The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1888-01-11
PROHIBITION In IOWA.
toy. Larrabee Says the Law Is Beneficial,
: and Urges Its Thorough Enforcement.

gDEs MONIES. Ia. Jan. 10.-Governor Larrabee
l.s5sSed his biennial message to the Legislature
this afternoon. Referring to the pharmacy
law, he says amendments are needed particu-
larry in reference to the sale of intoxicating
liquors, and asks for the subject earnest consid-
GRAFTON. The provisions should be more strin-
gent and the methods OF dealing with delin-
quents more direct and certain. The Governor
says that the enforcement of the prohibitory
law has been efficient in reducing crime that
he recommends a consolidation of judicial dis
tricts, go as to reduce the number of judges
from forty four to forty. He is in favor of wom-
an suffrage. Speaking of land grants to rail-
ways, Governor Larrabee says that the amount
of public lands in the State received by railroad
companies as donations is 4,393. 436 acres, or
nearly one-eighth of the entire acreage of the
State. In closing the message the Governor do
votes his attention to the prohibitory law. and
aays:
Much progress has been made in the enforce
ment of the prohibitory law. Not only has pub
lie sentiment much improved in relation to it,
but judicial officers are moro disposed to secure
its enforcement Many judges give strong tss-
timony in its favor. showing that where it has
been we'll executed, there has been marked re-
duction in criminal offenses and also in court
expenses. There has been marked improve
ment in the condition of our poor people, espe-
to strong drink. While there is very
little difficulty in enforcing the law
in the rural districts and in very large major
ity of the counties, there are still few portions
of the State, particularly some of the larger
cities, where the law is not enforced. This.
however, does not include all such cities, for in
Des Moines, Sioux City and Cedar Rapids, three
of the largest and most rapidly growing cities of
the State, the prohibtory law is now, and has
been for the past year, well enforced. The
Constitution makes it incumbent upon the Gov
ernor to enforce the laws. Citizens have
again and again called upon me to enforce the
prohibitory law IN those counties and places
where, vet. little regard has been paid to 1t.
l. in turn, have called upon the judges. sheriffs
and other officers to aid in accomplishing this,
but, regret to say, without success know OF
no means at the command of the executive
which can be relied upon to secure better results
in the future. l therefore recommend that
joint committee OF the General Assembly be ap-
pointed early in the session 10 inquire into the
reasons for the enforcement or this law In
certain communities and whether the officers
there are neelectful of their duties think
some measures should be adopted to quicken the
conscences of the officials who neglect or refuse
to do their sworn duty; or else provide way
for their suspension or removal. Ii is a disgrace
to the State to have it's authority so openly de-
fed Our people strong In their convictions
that this law should be enforced as we'll as 9TH
ers, and it is the duty of the Legislature to
provide means. The authority OF the
Legislature in these matters Is no lon
ger subject of dispute. The recent de-
csion of the Supreme Court of the United
States settles that question. With this power
full support it only Mains for the friends OF
good government and law and order, in Iowa.
TO press patiently, yet resolutely. forward with
this great reform, until the saloon and all Illegal
manufact ture and sale of intoxicating liquors are
utterly destroyed. Such amendments should
be made to the law needed and Dest CAL
culated to make it thoroughly effective III
accomplishing its purpose.