Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1875-01-22


licensed it? Has it protected the weak and
guided Alright the erring? And has it been
lifting and elevating power?
Ii the statistics and statements contained
in the report of the minority of the same
committee are reliable, and fairly made (as
| am bound to believe they are), then they
present fearful evidence to the contrary.
But need not refer to the statistics. There
are facts enough. obvious to a common OBJ
scrvatiOn, TO demonstrate that the results
which the majority OF the committee say
ought to be accomplished by legislation
have not been among the fruits of the exis-
ting law believe that the sale of intoxi-
eating liquors in many OF our cities and
towns has never been larger, or more open,
bold or undisguised than during these
twenty years OF prohibitory history.
II there ever was time when the law
could have been enforced, it was when the
popular Judgment was, or was believed to
be, in its favor. Nothing less than the
united In oral influence of the people OF the
commonwealth can give to such a law prac-
teal strength and power. Such united
influence the present law is far from posses
sing. It has undoubtedly still large mum
Der of friends and supporters, whose char
acter and whose motives are pure, and
whose earnestnoss and whose zeal in the
cause of temperance cannot be questioned.
Bat it is equally beyond u doubt that 1t
finds among its opponents large number
Ofpers0ns OF equal purity and intelligence,
having kindred zeal In the same cause.
The latter believe that its continued exls-
tence will retIrd rather than advance the
cause OF temperance, and that 1t Will, by
the Influences which it has created and the
agencies to which it has given birth, con-
tinue TO corrupt the administration OF law
and to degrade political action.
With such a sentiment existing against
it, It's friends can scarcely hope tor 1t any
substantial success, certainly not, unless 1t
can gain a respect which 1t does not now
possess. But events have shown that, IN
stead OF gaining, it has been losing public
favor, that the number of its friends has been
diminishing and the number OF Its 0pp0-
nents increasing, and that the popular judy
ment is now against IT. Ii such be the facts,
then there Is reason to fear that the future
Of the law OF it shall continue to EXIST
may be more Objectionable than its past has
been both in the character Of its results
and in the'nethod OF its administrations; and
this no good citizen can desire.
If YOU shall come TO the conclusion, Tor
the reasons which have stated, or tor any
other other reasons, that the existing law
ought % be repealed, than 1t " Ill be Y0urduty
to supply is place with soma other form
of legislation, restraining and controlling
traffic which cannot be entirely abolished ;
for believe that no man. who has gwen
the subject earnest and candid thought, can
be in favor OF the Unrestricted sale OF IN
toxicatlng liquors. | should be surprised l.
find in the legislature an advocate oil such
a policy, and dismiss II = unworthy OF
discussion. | recommend the repeal OF the
existing pr0hibit0ry law. and also recon-
mend the enactment OF law IN us stead,
which shall place the sale Of intoxicating
LIQUORS in responsible hands. and shall sur
round sucn sale with the strongest practical
Limitations, restraints and safeguards. |
have already indicated the general char
acter OF the legislation on this subject which
commends itself 10 my judgment. Is DC
tails cannot be properly considered within
the limits which for single subject belong
to this occasion.
While entertain no doubt that g large
majority Of the people Of the State
are opposed to the existing Prohibltory
law, | an well aware that there exist wide
differences of opinion as t. thc best form
OF legislation to accomplish the object which
all good citizens have a. heart, VIZ. the
Limitation Ui the evils oi lntcmperaace-
Representing all shades OF these differences.
VOC WI! consider this difficult problem WIKI
Il wise regard 10 the traditions OF orr pc3-
pie, 70 the rights Of our citizens, and to the
best interests of the cause of temperance.
Entertaining quite decided opinions a. 10
the general character OF the legislation bet
adapted TO accomplish these objects, douo-
II 1t Is within ny proper province to seem
NffF 81
lation lpon this subject to the representa-
tiyes Of tho people. But | shall be most
happy TO cooperate with You in any lesl--
lati0n which. while free from constitution
al objections and from free inyasionS OF
personal rights, shall tend TO promote the
benehcent purposes which legislation up1n
this subject should aim 10 accomplish
cannot d1gh, that y1l Will meet this qHe--
ton with an earne~, purpose. anu give IL 30
that careful elaboration Which AS impoE-
ance demands.
TIE C0NsfABJLARY Ia"
Orthe law known a. the cons.abolary |
have BIZ. little to say. What | haveaiready
said renders discussion of II unnecessary
recommend ITS repeal. AID n rs place J
recommend the enactment OF law creating
a1d providing for police iorco, IN tle
nature OF detective fsrcc, ,ei-cisut 70
properly aid the executive officers OF the
state IN the preservation of order and IN the
enforcement Of all the laws Of the common
wealth.
GOV. GAston's views. rs above expressed.
would clearly make him a supporter oil the
prohibitory law in Vermont. where 1t has
undoubtedly operated to largely restrain
the sale OF liquor, and where tie proTailiag