Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1883-08-14
LIQUOR DEPUTIES.

Bv a provision of our laws relating to
the liquor traffic, special eonstables may
be appointed BY the Governor to make
seizures and close up houses where IN
toxicants are sold. In cities. the police
are expected to enforce the prohibitory
law as they are required to enforce the
provisions of other criminal statutes
In rural communities, the Sheriff and
his deputies are required to attend to
this matter If these local authorities
refuse or neglect to enforce the prohibit
tory law, persons may petition the Gov
ernor for special constable. II hear
ing sustains the allegations Of tic p''j
ton, it is the Governors duty to make
an appointment
Several petitions have been lately pre-
sehted to the Governor, and one deputy
or liquor constable has been appointed.
There were two petitions in from York
County, charging that liquor was openly
sold at the Old Orchard hotels. A bill
of fare, containing the wine list Of one
of these hotels, was introduced as evl.
dence. The Sheriff of York County
appeared at the hearing and promised to
see that the law was properly enforced
so the petition was laid aside, to give
him an opportunity to redeem his pledge.
There is great difficulty in enforcing the
prohibi,ory law at these summer resorts.
They are filed with people from other
States where the sentiment and practices
of the people are entirely adverse TO our
laws. These people wish to procure
their drinks from the bar as often as they
are inclined, and the temptation 10 &C.
commodate them and at the same time
add to the proceeds Of a short travel
season, is almost irresistible. But our
officers have no business 70 consider these
things. Il is their duty TO enforce the
law everywhere. 1t may temporarily
decrease the income Of our summer hotels,
but in the long run 1t will benefit the
summer resorts and the counties in which
they are located, if the law Is thoroughly
enforced. Our young people who are
engaged as walters and attendants al
these places, should not be taught TO
disrespect the law and to form habits and
opinions such as they will if the free sale
of liquor is allowed. The popularity OF
our resorts viii diminish if drunkenness
becomes prevalent with its companion,
rowdyism, and the counties will be pu,
to great expense in maintaining order.
While the summer resort presents
difhcul, problem, there Is a still more
difficult one for the Governor who would
be popular in all quarters or one who Is
controlled BY sentiments of policy.
In a certain section, the prohibitory law
is openly violated by our own people.
The temperance people claim that the
law is a dead.le;ie in Bangor and in
Psnobsco, County, As the charge has
not been denied, i IS safe 10 assume It's
truth. These people seem to hold that
We have local option law, and with all the
aggressive Positiyeness for which they are
distinguished, maintsin their right 20
sustain the traffic where public sentiment
is no, .trong enough to elect prohibition
officials. The positive assertions OF these
men that public sentiment i s!mosi
unanimously opposed % tie enforcement
Of our PyoAibi,Ory !ass, may &c proved
u disYroved s. the next annual election
ia; Z they s-e corEec;--even il every
voter in the county : opposed &c prohi-
hi,.oa--i. affords no excuse for nuihfca-
ton. This 10 a matte. which the State
pas taken in hand. l, has nc; bean lef;
optional with COUNTIES o! :asns The
ptohib;iory law applies 10 The whole OF
Maine. and !, should te enforced in every
section alike sud that Iig.dly !: the
people Of Psnobsco, County VII ret en-
force this law, the State authorities should
pu: in officers who will do their duty.
II large majority Of the people in any
town OF eoqnty should declare themselves
opposed 10 property laws, they would not
De allowed 70 maintain position contrary
% s;atu;e provisions. This case is pre-
;isely similar
AS a matter o: policy, the pgoh;bisoTy
Jaw ,Aoald be thoroughly enforced. III
The Jaw Is obnoxious the surest and quick
20; wsy 70 secure It's repeal IS TO strictly
enforce it, that the people may learn how
obnoxious il may become. II i Is a
good law. that fast will be clearly demon
ltra,ed--and all but the criminal classes
pisa to have good laws enforced The
Republican party of Maine has been the
special champion Of prohibition. !, has
been supported by the people as tenn
persnee party, and it will not 10 for It 20
cater 10 Or bid for the rum vote. This
slsmeat Is unreliable in politics as in all
Else, aad all not follow progressive
party. l: the Republican party caano,
carry the election without coming down
from its position on this question, it had
better retire and reeupere,e is moral
forces. il had better &c defeated BY the
rum vote than by conscientious men tor
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