The Press., 1886-10-28
Emmetsburg. Iowa. oct. B. 1886.

Perhaps there IS no one Bh1ng the people of this state are so much interested in as the enforcement of the prohibitory legis- lation which has been put upon the stat utes within the last two or three years. Our people are engaged in as real war as was ever waged, and with foe as determ- ined iu opposition to law as ever has ex- isted. The saloon IS in antagonism to all legislation which is in any particular re- strictive in its operation on the liquor business. This is so fully demonstrated in this part of our land that all doubt of it is now removed.
 The saloon fights prohibition in one state, high license in another, and low li- cense in still third It is bound to be a law unto itself, and is also determined to entrench itself more and more, so as to prey upon the resources of the country for its own special money making.
 In Sioux City, this state, where the Had- dock murder occurred, the saloons were a most powerful influence. There is, in the city, large element of the very worst sort, and some of the worst of thecriminal class This depraved and wicked element is nourished by the saloon and educated in lawlessness and crime. The business of the city, representing ten millions of dollars, was subservient to the saloon. It said it would stand by it in opposition to the enforcement of the prohibitory law if it would would pay acertain sum into the city treasury monthly towards the expense of the business or damage therefrom. A thousand dollars, I think, was asked of each saloon. Only about one-third or less of those engaged in the business consented to this. Time went on, and when the le- gitimate business of the city saw that their request was not respected by the great ma jorty of those in the liquor traffic they of fered easier terms, and ln place of the one thousand asked only for three hundred dollars but this, too, was rejected by at least one-half of the liquor men,. Then, when 1t was evident that the business of the saloon would have its own way, and get all 1t could in most laWless manner, 1t was given to understand that 1t must look to itself. All the other business of the city stood from under it. Still, few dared to prosecute it. To enforce the law upon it was dangerous procedure. It threatened to resist even unto blood, and it did. But that which was not, and, pos s1bly, could not be secured without the shedding of blood, was brought about by it. At the time this was going on in Sioux City other towns and cities in the state were engaged in the same contest There was 8 move all along the line to enforce the law. In many towns there was very little trouble, but in some there was good deal. Here ill our town, after the law took effect, the open sale of liquors ceased, and for 8 few months the saloons were closed. But soon one began to sell, and 1 then some one else began, and so it was soon understood that liquor was sold. Still it was done quietly. Great care was exer- cised to avoid complaints. The few de termined people who saw the evil working again felt unable to do much because of the difficulties of prosecution. Here we have large Irish element, and, while we can point with pride to some among them who are in the very foremost of the fight for the enforcement of the law, we have to confess that the bulk are on the other side. No jury, grand or petit, would convict. There was no help in justice court Our local officers were in bondage to the saloon. Our case seemed hopeless We at last se- cured mayor who was pledged to enforce | the laws of the state; but he needed and demanded backing. He desired to be pe- titioned to enforce the law in order that he might be able to support himself in the attempt. The purpose was to back his proclamation with this petition it was hoped to get. The petition was put in my hands. It was was first offered for names on Thursday afternoon. Every man was approached with the greatest care, and | every signer was requested to keep per fectly quiet in regard to it. The purpose was to get as many responsible names as l possible before the enemy could use it's bulldozing tactics Every signer knew what his name was wanted for, and no name was accepted that could not stand for the purpose it was solicited. When lVyvc OoA1+ we would give the blow. aS
 Circulating the petition was slow work
 It had to be done, too, in the midst of many other cares. By Monday noon there were nearly sixty names on the petition. Some time, not far from noon of that day, 1t was discovered by the saloons what we were doing, and the fun began. But now we did not care so much. A saloonist at tempted to get hold of the petition, but he failed. The great desire was to see who had signed it. No man was allowed to take the petition from me who could not sign 1t :; and every man of doubtful mind who desired to sign it was asked to step aside for few words. One fellow, after following me from place to place, asked to see it, but was refused unless he put his name to it. He thought he would, but still insisted on getting hold of it. He was pleasantly asked question which un- masked his dissimulation, and, thereupon, he flew mad, and, as turned from him he gave me a blow, which, while it did not hurt me much, resulted in his immediate arrest and heavy fine, e,-all the law would allow The blow helped our cause, .altho' | 1t did not withdraw the wrath of few who thought to put me out of the way A bet of fifty dollars was made that would not live week. Friends feared for me, but I was not further molested. The mayor is
 sued his proclamation, and the saloons closed, or at least made show of closing. In the midst of it all man, bold in his wickedness and lawlessness, was accident ly shot by our marshal; an attempt was made to burn the mayors buildings, and he was threatened great bodily harm. His business was boyeotted, and all those who stood by him were 10 feel the power of the boycott also. But when it was discovered that the boycott was crime whichtthe state would severely punish, it came to a speedy end, at least in all appearance.
 The mayor and family left the city, it was gwen out, for business and health reasons ; but not returning as yet, and with no prospect of returning at present, the general impression is he fears to come back. His office is vacated, and. the en- deavor is to fill it. It is as yet vacant
 Yho InarSha1 ia here in iail waifinor for