Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1903-11-09
LAW NULLIFIED..
Ex-Gov. GoodeI| Can Block
New License Law
BY Serving Notices Similar to Those
in Antrim, N. H.
Lawyers Differ on Matter-lntense
Feeling Being Aroused.

Concord, N. H., Nov. 8.-The action
of the Hon. David H. Goodell, ex-gov
ernor of New Hampshire and president
of the State Anti-Saloon League, in
blacklisting all the male inhabitants
of Antrim, the town in which he lives,
has created a greater sensation through
out the state than anything since the
liquor license law went into effect, last
spring. His serving Of notice upon the
authorities of HillsborO, a town which
voted in favor of license, warning them
not to allow the sale of liquor to any
adult male inhabitant of Antrim, which
had by vote become "no-license'
town. caused SILVER of apprehension
and started excited talk about constitu-
tional rights being encroached upon by
the proceeding, which, if repeated in
other towns and cities could easily De
made to nullify the law.
His action was taken under a clause
Of the license law which provides that
mo person shall sell, deliver or give
away or cause or permit or procure to
be sold, delivered or given away, any
liquor, first to minor, nor to minor
for any other person; second, to an in
toxicated person: third, to an habitual
drunkard; fourth, to any person where
notice in writing has been given for
bidding sale to such person, from the
parent, guardian, husband or wife OF
such person, or by any magistrate or
overseer of the poor Of town or city,
or by any prosecuting attorney, or by
any county commissioner, or by Sc
lectman."
Lawyers differ in their opinions, but all
can see that the clause of the law stated
is very broad, and only one of the many
holes in the statute which are wide
enough to admit trouble in plenty. One
question they raise is as to the right of a
citizen of one town to proceed as did ex-
Gov. Goodcll in another town, arguing
that it is an unwarranted, illegal and I'M
constitutional interference by one sovcr-
eign with the rights of another sovereign.
The license commissioners refuse to give
an opinion upon the matter. They consid-
er that a very grave question has been
raised, and before attempting to pass
upon it will give it careful consideration.
I'rohibitionists and no-license men cor
daily welcome the situation which has
been created. for they have inaugurated a
determined campaign against the law and
see in ex-Gov. Goodell's method an eftcc-
tive weapon. There is hardly a license
town in the state where fear is not felt
that this clause will be an object of at
tack.
1t can be stated on good authority that
Mr.. GOodell is likely to do nothing in the
way of a general campaign beyond that
instituted in Hillsboro and Antrim, until
he knows what view the supreme court
will take of his action. He expects that
the matter will be in some way brought
before that tribunal. In blacklisting the
citizens Of Antrim he acted in the capac-
ity of a citizen, and he disclams any
purpose of besmirchng any person whose
name was included in the inhabitive no.
tice served upon the town of Hillsboro.
1t is claimed by his friends that he was
besought by some of the Antrim officials
to prepare blacklist of certain inditid-
uals, and that. to save making any dis
tinctions, he included his own name and
that of his son. the village clergyman, and
all other citizens in the restricted class.
1t Is safe to predict that If he is sus-
something doing which will he quite as
diverting as anything in New Hampshire
tanned by the courts, there will soon be
politics for a long period.