shall be injured in per-
son or property, or means of cup
port by any Intoxicated person. or
in consequence of the intoxication
habitual or otherwise, of any per-
son, shall have right of action in
his or her own name, severally or
Jointly. against any person or per
sons who shall, by selling or giving
away Intoxicating liquors, have
caused the intoXicatiOn, in whole
or In part of such person or persons;
and any person or persons owning,
renting, leasing or permitting the
occupation of any building or prem
ises, and having knowledge that in
toxicating liquors are to be sold
therein, or who having leased the
same for other purposes, shall
knowingly permit therein the sale
of any Intoxicating liquors that
have caused in whole or in part the
intoxication of any person or per
sons selling or giving away intOx-
icating liquors aforesaid, for AL
damages sustained and for exem-
Plary damages; and married wO-
man shall have the right to bring
suits and to control the same and
the amount recovered as feme sole:
and all damages recovered by mi
nor under this act, shall be paid to
such minor OF to his or her parent,
guardian or next friend. as the
Court shall direct; and the unlaw-
full sale or giving away of intoxica-
ting liquors, shall work a forfeiture
of all rights of the lessee or tenant
under any lease or contract of rent
upOn the premises where such I'M
lawful sale or giving away shall
take place; and all suits for dam
ages under this act may be by any
appropriate action ia any of the
courts of this State having compe :
tent jurisdiction.