Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1886-10-30


stream of fresh disciples may be expected
hereafter to flow to Utah from Europe
through this -Phiiadeiphia Press.
Remarkable Revelations of the
Base Conduct of Third Party
Leaders i'm New York.
It has been completely demonstrated
again and again that the practical effect of
organizing and maintaining the third par
tv. professedlv in the interests of prohibit
ton. is to aid the democratic party and to
strengthen the power of the liquor dealers.
But facts have just GENE to light in New
York which show the striking wickedness
and hypocrisy OF the third party leaders
in that State These astounding develop
ments involve The Voice, the third party
organ. one of the most false and menda-
cious sheets of the country as wei as
some men who assume the leadership of
the party. 1t is one Of the most shameful
revelations we remember to have ever
read regarding a great question OF public
morality and general reform. The facts
are beyond all dispute. They have just
been brought out by the denomination of
General N. NJ. Curtis tor the fourth term
in the Legislature, a gentleman of high
standing and tried personal record.
Last winter he introduced and faith
fully championed the resolutions
submitting a constitutional amendment
prohibiting the manufacture and sale of
intoxicants as a beverage. In response to
an inquiry as to the action of the Legisla-
tur9 on his resolutions and what efforts
were made to influence. favorably or
otherwise, their adoption by the Assembly.
General Curtis recently gave the follow
ing detailed statement, published in the
N. Y. Tribune:
~ introduced early in the session, at the
request Of Mr.. John N. Stearns, chairman of
the Prohibition Committee, concurrent reso-
buttons, proposing An amendment to the Con
stitution prohibiting the manufacture and
sale. as beverage. of intoxicating liquors.
AT the same time | presented petitions from
"A large number of persons praying for the
adoption of the resolutions. The resolutions
were printed and recommitted to the Excise
Committee, before which those interested had
an opportunity to appear and be heard.
at soon came to be understood that the
supporters of the resolutions in the Assem-
bly, we're receiving no encouragement beyond
the favorable comments of The Tribune and
nj rcpuhl,oap IS
the delay which had attended their final con
sideraton in committee WAS caused by those
who. while protesting to be earnest friends
cf the measure, were unwilling to assume
any responsibility for the adoption of the
resolutions or say an approving word for
their submission TO the people. Some de-
ciared the time had not yet come; others
that prohbitory laws, without party, would
be of no value, and the adoption of a Con-
stitutional amendment would be detrimental
to the growth of the prohibition party, if not
absolutely destructive.
''rhe prospect of securing the requisite
sixty-tive votes was good until the adoption
of the prohibition amendment in the State of
Rhode Island, when several open. active OPP
ponents of prohibition came to Albany and
made converts of some who had Indicated a
disposition to support the resolutions. and
SrEhhN tHhHHktftu tttlt uubpiiuu. lHt Vuts-
ton of submission had been brought before
a conference of the republican members and
a resolution to support it was carried by a
nine.tenths vote. called upon Mr.. Stearns
and other friends, who really desired the
adoption of the resolutions, and afterward on
Mr.. Demsrest and Mr.. Getchell of New York,
known as party prohihtionists, and stated
the difficulties the friends of the measure had
to contend with that the agents of the liquor
dealers had appeared in Albany, and stated
that the action of the people of Rhode Island
had alarmed them, and expressed the fear that
If the resolutions were submitted the people
wouLd,in the present state of the public mind,
declare for prohibition. Mr.. Stearns and
some of his friends went to Albany to consult
with and encourage members who had ex-
pressed willingness to support the resolu-
tons provided they could be assured of the
support of prohibitionsts and not place
themselves in such position as to receive
the opposition of both prohibitionists and
liquor dealers. Others who | understood
were more influential in the councils of the
prohibition party, refused To give any enc0ur-
agement TO those who should favor the reso-
buttons or request their friends to refrain from
placing Prohibition candidates in districts
represented by men who should vote tor sub
mission. MIR. Demarest and Mr.. Getchell
were unwilling to take any responsibility for
the passage of the resolutions and expressed
the opinion that the submission of the ques-
tion of prohibition was not desirable at that
time. The tendency of such action, they
said, would be injurious to the third party
and therefore they could give no encourage
ment to those who should support prohibition
outside of the prohibition party. They said
they should advise against every effort to Sc
cure prohibition except through the party
which they hoped to create.
Mr.. Wheeler, Chairman of the third party
Prohibition State Committee, said he was
willing the republicans should pass the reso-
buttons, but his parry could not afford to aid
them.
"Circulars were sent to liquor dealers ask
ing their views on the question of submission,
and their replies, in opposition to the meas
ure, were printed in prohibition papers and
marked copies were sent to members, which
had the effect of lettering many representing
close districts from supporting the measure.
was told that these circulars were printed
at the office of The Voice; replies were
printed in that paper"
More complete evidence of political