St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1888-01-11
LARRABEE's MESSAGE.
The Iowa Governor Puts Himself
Squarely on. Record as to the
Prohibition Law.

The Iowa Governor Puts Himself
Squarely on Record as to the
Prohibition Law.
DIES MONIES, To-, Jan. 10.-GOvernoi
Larrabee delivered his biennial mes
sage to the legislature this afternoon.
Referring to the pharmacy law he says
amendments are needed, particularly
In reference to the sale of
intoxicating liquors, and asks
Tor the subject earnest consid-
Grafton. The provisions should be more
stringent, and the methods of dealing
WIN dellnquentS more direct and GER
tain. The governor says that the en-
forcement of the prOhibitOry law has
been so efficient in reducing crime that
he recommends consolidation of ju-
dicial districts, so as to reduce the
number of judges from fOrty-four to
forty. He is in favor of woman suffrage.
Speaking of land grants to railways,
Gov. Larrabee says that the amount Of
public lands in the state received by
railroad companies as donations is
1893, 436 acres, or nearly one-eighth of
the entire acreage of the
state. In closing the message
Gov. Larrabee deyotes his atten-
ton to the prohibitOry laws and says:
Much progress has been made in the en-
forcement of the prOhibitory law. Not
only has public sentiment much i'm
proved i'll relation to it, but judicial
ofhcers are more disposed to secure it's
enforcement. Many judges give strong
testimony in its favor, showing that,
where it has been well executed.
there has been marked reduction in
criminal otfenseS, and also in court eX.
penseS. There uas been marked i'm
prOvemont in the condition of our
poorer people, especially in the families
of labOring men addicted to strong
drink. While there is very little diff
Guilty now in enforcing the law in the
rural districts and in a very large
majority 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 prOhibitOry law
Is now, and has been for the
past year, well enforced. The
constitution makes it incumbent upon
the governor to enforce the laws
Citizens have again and again called
upon me to enforce the prOhIbitOry law
In the few counties and places where.
as yet, but little regard has been paid
to it. 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 10
means at the command of the executive
which can be relied upon to secure
better results in the future. |, there
fore, recommend that Joint committee
OF the general assembly be appointed
early in the session to inquire into the
reasons for the nOn-enfOrcement of this
law in certain communities, and
whether the officers there are neglectful
OF their duties. | think some measures
should be adopted to quicken the con-
sciences of the officials who neglect or
refuse to perform their sworn duty, or
else provide way for their suspension
or removal. 1t is
DISGRACE To THE STATE
to have its authority so openly defied.
tons that this law should be enforced.
as well as others, and it is the duty of
the legislature to provide means. The
authority of the legislature in these
matters is no longer subject of dispute.
The recent decision of the supreme
court of the United States settles that
question. With this powerful support
it only remains for the friends of good
government and law and order in Iowa
to press patiently, yet resolutely, for
ward with this great reform. until the
saloon and all illegal manufacture and
sale of Intoxicating liquors are utterly
destroyed. Such amendments should
be made to the law as are needed and
best calculated to make authority effect.
i've in accomplishing its purpose.