The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1888-01-09
IowA's HEAVY BURDEN.
Prohibition Beggaring Once Prosperous
Towns and Increasing Taxes.


Prohibition BeRgaring Once Prosperous
Towns and Increasing Taxes.
Dubuque CIa.l Correspondence Of Chicago Herald.
Conscious OF their prestige and their in
huence as political factors the saloonkeep-
ers Of Iowa have at last been awakened
from state Of Indifference 10 restrictive
laws and are forced to face the stern de-
cree OF statutes which prohibit. The
small voice Of public opinion has swelled
into tones OF thunder and crystallized into
a law which puts in the categoryof crimes
the business Of the saloonkceper and the
brewer.
Iowa appears TO have an abiding faith in
the practicability Of prohibition. This is
true on account of the supremacy Of Re
publicanism, however, rather than by an
honest and non-partisan sentiment. Away
back in 1879, when Elder Lucas arose in
the Republican State convention in Des-
Moines waving in his right hand piece Of
white paper the Republican party Of Iowa
there assembled forcsaw the coming Of the
great trouble. Elder Lucas was the nc
knowledged leader Of the prohibitory
hosts in Iowa. He was Repub-
lican by birth and 10y preference,
but he was also relentless foe OF the
saloon. When the nominations had been
concluded in the convention Of 1875, Elder
Lucas, who was seated in one Of the boxes
in the opera-house wherein the convcn-
ton was being held, arose TO offer a reso-
luton. The party leaders knew what was
coming. A dozen men moved an adjourn
mcnt in the same breath. hut the stem
torian voice Of Elder Lucas rose above the
confusion and demanded 10 be heard. At
first il seemed that the convention would
break up with n stampede. Lucas stood
there as invinciblc m fate, and 10 the ex-
cited Republican host he was as terrible IA
IAN army with bannes."
The small piece OF white paper which he
waved high above his head seemed like
the sword Of Damoclcs suspended above
them by a hair That piece of paper con-
tanned a resolution pledging the Republi-
can party OF Iowa "a the submission OF the
prohibitory amendment 10 vote Of the
people. II came from the prohibition host
in iowa, with n solemn warning that II II
was ignored third party would be organ
lied and sweep awayfrom the Republicans
the balance OF power. The party leaders
were dismayed. They were placed" a.
one OF them has since expressed IL, "be-
tween the devil and the deep blue sea"
| II they passed that resolution, they parted
with the German Republican vote Of
Iowa. II they ignored Il, they babe fare
well 10 the Prohibition element, which WIS
large and rapidly increasing. Elder Lucas
| disdainiuly refused 20 larry on the com
mon ground OF debate. lie stood there In
the name Of the Prohibitionists Of Iowa
and demanded an immediate decision. The
result was the adoption Of the resolution,
and from that day 10 the present the Re-
publican party has seen its majoritics
dwindle TO point that sometimes threat
cncd It's overthrow.
Thus Il was that the Republican party
took up the cause Of prohibition. Driven
10 Il by the lash of fear, they have found II
a heavy burden 20 bear. The result was
exactly as anticipated. The German Re.
publicans siampcded and went over 10 the
| Democratic party. But having pledged "
self 10 the submission Of the amendment,
the Republican party fulfilled its promise,
and the amendment was adopted by over
10000 majority thousands Of Democrats
voting for Il in order 10 shoulder the res
possibility Of prohibitory legislation upon
the Republicans, hoping thereby 10 win an
easy victory al the next election on a high
license platform.
There are thousands OF high license Re.
publicans In Iowa. They have heretofore
acted with their own party. They have
subordinaied their own opinions and pref
ercnccs 10 the good Of their party organiza.
ton. This, and this alone, has Haycd the
Republican party In Iowa from defeat.
Were those who have no faith In the prac.
ticabiliiy Of prohibitory legislation 10 vote
according 10 their honest convictions the
Republican party In Iowa would be de
ieaied. but party pride and desire "a
give the law fair trial have combined Il
keep them In line thus far. II Is evident
however, that n crisis u at hand. II u m
indisputable fact that the consumption %
liquor has not been materially decreased
by the alleged enforcement OF The
prohibitory law. Beer and all
may be restricted somewhat In sale, bu
the heavier drinks are INDUCED In abou
~ freely ~ ever before. II Is quite gcncr
ally admitted that prohibition fails 10 nc
complish the purpose desired. There n
| good deal Of reckless brayado in the asscr
/ tons and assumed position Of the Repub
lican leaders. They feel called upon q
defend their. course In cnaciing prohibition
I laws and seem 10 have confidence that th
! people will sustain them. Consequently
: they are inclined 10 push the law iorwar
s 10 general enforcement regardless Of th
+. fact that thereby the consumption Of liquc
! will not be diminished.
The saloonkccpcn are blamed for Oh
fanatical results Of tho temperance sent
! ment They conducted their saloons !
, defiance OF all restraints. and ignored III
2 restrictive laws on the s,htuie books unit
!. the people became cnragcd aud were vii
: ing 10 accept any plan which gave promi'
Q Of wiping out the doVgefies and disrcputi
c bic dens Of drunkenness. The salooi