The copper country evening news. [volume] (Calumet, Mich.) 18??-1907, 1897-10-04


en- it by compromise, and labored to ex-
tend its provisions beyond the communi
ty where it originated.
General Dow had the blood Of a re-
former. He came from Quaker stock
and was educated among the Friends.
He was born i'm Portland. Me, in 1894.
His father was tanner, and after ac-
quiring a good education for mercantile
life he became his fathers partner at
the age Of 21 Success attended his bus
iness efforts, and he made his mark in
public enterprises as wei. In 1899 he
became chief engineer Cf the Portland
fire dcFartment and was twice mayer Of
the city In 1887 Mr. James Appleton,
a member Of the Maine legislature. eX-
pounded before that body the principles
Of an anti-license ard prChibitory l!q-
uor law. Neal Dow was then active as
a leader IN the temperance cause and
member Of the Maine Temperance un-
ion. Through his efforts the union was
committed TO total abstinence.
Mayor of Portland.
In 1851 Dow became mayor OF Port
land. At that time ne had brother-in-
law holding responsible position who
was addicted to periodic sprees One
night the wife Of the unfortunate man
told Dow that her husband was away
from home, and she feared that he would
drink heavily and lose his position in
consequence Dow went TO a saloon
regularly patronized by his brother-in-
law and asked for him. The proprietor
declared that he was not there. His
voice could he heard I'm another room,
however. and Dow politely asked the
liquor dealer not to sell him any more
liquor because Of his wife and large
family. All his money. Dow said. was
needed to properly care for them The
answer and Dow's hot retnrt changed
the destiny Of the liquor traffic in Maine
The dealer replied: Mr. Dow. this is
my business. and I run It to suit my
self. I have a license to sell liquor, and
have a family TO support as well az
he Don't YOU meddle with my affairs"
80, no." retorted the mayor. you
have n license to support your family
by running this man and depriving him
Of his situation, have you? Wei see
about this"
Drew Up n Radical Measure.
Dow went home firmly resolved to
keep his promise to "see about this"
He drew up a petition asking for the
suppression Of drinking houses and
tippling shops" The measure was so
radical that many friends of temperance
refused to sign ii. 1t proposed to
search suspected places, seize. condemn
and confiscate liquors and punish Of
tenders by fine and Imprisonment. He
refused to modify the terms and went
before a committee of the legislature.
spoke for the bill at a public hearing.
and ii became law within twenty-four
hours His chief weapon of persuasion
in all this campaign was the saloon
story and the keepers coldblooded at
titude. He afterward became a mem
Der of the Maine legislature
In 1861 General Dow entered the army
as colonel Of the Thirteenth Maine vol
unteers. and the president commissioned
him a brigadier general Owing to his
small fgure-he was below medium
height-he naturally became the sub
feet of numerous camp anecdotes. One
Of his first experiences was 10 be or
dered to advance to little hillock in
front of the line Of battle and take
position facing a piece Of woods. He
wore n very large hat and his sword
touched the ground end the soldiers
were soon bursting with laughter at the
sight Of one small man advancing alone
against the numberless fee
Set Right by the Commander
An orderly was sent to recall the in
trepid hero, and when he returned the
commander asked:
General Dow, what did you under
stand me to direct you TO do?"
ITO take a position on that hillock
facing the woods, sir"
"And did you think I meant to send
you there alone?"
Certainly, sir ! did not hear you
say anybody was to go with me-"
The commander set him right. and he
took his column Of men to the hillock.
| He remained in the army long enough
/ 10 learn that an order TO an officer In
wolves all the troops under him. His
| soldiers called him Little Neal Dow