Herald and news. [volume] (West Randolph, Vt.) 1878-1943, 1903-02-05
THE RESULT.

Il one, but, everything considered, wa
o sufficient to demonstrate the homes
o desire OF the people in favor of a tria
s of the license-local option principle
q and in reputation of prohibition
. which has been the settled policy Of
the state for fifty years.
With the result, we have no dispose
} ton to quarrel This is a govern
ment OF majorities. The trial from the
beginning has been free and fair
{ one Mr.. Clement brought the in
dictment of the present system and
obtained an initial verdict last fall.
The case was then appealed, passed
through the ordeal of the recent legis-
lative session, and now the court OF
last resort has handed down its decis-
ion, sustaining the former findings.
He would be presumptuous indeed
who would show contempt now for
the mandate of the highest court in
the state. License has won decisive
victory and starts in with the direct
approval of the people. The result
does not alter our ideas one iota, but
we must abide the outcome as faithful
ly as we would expect the other side to
if our side had won.
1t is the end of a most remarkable
campaign-one that has made the
Green Mountains tremble, as never
before. The issue has been squarely
raised in every city, town and ham
let Of the state The act passed by
the legislature and submitted was,
with all its admittedly weak points,
as consistent license bin as could
be framed. It has run a gauntlet Of
whitening criticism these past few
weeks that would have tried the most
perfect legal device that could have
been presented. The time, energies, |
money, even the prayers, OF its
have been invoked against /
it. Efficient organization, the shrewd-
est political talent and abundant
means have been at the disposal OF
the opposition. On the other hand,
the supporters seemed to lack concert
and to be in that disorgdnized con-
1ition that awaited defeat. The out
come is surprise, certainly. We
.hink it is surprise to most advo-
Gates of license. The figures show
hat it was the heavy majorities OF the
arge towns which overcame the
)luralities from the rural sections.
The west side OF the state. barring
punky Lamoille, proved too much
or the east side, excepting Washing ,
on county, whose two cities tipped
be scale. The margin is a narrow
ne, yet is larger than brought in
rohibition in 1852, and we have had j
for 80 years. II
The solemn truth is that the voters ]
'ere dissatisfied with prohibition, and
urned to the only immediate remedy I
n sight-local option. Prohibition, on I
he defensive, could not have mustered
ear the strength that was thrown
gainst the act Tuesday. Hundreds r
nd thousands in Vermont would vote O
gainst prohibition, if it were on trial, Q
rho on Tuesday cast "No" votes be-
ause they were not pleased with the 4
lternatiye. But, it seems, besides .
hese, enough were suited to show a Y
lear majority, and to it we must all :
ow. :
1t is now the duty of every citizen to
i've his earnest support 10 the new +
NV so long as it remains law, which
ill be two years, at least. Perhaps n
a that time it will work so well that it
ill justify itself. 1t deserves a fair
rial. anyway and if found wanting
an be discarded then.
The vote indicates that under the new 7
CT saloons will be scarce. Only the
tiles, with perhaps here and there a a
catering town, will authorize them.
he remainder of the state will be :
clear OF them, we hope. .
nd will not feel their direct influence. {
While deploring the result, it is a
Ource OF satisfaction that Orange and :
Windsor counties registered their dis
OF the bill by decisive ma 4
'rities. At the coming March meet
lg, it is well-nigh certain that no
own in either county will 90 for Ii
ense. The people of these counties
o not want saloons themselves, and
referred that nowhere in the state
hould they be legalized. They are out I
oted and viii abide the outcome. like I
ie good citizens they are.
If the coming experience with H.
ense should he unhannv 9TH