Dodge City times., 1890-05-16

The recent decision of the United
States in relation to the importation Of
liquor in the original packages into
Iowa, and, Of course, into any other
state similarly situated, has caused q
good deal of dissatisfaction. It is q
decision far-reaching in its conse-
quences. The prohibitionists, as q
matter of course, do not like it, be.
cause 1t interferes with the enforce
ment of state prohibitory laws. Many
others, who do not desire to see the
powers Of the Federal Government un-
duly exalted, object to the doctrine
laid down as dangerous advance in
the line of centralization. Persons
who have been trying to effect state
barriers against dressed beef, compound
lard, etc., See in the decision the
wreck of their hopes, so far as state
Legislation is concerned.
The anti-prohibitionists, on the 9th
er hand, are not universally happy ov-
er their victory. 1t takes but glance
to perceive that the decision is not a
blow at prohibition in the abstract; it
simply transfers the agitation from the
field of state to that of federal politics.
The Iowa prohibitions have already ap-
pretended thi point, are now urging
Legislation, such as that proposed in a
bill introduced by Congressman Kerr,
which provides that articles of com.
merce contraband in state shall not
be imported or sold therein. 1t is pro-
posed to make this issue in all the
congressional districts this fall, and
there are good many he arts likely to
ache in consequence. There are four
or five republican congressman in Iowa
whose defeat upon such an issue is
considered certain. Governor Bois of
Iowa, in an interview upon the subject
expressed himself as follows with ref
erence to the effect of the decision in
Iowa:
'1t will increase the difficulty of en-
forcing the prohibitory law of our state
1t will make open and notorious a traf-
fic that has heretofore been carried on
clandestinely. 1t takes away all ne
cessity for secrecy in ordering intoxi-
eating liquors from other states, and
puts them in reach Of every man who
wishes to purchase from outside deal
ers. 1t seems to me it will make ap-
parent to all considerate minds the fu
tility Of efforts to prevent the traffic in
intoxicating liquors by prohibitory laws
and help to lead US to more rational
way Of lessening the evils of that traf-
fic. 1t certainly makes apparent the
fact that prohibitory Legislation, to be
effective, must be national, at least. !"
Gov. Bois is also of the opinion that
the effect of the decision will be ad-
vantagious to the democrats in the
congressional elections of Iowa, and
that it will have an important bearing
upon the future control of the state.
On the other hand, the decision will
not be unwelcome to many political pro-
hibltionists, who have long had yearn-
ing to get a better foothold for their
favorite issue in the domain of nation
al politics. The opportunity now Of
fered them will be improved to the ut
most.
It is probable, however, that the
most important consequences of the
late decision will be quite disconnected
with party interests, on the question Of
prohibition. In such cases it often
happens that the immediate results of
such far-reaching principles Of consti-
tutional Interpretation are Of the least
importance. That the decision re-
stricts the powersof the several states
to degree that is likely to produce
much future Inconvenience is the con-
viction of those who look little below
the surface. This opinion is shared by
many republicans as well as democrats.
If congress is to say what articles shall
be shipped from one state to another
1t will readily be seen what field is
laid open for class legislation and com
petition among different branches of
business for congressional favors. The
contest now in operation between cot
ton-seed oil and pure lard, or, as it has
been graphically stated by colored
orator, "between the southern negro
and the western hog" is q case in
point. The contest between butter
and oleomargarine may also be men
toned.
1t may happen, Of course, that the
scope Of this decision has been some
what overstated, from reading Of q
mere summary of its points.
T. covora q branch of the Law With