Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1900-06-01
The Local Option Question.
DR.. ANDREWS AND THE ANTI SALOON
LEAGUE.

LEAGUE.
Mr.. Editor However much | may differ
from DR.. Andrews upon any subject, be-
lieve him to be thoroughly honest. IL sior
the public TO decide whether his views are
sound OF to the point. In this connection
1t may be well to repeat the questions at
issue:
(1) Has not the history OF the operations
of our local option law shown that there 10
some radical detect in the systemt CO. II
any change, small or great, could be made
to better or perfect the law what is itY
The object OF this discussion is to obtain
a consensus Of opinion upon these questions,
and 1t is hoped that the public will keep
them in view as some valuable data in rela-
ton to them will be submitted as soon as
the coast has been cleared OF the more or
less irrelevant matter which is being in
jected into the discussion.
The Doctor chides me for inconsistency
ignoring the argument of "A. X. because
known, and at the same time presenting
40 interview, myself, with an unnamed, and
by inference, a mythical minister. Accord
ing to my way of thinking "a. X. 8" argu-
mont was not only not ignored, but FULLY
swered by me. Aud so far as the identity
the minister in question, or any other
rson mentioned by me in the course OF
vu,s discussion is concerned, Will say that
DIR. Andrews or any one else who desires
simply To verify my published statements
will be furnished with the names. They
have not been published for the reason that
the gentlemen In question do not wish to
become involved in this public discussion
| am also chided for lack OF candor in
that my "s''ppp' desire 20 present the pro
A. ..4.. quest" a .seus O.. DO Uuly
uuur, appearance. AnoH'og the Doc
er-7H- H.s.ssa. H't.t thF. BE
failed to read my second article which &,
famed number OF interviews With pto.-i
nent citizens, and nearly all Ui these vsr'
against any position. strange ~ say sht.
article has been entirely gaarut by Others
besides the Doctor. will, II deairf lnr
nisn him with u copy OF 1t.
L concede the right OF any one to ques
ton OF challenge any theory, TACT OF con-
clusion which may present, but am at q
loss to understand why all of my oppo.
nents should consume time. space and en-
ergy In trying to ascertain or publish my
motives in beginning this cont oversy, I'M
less IL be that they are unable to meet the
arguments-in u manner satisfactory To them
selves and are resorting TO these means to
try to prejudice the case. But have abso-
lutely nothing to conceal in regard to my
position or motives. | have seen enough OF
the operations of the present law TO convince
me that something is rotten and smells TO
heaven, and before this controversy is closed
am sure the stencil will have been found to
permeate the whole body polite am ex'
ercising one OF the rights oi American CHI
zenship in regard to u public matter and can
not be deferred from doing 80 because some
people may think such action very bad or
inconsiderate of their pet idea. public In
stitution which cannot stand the light OF
public discussion should not be tolerated in
republic.
Every one will thank DIR. Andrews Tor the
Information furnished in relation to the or
ganization and operations OF the Anti Saloon
League. fully appreciate the TACT that To
it has been largely due the dissemination OF
the information and misinlormation which
has 30 affected the people in this county as
to keep the politicians Of both OF the old
political parties scared and cowed into non
action, regardless of, and In many cases
against their honest Judgment, in matters
affecting the public welfare. further realize
the fact that there are many good and honest
people who either belong 10 this organize
ton OF are in sympathy with some OF its un,
dertakings. But have questioned and will
continue W uutSllOu llS uCbiOho anu bhO
actions of its officers when they are to my
mind clearly opposed to public policy and
the well being OF the Commonwealth. |
venture to do so because have that conf
dence IN the love of the American people tor
republican institutions which makes me be
lieve that they will not be led to pursue a
course inimical to those institutions by any
society, party or other influence II facts are
brought home 10 them which should con
vince them of their error.
DR.. Andrews gives us TO understand
that the Anti.SalOon League Is political
party or rather a political organization, in
dependent OF the old political parties with
one single idea or principle, the success OF
which depends upon its agility and shrewd-
ness ia Topping with the party or candi
dates found TO be in su0h need oil few ad'
ditional votes as u be willing to accept Its
dictaiion in order to get offices. We are In
formed that the League sis not strictly
speaking II temperance organization 80 lar as
personal abstinence Is concerned, II is COM
posed largely OF total abstainers from alcO'
holic beverages and in most instances they
are Christian men" and that the execution
of the work ol the League il entrusted TO
its officers and committees. II is known
from actual observation that this league en-
Jorses at elections men who drink and get
drunk, and are known 10 patI0niZ; the
speak easy So that from every thing pre-
sou led it appears that the one qualification
Tor mombui 2hlp Or for its enhancement Al
elections is tOucbuot, ttste MT, han he rol
tie pi0dtbtts0H lac
That this law ia not enforced every one
knows, but the League has It's officers and
supposed to he honestly work
ing To have il enforced. It's President rushed
into this discussion at the drop Of the hat,
and then rushed ~ quickly out again when
the following questions were put To him:
m Has he RECEIVED directly or Indirectly
from any person or persons known, or sup
posed by lin 10 be engaged IN the whiskey
business, any money, gut, preaenI or other
thing OF value (2) Has he been less Wig
liant 10 his efforts 10 indict and prosecute
one or more men engaged Ia the whiskcy
business than OthersY (3) Has he ever said
TO one or mere men engaged in said bust
ness that he was not after him or them, but
wanted 10 break up others. or words " that
effectg az Has he not in conversation with
a certain person or persons commended the
or generosity towards himself Of
one or more men known or supposed by
him to be conducting business ~ viola
ton Ol the local option lawY
The conditions IN aud about this wonder
fol organic cation are such that Its President
can fatty refuse W answer these questions
" the public and at the same time can man
age TO satisfy men OF known integrity, like
DR.. Andrews, and cause him TO rush in
to print with general good character de-
Tense of his chief. lie is even no blind in
his idOlatry a. to account for the above |
questions as follows: at looks 10 me (hlm)
81, thta utiaaE an pHtFt