The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1904-09-04
The Prohibitionist's Plight,

Our irrigating contemporary, Berer-
ages, Of which that renowned statesman
and mixologist FRITZ L1NDINGER Is
one of the proprietors, brings to the at
tention of the New York public the re-
cantation OF Mr.. JAMES A. WILLIAMS OF
Rhode Island, hitherto strong Prohibi-
ZIONIST, but now a Parker Democrat.
Mr.. WILLIAMS is discouraged and dis
heartened by the lack of success that
has attended the efforts Of the Drys in
Rhode Island. The party was organ
lied among the quahaug diggers in 1884,
and since that year Little Rhody has
experienced a period OF prohibition, we
believe. But Mr.. WILLIAMS declares
that $50 900 has been spent and unmeas-
ured personal sacrifice exerted,' and
yet the party vote is but one-half Of what
it amounted to in 1893. 1T has been
rejected in the house Of its friends, I"
says Mr.. WILLIAMS, and he adds:
The liquor fraternity has always used cork
screw TO open bottles. 1t now uses a Bishop to
open saloons. 1t may truly be said that tbs Pro-
hibiuon party Ia up AZ anst the Church. the world
the flesh and tho devil and ag ainst all OF these
It cannot prevail"
Mr. WILLIAMS believes that the Pro-
hibitionists should not restrict their re-
forming efforts to one subject, but like
other partisans should let their activities
embrace all human interests. He says:
when the party abandoned the advocacy of
the right, OF the masses and declared that only
one Issue was worthy OF Its consideration. II put
Itself beyond the respectful consideration OF many
thoughtful citizens I have spent sixteen OF the
best years Of my life In the thaness task Of trying
to help solve the drink question. think I am now
due 10 take hand In helping TO settle some OF the
other Questions which are grave and pressing.
especially here In Rhode Island"
In this town one Of the most loudly
advertised rights Of the masses" is to
guzzle strong waters at all hours and on
all days; and great is the denunciation
of the Legislature because it has decreed
that drinking places shall be closed on
one day Of the week Mr.. WILLIAMS,
however, wants Rhode Islands Consti-
tuition rewritten 80 that Gen. CHARLES
r. BRAYToN won't be able to boss it,
Besides this, he is for PARKER, and he
gives his reasons;
AS between THRopoRK ROOSEVELT, autocratio, |
domineenng and Don Quixote-nke, looking for
adventure, and ALTON B PARKER, calm judicial
and diplomatic, I prefer the latter"
Wherein Ia President ROOSEVELT "Don
Qui1ote-like"' He seems to be rather
practical politician
1t is interesting to observe that this |
disgruntled Dry, in searching for new
political camp, gave no consideration
to the minor parties:
Having severed my connection with the Pro-
hIbtion party. am forced logically to cast my lot
with some other political party. The only other
parties which seem entitled to consideration arc
the Republican and Democratic parties. Between
these two l unhesitatingly choose the Democratic
party"
The editor of Beverages apparently
regards the detection of Mr.. WILLIAMS
from the Prohibition party as victory
Of no little moment for the liquor trade.
DR.. SWALLOW must stir around in his
Besides losing vote in
Rhode Island he has lost a vigorous
for whom the Prohibition
national committee nquestionablymig
nave found something to do.