The Portland daily press., 1893-03-08

proceed as in laying out highways and to
take property enough on Portland pier to
enlarge the Ferry slip so as to accommo-
date the new double end ferry boat which
will be six feet broader than the late
Cornelia II.
The Liquor Law.
The Peoples Enforcement League, the
object of which is to aid in the enforce
ment of the Maine liquor law and which
has recently make its Secretary John w.
Mitchell of Rockland, an agent at a
salary of $500 year to carry out its pur-
poses, has evolved some more prohib-
itory law and also the legislation to
enact 1t. The League, by it's officers,
says that now when an action for MAIN
tanning liquor nuisance is begun against
a man, he keeps right on selling rum and
by the time he is convicted, he has made
money enough to pay his fine. If he
goes to Jail, the business still goes on
earuinn future fines. So the League has
law designed to lock the doors of the
place run by such man. 1t also wants
the continuation of cases for sentence
forbidden.
But the League finds this work of en-
forcing the liquor law is rather expen-
sive and the other of it's additions to the
half pay the bills incurred by it and
other persons and societies engaged in
the same work. While the League may
find some earnest champions flor these
plans, it is not likely that they will COM
mend themselves to majority of the
Solons.
In preamble to the bills which were
presented by Representative George W.
Winthrop, Monday, John @. Stewart,
President and J. w. Mitchell, Secretary,
say that though by the legislature Of
1871, full equity jurisdiction was given
the S. j. Court in case of nuisance, yet
because of the utmost uncertainty as to
the steps to be taken in abatement, said
court has never to this day made use of
its enlarged jurisdiction. They accord
ingly ask for the passage of the bill. The
bill gives the Supreme Court upon infor-
nation filed by the County Attorney or
upon petition of not less than 20 legal
voters of town or city that a nuisance
exists, power to issue an injunction
against the continuance of the same,
pending the proceedings this court and
Superior Courts in the counties where
they exist shall have jurisdiction under
the act. The act further provides that
places in which nuisances have been
proven to exist may be closed as against
their further use for such purposes and
the defendants, or persons who have
aided them, shall be perpetua]ly enjoined
+ ON keeping nuisances in such places.
Property used in keeping such nuisances
shall be sold and the proceeds used in
paying the costs and fines under the law.
The balance shall then be returned to
the persons owning the property. At
torney fees of not less than $50 each are
to be given to the parties prevailing in
cases under the act or to county attor-
neys in criminal cases.
The other bill prepared by the officers
of the League provides that sentences in
liquor cases shall not be continued, ex-
eept for drunkenness, where the accused
cannot be found or in the event of appeals
to the law court. Persons making ap-
peals shall be required to give bonds in
the sum of 5000 not to violate the law
while their cases are pending. The bill
further provides that 20 per cent of the
fines imposed under the liquor laws shall
be fund for the better enforcement of
such laws out of which the Governor
may reimburse officers for special effort |
in the enforcement of the low. Or he
may reimburse organizations formed for
the purpose of aiding in the enforcem emit |
of the law in the same way.
Miscellany,
Senator Mallet has tabled the re-
solve appropriating $125,0O0 for state
pensions.
The bill incorporating the Yarmouth
& Portland railroad and the resolve in
favor of Cape Elizabeth Orphan Asylum
we're passed to be=enacted in the House
and sent to the Senate for concur
renee.
An order providing that the daily ses-
,ions of the House begin at $50 instead
If 10 has been introduced and several
members have been excused from further
attendance. 1t is the beginning of the
End.