Springfield globe-republic. (Springfield, Ohio) 1884-1887, 1885-01-07

question the controlling issue In Ohio politics
tor he future. Doubtless this would bt be'-
ter than to adopt prohibition as permanent
system BY constitutional amendment, for i,
does leave the people tree to contend bienni-
ely against interference by sumptusry laws
with their habits OF lite, and to sustain the
power and duty Of individual sel'-"ontrol
but respectfully submit that there is still
wiser plan OF action, viz:
Thirdly, the submission TO popular vote oil
a constitutional amendment providing for q
license system Of graduated taxation. The
choice is really between license and prohibi-
ton. Doubt cannot he entertained that if We
iail to secure an effective system of restricted
liceuse and taxation. prohibition will follow.
The advantages of license system are OBJ
vious The reliet furnished to the taxpayers
in 1883 by the Scott law may be cited as one
o. its benefits. Ii supplies the money re-
quired 10 lay the expenses caused TO the COM
mouwealth by excessive drinking. But il
does more. Under this system, men Ui had
repute eau be prevented from engaging IN the
traffic. '.low dives" can be broken up, those
who condnct il illegally can be dcnied re-
newals of their licenses, saloons can be kept
away from situations where they give offense,
the hours and methods OF the traffic can be
regulated, and generally this business, while
projected in its lawful exercise. can be kept
within that strict control necessary 10 pre-
serve its usefulness. with the minimum OF
dangers
The decision adverse 10 the constitutional
ity of the Scott law wlthdraws large reve-
nue. 1t also involves the duty OF retundinR
taxes to those from whom they have been
illegally collected. II will be your duty tc
provide means for enabling these incouven-
fences to be met and overcome. The peopl,
have had for one year the advantages OF one
feature Of a license system, viI.: its revenues.
That they must now refund them to the in
dividuals from whom they have been lille.
gaily withdrawn, furnishes no reason why
there should not be q renewed attempt, cen.
stitutioually made. to secure the enjoyrIen,
OF its benefits.
The question has not vet been presented to
the supreme court whether the ninth, tenth
and eleventh sections of the Scott law con-
stitute parts of the unconstitutional scheme
or whether they can be separated SO as tn be
saved from judicial condemnation. The
ninth section Was cast in an amended form
by the present general assembly by the SCI
of April IA, 1884 Isl o. l.. 204j. II it bt
desired = preserve this section in this form
il will be prudent to .uact it. The Scott
law undertook to amend sections 694l snG
6944. and thus to make lawful the sale Of in,
toxicating liquors to be drank on th'
premises, to punish more severely sales Il
minors aud intoxicated persons, and TO dele
gate the control OF the sale of beer and ma
tive wine on Sunday to municipal corpora
tions If the whole Scott law be condemned
as unconstitutional, then original section.
694i and 6944 are in force. This shoulC
not be left in doubt, and the Scott and POnr
laws, having both been held unconstitutional
should be repealed, as unnecessarily cumber
ing the statute books