The Vermont watchman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1883-1911, 1888-10-10

accomplish Much that it has done, has
been, necessarily, somewhat preliminary in
its character, and has not yet yielded the
results that may be expected at later time,
but in the system of returns adopted and in
the supervision IL has established, the board
has laid foundation upon which, in the
future, great results must necessarily rest.
On the other hand, much has been ac-
complished that could not have been done
in the absence of the board. The report
shows that in every instance in which any
individual feeling aggrieved has applied for
assistance, speedy hearing has been
granted, determination reached, and the
railroads have uniformly yielded n ready
aCquescenCe in the recommendations of the
board. The recommendations that all rail-
road companies be required by law to heat
their passenger coaches by other means than
the use of stoves and furnaces, and that the
extension of guard-rails, or some other
safety appliance, upon the approach of all
bridges be made compulsory, are based
upon facts and conclusions ELECTED by the
most painstaking investigations, the report
of which will be read with lively interest
and satisfaction. All other recommended
tons contained in the report seem to he
based upon well-consdered and we'll
founded reasons, and should not be over
looked. The record of the past indicates a
bright future of usefulness to this board.
PRoHIBrroRY LIQUOR LAW.
a
law has been upon our statute books, there
have been constant and persistent efforts
on the part of its opponents to discover de-
fects in its provisions and to prevent its
proper enforcement. The representatives
of the people have, on the other hand
sought to remedy its defects, strengthen its
character and improve its effectiveness
As the law now stands, IL is an exceedingly
strong one. Its weakness lies, to consid-
cradle extent, in the difficulty attending its
enforcement. The person injured does not,
| as in other cases, enter complaint, look up
evidence, and by his suggestions aid the
prosecutor in his work, but by all means in
| his power, not infrequently committing the
crime of perjury so to do, shields the man
who has mnistered to his ruin. Its inefec-
| tiveness has also been increased by a want
of support on the part of the public at large.
| There have been too many who, though at
heart friendly to the law, lacked the moral
courage to publicly support those who have
| had to do with its enforcement This class
has added weakness to weakness in its un-
| lust criticism of those who, deserted by
friends and surrounded by foes, have, in
most cases, performed their duty as well as
| the existing circumstances permitted. Grad
| ually, however, a better public sentiment
has been developed; prosecuting officers
feel the moral support given; jurors are
| strengthened in a spirit of independence,
and witnesses begin to comprehend that in
evasion and untruth they are no longer ex-
cused much less commended. A cor
responding weakness is noted on the part
of Offenders in some counties where, few
years ago, almost all charged with offences
under this law took trial, the offender who
now dares to face a jury is an exception
The main difficulties are encountered in the
more populous villages where greater
secrecy can be observed and where, when
one conviction has been had and a fine has
been imposed, the offender finds it easy to
place his business in the hands of another
as the ostensible owner, and so evades i'm
| prsonment in case of a second or third
| prosecution. Has not the time come when
| a sentence of Imprisonment should follow
the first conviction under this law, and
when a provision of that character would
do more to stop sales in the larger villages
than any other measure yet proposed? !
am strongly of the opinion that it has but
the subject is one which by its Importance
so addresses itself to your patient scrutiny
that suggestions are unnecessary.