The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1897-12-08
THE LIQUOR QUESTION.
Constable Gun ningham On the 8 itua
ton.
Madden, s. c., Nov. %, 1897.

Madden, s. c., Nov. %, 1897.
Editor Press end Banner:
In your issue OF the 24th instant. observe
with pleasure your editorial In respect to "the
war on Governor Ellerbe,' and comments or
the dispensary law, In all OF which fully
concur. The diSpensary law, as such, is gooC
enough, and If 1t had been properly en- forced
would have been respected and obeyed by all
law-ab1ding people, because It approximate,
more nearly the proper solution of the ques
tlop than any attempt at reformation ever
made. The unfortunate conduct OF Newbold
IN numbering Turner of Spartanburg shou Id
In no wise impair the value nor detract from
the advantages sought 10 be obtained by Its
enactment. When a saloon-keeper debauch-
no thought is given nor Condemnation visited
upon him, but instead thereof, such are often
received into select society and held In high
esteem but when State dispensary consta-
the life of citizen, 1t is heralded all over the
land described as most cruel and heinious
ofense, and the opponents of the dispensary
IN Pharisaical style groan and emit lamenta-
tions too horrible to describe. am not at
tempting to vindicate the conduct of New
bold; not at ALL because his is an exceptional
case and deserves the condem nation of every
one who appreciates life and liberty.
Defective enforcement OF the dispensary
law is where the trouble lies, and will contin-
ue to impair its usefulness and success until
remedied by more rigid and decent observ.
ance OF the peoples rights. 1 have had con-
siueIooie experience IN tne operations OF lne
dispensary law. having served In the capacity
OF constable. My service on the force gave
me abundant opportunity to observe its Oper-
alton and TO detect Its defects. Twas so fully
convinced Of the CORRECTNESS of my opinion In
regard to the proper policy of enforcement,
that wrote Governor Ellerbe letter of date
Nov. 22nd, 1896, warning him against the en-
ployment OF men incapable unworthy. un.
scrupulous and whose continuance In SER
vice would bring wreck and disaster to the
institution. had been on duty In many
parts OF the State, including your own coun-
ty and town, and had not the slightest diff.
Guilty In enforcing the law, neither did pro-
woke The people to anger by the useless abuse
of authority, but treated them as they de-.
served, gentlemanly and respectfully; they
In return treated me kindly and courteousIy.
If officers had been selected who could have
commanded the respect and confidence OF
the people, the most of the opposition to the
dispensary law would have long ago dis.
who desired to retail liquor for their own
person al benefit and In disregard Of the rights
and moral attributes of others.
Governor Ellerbe's desire was to do right.
but unfortunately for him and the State, his
good Intentions were thwarted and his ere.
men who cared more for their own personal
ACHIEVEMENTS than they did for the prom otion
of the law or the success OF the Governor
hence confusion. opposition and abuse.
ors will be fought on the dspensary issue. as
itis q question plethoric with political sauce,
and many hungry aspirantS are rejoicing at
the Opportunity they will have 10 teach the
people the paths Of peace, piety and sober
ness. 1 will repeat again, If good and true
men were possessed with the power Of en-
forcing the dispensary law, 1t would stand
against all the assaults of combined opposi
ton. Very respectfully.