Peninsula enterprise. [volume] (Accomac, Va.) 1881-1965, 1903-08-29
rIr. Matthew's and the "Mann Bill. ,

Editor Peninsula Enterprise-Dear
sir:-During my short visit OF two
DAYS on the Eastern Shore l was APP
preached by several gentlemen and
asked IL knew the position OF Hon.
s. wilkins Matthews on the Mann
bill at the last session OF the Legisla-
ture. | replied TO all of them with
out any hesitation, as / think know
the facts. Upon reflection l have
thought that it is only right that L
should give these facts to my friends
In Accomac through your columns.
1t so happens that | had unusual
opportunities for knowing the facts.
was one OF the organizers OF the
Anti Saloon League In Virginia, l
am a member OF the National Execa-
tive Committee and also OF the State
Executive Committee OF the League.
In the fight before the Constitution
al Convention l had the honor to be
one OF the speakers representing the
League. From the beginning 1t has
been my privilege to be associated
with Judge Mann, the senator from
nv county, in working for the pas
sage of advanced temperance legisla-
ton. When the bill was taken up
nv the Senate Committee | had the
great honor (the greatest OF my life
in some respects) to be selected py
Judge Mann and the State Executive
Committee to represent the cause oil
the League before that committee
In addition, l was appointed by the
League to see the Hon. r. b. Davis
OF Petersburg, and ask him to leao
the fight for the bill in the House o.
Delegates. In addition l kept the
roll of the House and made as accu
rate a canvass and estimate as posi-
bile. 40 as to know when work shoulc
he done. | have mentioned the above
things to show that favored the
mann Bill" and that had an op'
port unity to know as much about tn'
standing of men as any temperance
worker in the State.
l now wish to state what L stateo
to the gentlemen who spoke 10 INT
during my stay in Accomac. AS al
active worker in the League, l never
had any doubt as to the position o.
Mr.. Matthews on the Mann Bill.
connted both of the Eastern Shore
delegates ss friends of the bill, anc
all their conversation and their votes
were entirely satisfactory to th'
League. remember distinctly con
VIBRATIONS with Mr.. Matthews II
company with other members OF thu
Legislature notably with Mr.. Lebrel
who was strongly opposed to thu
mann Bill'' and offered substitute
measure, and Mr.. Matthews express
ed himself clearly in favor OF TIT
bill. He was present in the House a.
the critical stages OF the history OF thu
bill. and voted regularly with thu
friends OF the measure. After TN
appointment OF the Conference Com
mittee there was no doubt OF the re
suit, and the opposition virtuali'
surrendered and gave up the night
The absence OF Mr.. Matthews ate
the danger was past cannot surel'
be counted against him inasmuch a
he WAS there, when there was an
danger OF defeat. .
Rave nothing whatever to do will
the local issue in your Legislativ
contest. but as one OF the temperate
workers of the State l wish to stat
to my friends in Accomac that IN
Anti-Saloon League is satisfied VIII
Mr.. Matthews record on the MAN
Bill" and that they should examin
with great care the temperance RET
ord of any man who aspires to SUI
coed a man who favored the Man
Bill.n The State Liquor Dealers A.
sociation is doing all it can to defea
:. every man in the Legislature WI
voted for the Mann Bill" They al
giving thought and money to tn
end, and they do not care how an
man is beaten. II he can be oeate
by the friends OF the Mann Bill"
i, much the better. That would be
essen to all members of the Legisi'
ture that the temperance people
the State can be fooled az to man
record, and be made to turn again
him on the bare assertion OF an II
terested party without sending to u
. Apti.Saloon League headquarters
find out how he is rated there. NJ
e Matthews says in the Enterprise
18th that he was In favor OF the Mar
\ Bill. The Anti-Saloon League OF Il
, State has always so understood
Certainly the drunkard makers
the State would be glad to see hi
o defeated and would hail it as vi
q torv. 1t would be a peculiar Choir
that would be made up Of the shou
r, of the Liquor Dealers Associate
& and of the temperance people OF a
comac.
. Yours respectfully,
" James Cannon Jr.,
:, Blackstone, Va.
Aug. 22nd, 1908.