The Cambria freeman. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1867-1938, 1889-08-23
The Mistaken "settIed PoIicy- Of the
state OF Iowa.

In spite OF the strong and general
tendency against Prohioitory fanatI-
clsm the Republican Convention of
Iowa was constrained to declare that
Prohibition is the settled policy of the
State" upon which There should De
no step backward
Whatever may have been the reluct-
ance OF many members of the COnven-
tion TO make such declaration OF poll
cy against the prevailing sentiment of
the country, there was no alternative.
Had they resolved in favor OF repaaling
laws that are treated with contempt in
large portion of the State they would
have been left in the Iurch by their
Prohibition allies, and in that situation
they would have called in vain to Her
cules to help them. Had they taken
refuge in silence they would have ius
Vlted the same danger.
There were many Republicans in
Iowa who predicted that no good 10 the
party could come out OF the pact with
Prohibition and its advocates. But
these republicans are in toe hopeless
minority TO lead a successful move
ment within the party in favor Of High
License, and they have not sufficient
Independence to break with their pOiiti-
cal associates on this issue. While they
see that their worst predictions n re-
gard 10 the ProhibitoTy policy have been
realized, they compromise with their
own cOnsciencees by tacitly cOnsenting
that so far as they are concerned the
Prohibitionists shall have their sumptu-
airy laws and the rest of the people their
beer rather than raise a disturbance in
the party that might seriously interfere
with their own political interests or
ambition.
In this situation the Prohibitory laws
may remain on the statute books of
Iowa long after they shall have been
permitted to fall into 'innOcuOus desue-
tude. Yet there are evidences of
growing discomfort with the policy
among the masses of the people of that
State. Behind the moral and social
aspects of the policy lurk soma financial
considerations of no small weight. In
the cities ana towns the taxpayers find
their burdens increased by a loss OF
revenues which the license system sup
pied, as well as by the costs incurred
IN more or less futile attempts to pun
lsh vlolatOrs Of the PrOhibitOry laws.
To these considerations is added the
uncomfortable fact that consumers
must pay higher prices for beer and
Whisky OF worse quality in order to
compensate the sellers for their risks OF
prosecution. For the luxury of Prohi-
bitinn the citizen of Iowa must paw not
only higher taxes for the support of
municipal government. out an extra
tribute TO the contTaband dealer or
town druggist every time he INDUCES
In drink or needs liquor for medicinal
or mechanical purposes.
IL does not follow that there is likely
TO De political revolution in Iowa in
consequence of the popular dissatisfac,
tlon with the Prohibition. People will
often submit TO serious incOn yenieuces
rather than abandon their party associ>
ations and prejudices. As the admin
lstration of the PrOhibitory law shall
relax the demand for its repeal will
grow fainter and fainter. In Maine il
is probable that larger majority would
be given for Prohibition now than ever
before, for the very reason that the law
is treated with more general CONTEMPT
than ever. Into this lamentabIe coudi.
dion Iowa is rapidly falling in the
fansilcal attempt to maintain an inn
practicable code, and in the hypocrisy
and coEaIdlce of pOliticians.-PhiId.
Record.