The Weekly Kansas chief. [volume] (Troy, Kan.) 1872-1918, 1882-09-14
Prohibition knnsas.

Prohibition il a practical question. Politically,
people are not cnisd np'n 70 decide whether u :
ton of temperance involved. The question ia wheth-
err it is good public policy TO prohibit the manutac-
tire and sale of quOr. Here is some information
bearing on that point which comes from Kansas:
The assertion that Kansas has lost large numbers
of immigration in consequence of its lluur-ProhIbi-
ton laws is borne by the figures. Out Of the
100 900 immigrants that arrived in the United States
during the past year not over 3,Oo have settled IN
that State. Some who went there with the intention
of locating departed for other regions the
prohibition laws were brought to their notice. In
the leader Of party of coonists from AG,-
tria. who were possessed of abundant means. anil
would have made very desirable addition Ia tbs
population Of the State, the point of closing
contract with land agent for the purchase Of
large farming tract when his attention called
to these enactments. That brought the negotiations
tn q sudden conclusion.
Kansas is a State and is competing for VOpu-
aton. The activity of the railway land agents has
left room on this point. The hand OF welcome eN
tended to the blacks at the South in the sOcard
o,lus. was prompted mneh perhaps by the desir,'
To enlarge the population and hasten the develop
Of the State, as by special sympathy with th-
dOwntrOddrn. In Kansas. therefore, IL il an imPur
taut part of the State policy discourage il. II the
choice between drunken, worthless set of pcn-
pie under a license system and slower growth of au
industrious, hard working population under the pro
hibitiOn system. then the advocates Of prohibition
might urge that their policy is better calculated to
promote the ultimate prosperity of the State. But
this is not the situation. No impartial person will
contend that the Germans a class ohieetuuI-
among the most energetic and thrifty farmers who
come to locate in the United States. Yet the Ter
mans a class are beer drinkers, anil other things
being equal. will always prefer residence in State
where their personal freedom TO beeT-drukiHE j.
not impaired by statue. Prohibition docs not pre-,
vent riots in Maine. nor does it stop the cOnsump
ton Of liquor there In full proportion 20 the relative
capacity Of people elsewhere, though it has been a
part of the State policy for nearly forty years TAI
ing together the experience in Maine and the eNpc-
rence in Kansas, prohibition is certainly bad policy
for the latter State, since il acts u check upon
immigration without promising universal reform IA
the habits of the people.
In every State where prohibition is proposed i
will be wise To treat il matter of public policy
rather than question of morals. The morality uf
drinking must be determined by the churches and
other social authorities the extent of drinking nay
be controlled largely by the Influences. But
the State must look into other considerations. it
must take into account its own interests and the in
terests Of the manifold elements of population. in
dustry and progress under its charge. IL must NJ
cognze the rights of that large class Of citizens who
do think il immoral to drink. Ii pnliti-
cally discern crime in the manufacture of IL
quOr, wine and beer by natural methods from the
process Of nature. Prohibition must be regarded by
the State il treated intekgeDtly in the light of pub
lie order practical enforcement, Government
and popular approval. II "a majority of people
willing 10 vote n prohibition law, but are not
willing to furnish staDding army of policemen aud
constablcs to enforce it upon single communities
which favor of il. then il j. good poll
ey; u Is never sood p"hcy To pass laws whirn are
apt Ia be violated and deiied with impunty u pro
hbtiOn laws are to be enforced ouly with the club
and the revolver, then il is good policy adopt
them, for they threaten n disturbance of the peace
and good order Of the community. whieh il to
be- injurious TO the material prosperity of the people
II prohibition rrtards the growth Of STATE il
is bad policy If il deprires the state Of important
revenue from the manufacture and sale of liquors
without stopping, and perhaps without even rytu-
cling the consumption thereof il is had policy The
release off revenue by the general government by
IN. local government which is raissd from the man
facture and sale Of liquor wine and beer. nre-sSari
~ imposes additional taxation upon the property
aud industry Of the people. II the consumption IL
liauor is to re Just the same in n surreptitiOns
way. the people have compensation for the
burden of ia Ration. but only to submit ia order that
law and authority may be brought into contempt Ly
hnmoring the prcdjuliees Of portion Of the
nifty. When prohibition cannot he urged ~ prac-
teal policy promising practical results of real value
to the people associated in government il should not
be urged at all.-Chioago Tribune.