St. Johnsbury Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1867-1919, 1902-01-29
Ten Points Worth Attention.


EDITOR CALEDoNIAN:-I was much
pleased to read the article in your recent
issue from Judge Ross, and wish it might
be carefully read by all the citizens OF the
state. Such plain, candid, but torcefu'
statement from man of such g neral
observation, large, legal knowledge
high character, with an apparent knoW'-
edge Of the fac's, must have had set
thing effect upon the somewhat excited
conditions in your village. It's Itbel
upon the character OF those earnest men
and women in St. Johnsbury and Else,
where, to even insinaate that their Ell
forts for enforcement of our criminal
laws are iusincere or their motives dis
honest or vindictive. The article is full
of facts, worthy of careful consideration,
which will find a hearty response IN
the Judgment and good common sense OF
every thoughtful reader. 1t might not
be amiss to give brief summary for the
benefit of some who many not have care
fully considered them
There is no safe place in Vermont tor
the saloon-the place of sale OF insoxlcAt'
ing drinks-whether in the attractive
drug store, the otherwise well-kept pop
u'ar hotel, the low dive, or in the pocket
Liquor selling is unpopular dlsrepnt-
able. under the ban of the law; it is
doubly and trebly so, when allied, as it
so often is, with gambling and prostitu-
ton.
Criminal laws are enacted for the
preservation of manhood and woman,
hood, the protection OF the home, the
salvation Of the nation, and are useless
unless enforced.
Transgressors should be punished &C
cording to law; no favoritism, no ex-
emption: no place for mludlin sentiment
or bouquets. In the language of the
street, "he who dances must pay tt e
fiddler" The man who delib rately
enters into a business, fits up for it by
procuring his stock in trade, pays gov
eminent tax in advance for doing that
business, quietly advertses and opens up
shop for business, is sane man under
standing the nature, effect and risks of
his proposed business and is caught in
his illegal methods that become his
special business. He is deserving Of no
sympathy whatever
The law, all law, should be impartially,
strictly enforced and local officials should
do it. There are perhaps some executive
officers who are, in sympathy, practices
and affilation, opposed to the prohibi-
tory law, perhaps their money is invest
ed in a saloon and they, in part, have
paid the government tax. Such will
hesitate to do their known duty or do it
very impertectly, if at all. What is the
remedy? Local officers should enforce
the law; if they neglect or refuse they
should be punished and at the earliest
moment worthier and more honest men
should be put i'll their places.
The town agencyis Indispensable and is
the only legal place where liquors for le-
gitimate purposes can be secured.
The town liquor agent is also amen
able to the law, and wilful violation by
him can and ought to be punished by the
law.
The agent should be put under strict
directions and restrictions; be closely
watched by officials and the community
and advised, helped, encouraged and sup
ported bV friends of temperance and
good order.
The prohibitory law is sufficient and
can be made to meet all demands uponit.
The duty of every citizen, who has at
heart the highest welfare of the youth,
the purity and sacredness of the home
and the honor ofthe nationis sef-evident.
These ten points, all mentioned or
clearly discernible in the article referred
to, might be regarded as the decalogue
of prohibition; founded in truth, univer-
sal in application, necessary to the best
growth and highest prosperity of any
community and we believe impressed
with divine sanction.
CONSTANT READER.
Newport. VT, Jan, 20, 1902.