The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1903-03-01

with view to Riding their eommuni-
ties of the presence OF distilleries< or sa-
looms
/ have feared much for the small in
Corporated town. But there is at least
one way to prevent the saloons and dis
tiIleries from settling down upon them.
That is, to make the matter an issue IN
the election and elect a board of county
commissioners that will not issue IL
eense Either do this or call an election
for the entire county. In my opinion. the
sooner we compel the public leaders to
face the issue. the better. We have all
to lose by dallying.
This may likewise be said Of the Anti
jug law Any county that wants 1t can
get it by electing men pledged to get 1t.
The General Assembly Will not hesitate
to enact the law for any county whose
representatives advise il.
The London bill did not pass the House
or Senate because it could not develop
sufficient strength. The Watts bill passed
only by the most strenuous efforts. On
three occasions il was practically de-
feated. but its opponents seemed not to
recognize their success. The prestige of
the Democratic party carried that bill
through. | doubt if even that could
have carried a stronger measure. The
people must choose temperance men if
they want temperance legislation.
There are a good number of temperance
men in the Assembly. But some of these
were unwilling to pass the act without
a vote of the people. l do not doubt the
eenuineness of their attitude There were
10 of bp laot
to- the people" argument, but these men
did not make this argument effectual.
Genuine temperance men did that Now
that the ignorant black vote has been
eliminated, none of US should. be averse
to referendums or initiatives. Without
them the hope of actual Democracy is
surrendered. For my part / must re-
jCice in every opportunity to develop the
spirit of Democracy in North Carolina.
The Watts act will also serve to make
prohibition or the dispensary system eff
fectual in the towns. Prohibition was
made a failure in Raleigh by the estab-
lighment of saloons just outside of the
city. This can now no more be done.
In two years we can and will sweep
the State for prohibition and dispensa-
RES, and as a consequence a General AS
sembly win be elected that will under
stand that the people are in earnest and
that will hearken TO their petitions in
this and other such matters.
l cannot close this letter without
thanking the people in every quarter of
the State who have so freely worked with
me. l would also thank Senator Lon
don, who gave his name and character
and energy to our bill; Senator Brown,
who rendered invaluable service day af-
ter day and finally brought the bill
through the committee with favorable
report; Mr.. Josephus Daniels for his per-
sonal assistance given in unstinted de-
gree; and to the News and Observer for
It's magnificent work. l have not known
one issue of a North Carolina paper to
have so great and immediate effect as
that memorable issue early in the strug-
gle. / feel constrained to say also, that
the Committees on Propositions and
Grievances heard us with much courtesy,
their consideration. Mr. Vann stood for
leaving the matter to the counties.
am sure Mr. Watts would have encour-
aged stronger measure than the Watts
bin if he had thought it could be car
ments on the ground that his bill was as
strong rs the House would bear was
justified by the great difficulty with
which all the friends of immediate tenn
perance legislation combined carried his
bill through.
Sincerely,
JOSIAH WILLIAM BAILEY,
Chairman Anti-Saloon League
p. s.. There are now two bills in the
General Assembly that are important:
ID The AntiJug bill and CD a bill re-
curing saloons to close at p, IN. each
night Each was introduced by that
straight and steady temperance man, DR..
Alexander, of Mecklenburg. | hope these
bills will pass
There are two more bills that are
highly significant: One to incorporate the
town of Williams in Yadkin county, the
other 20 incorporate the town of Cokely.
III Edgecombe county. The object OF
these bills is to save liquor makers and
sellers the trouble of moving.
To incorporate these towns will set a
precedent that will undermine the Watts
bill and destroy the faith of the people
in the good intention of those who fos-
tered and passed the Watts act. The
State should establish a rule of never in
cooperating a town simply for IT, sake
of distillery or a saloon.
There are also bills to permit resort
hotels to sell liquors OF course any
hotel can become a resort hotel To
pass such an act will go far toward max
ing the Watts act of no effect whatever.
A ROUTE THROUGH AsaE COUNTY