New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1889-06-20

OpepO
Little Rhode Island votes to-day ana Is eN'
pected to make the ninth on the list. Certainly
the overwhelming defeat in Pennsylvania VIII
not help the Rhode Island Prohibitonlsts TO
keep Prohibition in the Constitution.
Not even the most sanguine opponents OF the
amendment in Pennsylvania ventnred TO pre-
dict any such vote US that which was cast
AGAINST Il. series of verdicts so decisive hs
these, eliminating in majority that speaks
with voice of thunder. must greatly discourage
tho pn,bibitioniss Some Of them are hkeiE
70 lose their tempers and say foolish thlhss.
We have already had intimatons that they
would charge not only treachery on the paro OF
Republican leaders, but actual fraud IN inc
counting of the votes by both parties Inc one
assumption is as foolish and unjust rs the other
The Republican party never assumed any re-
sponsibiKty with regard to the frohloiuoh
Amendment, but distinctly declined TO DO 81
leaving its members entirely free to vote In ac'
cordance with their convictions. 1hose "ho
onnosed the amendment were no more guilty OF
t,eachery than those who supported H. Inc IN
sinuation of fraud is one Of which the Prohibl-
ton leaders ought to lie heartily ashamed
There is abundant proof that the canvass was
conducted with great fairness, and any su3
peston that the count was not honest can De
dismissed with contempt as the bitter ntterance
Of disappointed and angry politicians Inc
vote represents the honest sentiment OF the
neople. The saloonkeepeIs may have bought
some thousands Of votes, but the size OF the ma
jorty is indisputable evidence OF powerful
public sentiment. No big majority was ever
bought, and this il one OF the biggest on record
All accounts agree that the election WA re-
markablv free from disorder and was conduct
ed with singular good humor. The women VINO
appeared at the polls TO work for Prohibition
were treated everywhere with marked courtesy
and received some special kiHdnesses at the
hands Of their opponents. Some OF these Incl
dents are almost touching. They illustrate the
instructive American Difference 70 women and
children even in exciting times.
These eight decisive votes are not necessarily
votes against the policy Of Prohibition applied
under practicable conditions, but against a pol
lev of State Prohibition. which does not pro-
hibit. II Rhode Island should vote to-day to
discard this system, after having Incorporated
il into its Constitution the effect will be much
more positive than mere refusal 70 make the
experiment The general result cannot fail TO
be To make attempts at State Prohibition seem
hopeless for long time TO come. IL - nor
likely that a proposition TO submit another
amendment T. the people will be listened to with
patience in Pennsylvania for good many years
| There Is nothing in any Of these results ~
initiate against the adoption q local option
! but, on the contrary, where tina, policy is com
| bined with high license the effect must be
greatly to strengthen both. lnaSmuch as this
double system has produced the best results
wherever it has been tried the outcome in
PENNSYLVANIA is Legitimate cause for general
congratulaton. IT is a splendid triumph fol
high license,