The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1890-04-03
Iowa Republicans in Convention Say
the Dry Law will Ruin
State and Party
Tho Party Must Allow Each Mem
:ber to Please Himself or it
is Doomed.
Tho General Assembly Asked To Amend
the Prohibitory Law to "A Local
option Standard.

Drs MoNrs, Ia., April 9.-The anti-pro-
hibition movement within the republican
purity eliminated in state conference to-
day, One hundred and ninety-six delegates
wero present, representing several thousand
republicans. Chairman Collins, of Keokuk,
said he had been lifelong prohibitionist,
and had done all in his power 10 enforce
the law in his city, but had failed. Other
speeches IN similar vein were made. Ex-
Governor Kirkwood sent letter in which.
among other things. he said Personally.
favor local option and high license with
stringent regulations, but some of our pro-
hlhition friends say if such change is made
the republican party will never carry an
election in Iowa again. Thai looks 10 mo
very much like an attempt at bulldozii:g,
aud n republican never took kindly 10 that
mode Of argument. This policy was pui-
sued for some years by the extreme prohibi-
tionists in the republican states TINT have
not adopted prohibition. aud is now threat
cned here. Il has not won in the past and
| think will not in the future"
Hon. A. II. Cummins, of Dies Moines, pre-
scntcd the report of the committee ON reso-
lutions. which was received with great en-
thuaiasm The resolutions declare unswery-
ing allegiance 10 the principles Of the re-
publican party ms enunciatod in the Chicago
platform. and continue: "We recognize the
liquor traffic as one which requires reguln-
tion, but insist that the object of
such regulation should be 20 minimize
intemporance and mitigate its evils. The
experience of this, ns well M other states,
has concluslvely shown that general prohi-
4.
without respect to habits, conditions. cir
cumstnnces or degrees. ia not adopted either
TO suppress intemperanco or promote
morals, and therefore the experiment should
be abandoned. and the law 80 modified that
those communities which desire Il change
shall hRve the right 10 determine for them
selves whether Intoxicating liquors be sold
AZ beverage within their limits.
We are unalteraby opposed To any
stitution the doctrine Of state
prohibition. The organic law of tho state
ought not 10 be encountered with police
regulations of that character. political
organization has no just right TO bring into
the declaration Of principles,a new doctrine
unless II be one upon which substantially
all members can agree.
A large number of republicans in Iowa
are und always have been opposed 10 gem
eral prohibition, and If the republican
pnrty adhcrcs 10 It's present position upon
this question, 1t IL manifest by such adj
horcncc II tends 90 exclude from member
ship all those who believe The policy fatal
10 the best interests of the state. lnasmuch
~ the members of the party
nre not agreed upon the subject.
there is obviously but one course
which the party can honorably pursue-it 10
10 vigorously exclude from party platforms
every reference 20 il, leaving each repub-
lican member Of the legislature full liberty
10 act with respect 10 II ny his judgment
may direct. The experiment of general
prohibition has been faithfully tried and in
many portions nf the state has lAmentably
failed. The republican purity cannot
justify further support ns party measure.
Those members of the party holding our
views cannot with favor 10 themselves
longer lend their cid 10 impo upon many
communities nll the evils OF un-
licensed unrestricted and unrcgulated
| liquor selling. For these reasons and in
the interest Of morality, business aud social
order, we ask the general assembly now in
session to 80 amend the prohibitory liquor
law M to give ~ communities
that 50 desire 20 net the power
10 levy minimum license, 10 be fixed by
the Legislature, To regulate the sale of in
toxicating liquors through the medium of
high license, and we insist ON such change
in the platform Of the republican party as
will enable us 10 stand honestly upon il and
10 assist in restoring the party 10 complete
supremacy.