Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1877-04-20
The Proposed ProhIbltory Law In Massachusetts,.

The Proposed Prohlbltory Law In Massachusetts,
We predicted, when Massachusetts, adopt
ed its present license law, that the success
Of the liquor interest would be temporary
one; and that the result Of trial Of license
would be that the State would swing back to
the prohibitory system, and probably to a
more stringent law than before. Such 4
change seems now to be in immediate pros
peet. The House has passed a stringent
prohibitory law, and there is no doubt that
1t will pass the Senate. The only question is
whether the Governor may not veto the bill.
But we do not anticipate that Governor
Rice will undertake to veto a constitutional
law, passed in the interest Of temperance and
good morals, by strong majority of both
Houses and doubtless representing the wishes
of majority of the people of Massachu-
| sets
The bill which has passed the House, pro-
vides for State Commissioner, to superin-
tend the agencies. Agents for the sale of
liquor for medicinal and mechanical purposes
are to be appointed by the towns and cities,
apportioned in the larger cities according to
population, Boston having five. No other
persons may sell liquors, save only
that importers may sell only in the
original packages 4; and manufacturers
may sell for export only. in quantities of not
less than thirty gallons. Ale, porter, strong
beer, lager beer, cider and wines are con-
sidered intoxicating liquors, as well rs dis
titled spirits; but cider may be sold by any
one Tor other purposes than that of beyer- |
age. The penalty for the first violation of |
the law for selling is ten dollars, and twenty |
to thirty days Imprisonment for the see
ond, twenty dollars and thirty to sixty days;
and for all subsequent violations, fifty dol
lars and three to six months ir.prisonmcnt,
with thirty days additional when fine and
costs are not paid. Carriers of liquor make
themselves liable to fine of one hundred
dollars. \ notice in writing, by the hus-
band, wife, parent, child, guardian or em-
ployer Of any person addicted to drinking to
excess, subjects the seller for twelve months
afterwards to an action of tort for disregarding
the same and from twcnty-one to five hundred
dollars may be collected in damages. A mar
ried woman may bring such action in her
own name, and all damages recovered shall
g to her separate use. If an intoxicated
person commits an assault and battery, or
INJURIES any property, the person who
furnished him with any part of the liquor
BY which he became intoxicated, if in viola
hon OF the law, is made liable to the same
lction Mt law to which the intoxicated
person exposed himself. Officers are au-
:horlzed to arrest intoxicated persons with
lut warrant, when they are committing
breaches OF the peace and if the latter
disclose the names Of those who sold them
The liquor, they are to escape prosecution on
becoming witnesses against the sellers. The
luties and powers of the State constabulary
orce are restored, 50 far as regards cases Of
io!ation of the liquor law We have not
cen the fnll text of the bill but the ab-
tracts given Of it show that 1t Is a strong
MI, intended to accomplish something in the
OPPRESSION of the liquor traffic.