The Emporia news. [volume] (Emporia, Kan.) 1859-1881, 1881-01-14

purposes" was submitted TO the electors
of the state for adoption or rejection, at
the general election held on the I'd day
os November last On this proposition
lie, 606 voters rendered their verdict at
the ballot box, of whom Sc SOC voted for,
and 81 1874 against, resulting in the
adoption of the amendment by major
ity of Z 1913.
This amendment being now part of
the constitution of our state, it devolves
upon you to enact such laws as are nee
essary for its rigid enforcement.
There are but few citizens to-day In
Kansas who will not admit that dram
shops are curse to any people. More
crime, poverty, misery and deg
radiation flow from them than
from all other sources combined.
The real difference of opinion existing
in relation TO them, is not so much as TO
whether they are an evil or blessing,
but rather as TO what course should be
pursued toward them. Some haye con-
scented that they should be licensed, but
it seems TO me that if they are an evil no
government should give them the sanction
prohibited as we prohibit all other &C
knowledged evils. It has been urged, as an
argument IN favor of licensing dram
shops, that under that system a large
revenue is derived. Granting this to be
true, insist that we have no right to
consider the question of revenue al q
cost of the sacrifice of principle. All
the revenue received from such a source
will not compensate for single tear of u
heart-broken mother at the sight of her
drunken son as he reels from the door of
q licensed dramshop.
But view the question solely from a
financial standpoint, all persons who
take pains to give The matter thorough
and impartial Investigation will be fore
ed TO admit that every dollar of revenue
derived from such license costs the peo-
pie not less than ten dollars in loss of
time and property, cost ofcourts, prisons
and poor-houses, say nothing of the des-
truction of the physical, mental and
moral elements of mankind, which can
not be estimated. The people of Kan
sas have spoken upon the whole ques-
ton in language that cannot be misun-
derstood. By their verdict the license
system, as it relates to the sale of intoxi-
eating liquors as a beverage, has been
blotted from the statute books of the
state. We now look to the future, not
forgetting that 1t was here on our soil
where the first blow was given
that finally resulted in the
emancipation of race from slavery.
We have now determined upon second
emancipation, which shall free not only
the body but the soul of man. Now, as
in the past, the civilized world watches
Kansas, and anxiously awaits the result.
No step should be taken backward.
Let it not be said that any evil exists in
in our midst, the power of which is
greater than the people.
CONCIUsIoS
Because of the unexampled prosperity
that prevails generally thorougout the
country, and with the promise of the
continued favors of providence, you
meet under most favorable auspices. l
sincerely trust that your deliberations
may be harmonious and pleasant,
that the short time allotted for
your meeting may be wisely
employed in the dispatch of
the public business for which you have
assembled; and that the results of your
labOrs may be apparent in the enact
ment of such new laws as experience
has shown to be necessary to good gov
eminent, and the amendment or repeal
of such laws as may be in conflict with
the best interests of the people.
EFinallY, hope and believe that mod
Grafton will prevail in your counsels,
and assure you of my earnest desire to at
all times-co-operate with you in advanc-
ing the business of the session, relying al
ways upon the divine guidance of Him
whose creatures we are, and whose prov
! idence sustains US.
JOHN P. ST. JOHN.
Executive Department,
Topeka, Kansas, January II, 1880.