The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1893-02-01
lliE STATE AND THE SALOON.
Colonel Robert A1drich's Forcible Pleas
against the Evans whiskey Law.

TO the Editor of the 1Ncms and Courier;
have not considered the legal questions
involved in the recent Act Of the Legisla-
ture, commonly known as the Dispensary
Law. They arc delicate and important,
and I have been too busy in The closing
of the old and opening of the new year to
give study to any questions outside of
my Office. Whether the Act was consti-
tutionally passed or not, how far it inter-
feres with Interstate commerce, etc., are
questions that will arise and will be set
tied by the Courts. There are, however,
glaring objections to the Act, which strike
the mind at glance.
10 start with, we behold the State of
our love and pride clearly embarked in
the whiskey business. Iti outside of the
province of State Government to engage
in any kind of business, for obvious rea-
sons. From its superior position all of
its citizens competing with the State in
the same line of business are at disad-
vantage, and naturally regard the State
as rival and oppressor, impairing their
means of support, which the State should
be the common mother and guardian of
all its citizens alike. In the case under
consideration the State will be not only
engaged in business, but will monopo-
lize it, thereby depriving large class of
it's people of earning their living out of
lucrative and heretofore legitimate trade.
Nothing could be more undemocratic or
more tyrannical.
Government monopolies prevailed in
Europe to large extent ages gone by,
but with the advance Of civilization and
the growth of liberal ideas they were dis
continued as long ago as 1923. The House
of Commons, answering the demand Of
the people, wrested this much abused
prerogative from the King, and it has
been known in England no more since
that time. In fact, in tyrannical Russia
alone does it exist to any considerable
extent, and in the estimation of political
thinkers it is, of all the hateful features
of that iron bound despotism, the most
hateful. Russia derives large portion
of her revenues from monopolies. South
Carolina, it seems. will make an effort to
initiate her, but it will not be much of an
effort after all. This taking away from
the people at large the means of liveli-
hood in any department. is the quintes-
sence of tyranny, and will be tolerated by
free people no longer than it will take
to wipe it off the statute book.
| It is disappointing to those OF us who
hoped for relief for the people through
the efforts Of the Farmers Alliance, or
ganized to combat monopolies in every
form and shape, witnessinga Legislature,
elected largely by it, creating by law in
South Carolina monopoly that would
be a reproach 70 the Car of Russia.
lam nc advocate of intemperanco. In
fact, the contention of the advocates of
this law is that more liquor will be con-
sumed under it's operation than before ;
since it will be better liquor and cheaper,
and at the same time the treasury is to
be enriched and taxes reduced. In other
words, they debauch the morals of the
people and take away their rights, but
justify the twin iniquity by the assertion
that we are paid for it.
Was ever greater insult offered to self
respecting freemen? No: to enact pro-
hibition law with the view of elevating
public morals is one thing, but to engraft
despotic feature upon the government
of free State is a very different thing,
and the people will find way Of showing
that when they voted to give up their
liquor they did not intend TO give up their
liberties.
Mistakes rarely go singly, and along
with the PRONUNCIATION of this legislative
blunder we hear threats of the most
drastic measures fer its enforcement.
The people of South Carolina don't belong
to anybody yet. The charters of cities
and towns are to be taken away, and
military force is to be employed; chaos
and bloodshed are to replace peace and
OloSls 4aO ooOuCl tAio tOo~ob oaN
bluster is stopped the better for tho repu-
tstions of those who employ it.
On the other hand we hear of wide
spread purpose and intention of evading
the law. This, if less culpable, is far
more dangerous. AS long as this statute
is of force it must be obeyed and respect
ed as law. No greater calamity can befall
people than to fall into disrespect for
law. To disregard any law is the first
step towards contempt tor all law, and
this is anarchy.
Byall means, then, until the Dispensary
Law shall be declared imperative by the
Courts. or repealed by the Legislature,
one or the other Of which must come
soon, every man who holds the honor
and dignity of his State above his person.
al views and opinion will rise to the pa
triotic duty of obeying the law.
RoBT. ALDRIcH.
Sn.otor Irhv oud tho Editor Oc tho