The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1902-11-30
TEMPERANCE LEGISLATION
THAT THIS STATE NOW
NEEDS.

Shortly after the election on the fourth
OF November, in emphasizing the signifi-
canoe of the victory for prohibition in
Cumberland county, this paper stated it's
position with reference to the legislation
upon the subject of temperance and the
regulation of the liquor traffic which it
believed the General Assembly of North
Carolina of 1903 ought to enact. Those
suggestions have been widely approved
the State. 1t has been gratifying to note
that the bulk of the men who wish the
present agitation to mean a positive vic
tory for real temperance progress are
in accord with the policy outlined in
these columns. OF course those who wish
no progress at all in the way of sup
pressing or regulating the liquor traffic
and manufacture did not approve the
policy set forth. Equally true it is that
those who arc demanding an iron
State prohibition law expressed their dis
sent. The course of wisdom, we are per-
suaded, lies in a policy that touches the
golden mean.
1t is apparent to all that there has
been steady growth in temperance in
North Carolina. This is seen in the So
briefly Of most of the people, in the
decrease Of the number of distilIeries
md So1 in bC cd h = ion
area. The more ardent prohibitionists in
the State, seeing the growth OF the sen
timent against the saloon, naturally wish
TO make this a prohibition State, and
they do not look with favor upon any
ether policy. The men who wish no
advance against open saloons are opposed
to any further step toward saloon clos
ing. But the State in its wise policy
must net look to either to shape the
policy it is to pursue.
Legislation that is contrary to public
sentiment cannot be enforced and soon
becomes dead letter on the statute
books.
Here is the legislation that we believe
ought to be cractcd by the Legisla-
ture:
/. Pass an act prohibiting the
manufacture or sale Of liquor in North
Carolina except In Incorporated towns.
Nest of the counties now do not permit
the sale except in incorporated towns;
some of them 60 not permit the sale or
manufacture except in incorporated
towns: some do not permit it in Or out
Of the incorporated towns. But there
are comparatively few counties that for
bid the manufacture. The little stills
dotted about the country do infinitely
more harm ,han the open saloons. Pro-
hibition that does not shut up the dis
tilleries in the country is a failure This
law would make a uniform State law
that would do more for sobriety and
education than any ever enacted in North
Carolina. 1t would remove the temptation
TO county commissioners to grant license
in the country when an Incorporated
loNn votes Tor QiSpenSaTv or TOT pro-
hitition. 1t will shut up hundreds OF
stills where drunkenness and every form
Of vice corrupts and debauches the
youth. In some communities a govern
ment still does more harm than schools
and churches can DO good This act must
be the mUd-sill CT any real temperance
reform. OF course the act would specih-
caliy say that this act does not affect
IN any way present prohibition or dis
pensary territory.
2. Pass ar. act regulating the kind o:
towns that may be incorporated. This will
be necessary to prevent the incorporation
of bar-rooms or distillery crossroads. 1t
will require the best thought OF the Leg
islature to frame this provision but it
can be done so as to meet every neces-
sary requirement. In this connection, it
will be we'll to eecure the repeal of the
charters Of GENE crossroads towns in