Mexico weekly ledger. (Mexico, Mo.) 1855-1956, 1883-07-19

UNDERSTANDING CnaC you are a can
didate for Governor, and believing
that every candidate ought to be will
ing to state his position upon every
important question, and in obedience
to directions given in the above reso-
ton, We would most respectfully ask,
that, at your earliest convenience you
will communicate with us, definitely
defining your position upon the ques-
ton submitted for your consideration,
and declare, whether, if elected, you
will favor and work for submission.
With great respect we remain yours,
ETC., r JOHN A. BROOKS, -
Pres. Mo. Prohibition Alliance,
S. r. REESE, Secretary.
To this communication Geo. Mar
maduke has responded in the follow
ing language: - ''
ST.. LOUIS, Mo-, July 8, 1883.
Reu. John a. Brooks, President MIS-
Vi souri, Prohibition Alliance, Var
re,sburg, No. az .;..- =.
DEAR SIR Your favor of Sd inst.
came to hand, together with copy
of a resolution adopted by the Mis-
souri, Prohibition Alliance, at a con-
vention lately held at Warrensburg,
in which / am requested as q candi-
date for Governor, to announce my
position on the question of the sub
mission of prohibitory amendment
to the Constitution of this State.
My name is before the people OF
this State as . candidate for Cover.
nor, subject to the decision of 8
Democratic convention to be assem-.
bled according to the usages Of the
party, and should it honor me with
its nomination I would except the
declaration of principles made at the
convention as the articles for my po-
litical guidance on all question Of
public policy.
The Constitution is the creation OF
the people, and to them belongs the
absolute right to amend or change ii
at their pleasure; and when their rep
resentatves-fresh from the people
are chosen with reference to a special
demand for the e., submission of any
proposition to amend, it is, in my OPP
inion, the duty of the executive, as
we'll as the Legislative department,
without reference to individual con.
viction, to respond ,cheerfully and
promptly to that demand, and were ]
the Governor of the State, / would
feel it my duty not to interfere in my
inaugural or by special message, to
prevent a free and fair expression OF
the popular will on proposed change
of the Constitution = of this or any
other subject. And, furthermore.
should this or any other amendment
be submitted to the people and be-
come part of the Constitution, I, as
the chief executive Of, ihe State, sworr
to enforce the law, whether organic
or legislative, would without fear OF
favor, rigidly enforce it by all the
means at my command. ....
The resolution requesting the can
didates for. Governor to announcs
their position On the question of sub
mission of the amendment expressly
disclaim any intention to ask candi
dates to declare their views on. The
merits of Prohibition; but in ordel
to do justice to my ewn opinions ant
convictions and to be fully understood
by you and all others, / had rathel
fhan not make known my persona
views on this subject. . -.
1 am not Prohibitionist. AS
citizen of this State, devoted to its
interests and desiring its greates'
welfare, I would vote against thu
amendment should It be submitted te
the people. Iwould do this fol
many reasons, but chiefly and briefly
because it Is anti-D Democratic, ant
would fail in real reformation. NJ,
observation Is that Prohibition, 81
called has failed to accomplish geot
results. On the contary, in m.
judgement it is so impractical that il
addition to the misery and crime
growing out Of intemperance, win b
born an innumerable crowd OF Law
breakers, liars and hypocrites if sue
q law was enacted. :
In word, I believe that intelligen
Neutrality-suspicious. for the good Q
society, at the same time guardin
with due care the rights Of citizens
can successfully and wholesomel
regulate the liquor traffic, but nevt
effectually ss.ppress it.
Very Respectfully. ia
JoHN s. sMAR1zADUKE.s
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