Herald and news. [volume] (West Randolph, Vt.) 1878-1943, 1902-01-02

auire the aid of methods open to cen
sure for its repression.
There were not lacking opponents OF
the resolution. Most OF them sprang
to the rescue Of prohibition itself,
which they mistakenly supposed as
sailed. Others talked to the point,
holding that the present statutes were
none too severe and justified by the
difficulty encountered in breaking up
the traffic. Still others thought it UNI
wise that the bar Of Orange county
should 90 on record as condemning
any phase of the anti-liquor law, and
finally the resolution was dismissed.
It is well known, however, that nearly,
if not quite, majority of the members
Of the county bar entertain opinions
in virtual harmony with it.
For years the cry from one side has
been, Prohibition is all right, if it
were only enforced; courts and officers
should do their duty" This cry has
been intensified by the sheer OF the
laws opponents, prohibition is a
farce you wouldn't enforce it if you
could, and you couldn't you would.
Successive legislatures have "done
their duty" by tightening up the law
in its supposed weak places. The
effect Of these measures is now being
felt Step by step, the law-enforcing
have moved to catch up with
the law-enacting department. 1t is
only recently that prohibition as she
is writ has been enforced in most
places throughout the state. 1t is true
that i'm eastern Vermont and in many
Of the smaller towns on the west side
prohibition has been enforced lin a |
way" The actual nuisances have |
been closed up. Open saloons have
not been numerous. But notwith-
this, a great deal of liquor
has been sold, and the pressing de-
mand has been supplied. Consequent
Iy, very many estimable citizens whose
private opinions were not altogether
in harmony with the law did not feel
called upon to get out and howl. But
atterly things are changed. Spurred
On by the fear of losing their salaries,
he states attorneys have taken hold
rs never before. The judges have the
final responsibility, and have shown a
to acquit themselves in
with the exact letter of the
aw. The Anti-Saloon League has had
paid officers at work providing evil
lence and keeping watch over the
chosen officers of the law. Thanks TO
'ertile legislative minds, there is no
ack OF instruments to enforce prohi-
)tion. All hands have taken hold of
Ill the hot irons OF prohibition and
applied them right and left. Not
,nly have the 'joints" been closed
lnder the heavy weight OF permanent
niunctions, and their erstwhile pro-
,rietors railroaded to Rutland, but
'endors of peppermint essence and
Jamaica ginger have been brought to
,ook. Not only the nuisances, but
,laces commonly classed as respect
lble, such as high-class drugstores
md hotels, have bowed in grief A
benuous effort to "enforce prohibit
ion" has been and is being made,
This should bring joy to that portion
# our citizenship that wants every iot
md title of the liquor traffic wiped
nut, no matter how-and undoubtedly
{ does.
But, strangely enough, Just when it
S being shown that the law can be en-
orced, and that the officers are doing
heir plain duty comes louder COM
,laint than ever. 1t may shock some,
)ut it is our firm opinion that if the
question were submitted to the voters
If Vermont today, or if a legislature /
we're to be elected now on the square
ssue the prohibitory law would be ,
Ioomed. Every sign points that way.
1t least half Of the press of the state is /
Ictively opposed to the law. Promi-
tent men who have taken little inter- !
st heretofore now come to the front
IS champions of local option. Even 2
ONE clergymen are not afraid to be {
o quoted. Among the rank and file, !
here is a powerful movement in the
anne direction. Various things are
to this cause, some of S
hem well known to all readers.
iany persons, who, like the advocates
# the resolution above referred to. 4
re favorable to prohibition, think it is
icing oyerdone and defeating its own
nds. We believe that most Vermont &
RS still favor prohibition, enforced as