Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1905-03-16
STATE HOUSE.
Sturgis Bill Caused Long
Discussion, Yesterday.
Continued Over Till This Morn.
ing Without Action.
Free SEEMING Bill Killed In the House
-e5 to Is. rstSYx


After running debate for over two
hours, participated in by Representa-
tives Cakes of Auburn, Hutchins of
Penobscot. ORrien of Lewiston, and
Reed of Portland. the House adjourned
at 3 45 O'Clock, without having taken
acton on the Sturgis bill. 1t will be
taken up again for consideration. this
morning.
The Dill was taken from the table by
Mr.. Cakes late during the afternoon
session and its salient points made
plain to the members of the House. Mr..
Cakes said in part:
This is a measure which has the en-
dorsement of the Chief Executive Of
the state of Maine. 1t has been argued
That we have enough law on our stat
utes which if enforced, would effec-
tiNeiy prompt the sale of intoxicating
ilquOrs. ThiS may be so. but it is like
wise 6 fact that these laws are not en-
forced; that our officers. thank God
there are not many of them, say that
they don't believe in the strict en-
forcenient. or say that public opinion
does not desire it or they let the mat
ter of prohibition slip by without any
consideration.
We have a Chief Executive elected
by the people to see that our laws are
faithfully enforced. But how can we in
sist on the enforcement OF the prohib-
tory law when he has no means at
hand to accomplish it. Impeachment i?
yes; but you must wait until the Legis-
lature cOnvenes ard even then you
could impeach only one sheriff or Off
Ger. but could not impeach dozen
who are likewise derelict in the per-
Torrance of their duties. If impeach-
ment We're tried there would go up the
cry of persecution throughout the
length and breadth of this State.
This measure is aimed at the Sher-
ifs of certain counties who are not do
ing their duty. I believe sincerely that
if this bill becomes law, no county
attorney in this State will need the as
si.tance of the commission which this
bill provides for. The county attorney
is not going to allow the sheriffs in his
county to be derelict of duty if he
knows that the will of the people, OK
pressed in the Sturgis bill. demands the
strict enforcement of the prohibitory
law.
1t is claimed that of the Sturgis bill
becomes a law that the State will be
made dry, totally dry. Gentlemen, I
wish we could for once have such II
condition of affairs. 1t has been said
that it would revert to resubmissioin.
If the people waTt reSubmissioin that
is for the people to say. AS the Chief
Executive of this State has said: I'VE
can't know what the effect of strict
enforcement will be until we have
some data on which to decide"
This bill should become law as the
Governor has asked for it. 1t would
be a right arm for him in enforcing the
prohibitory law which he has sworn to
do. AS far as I have examined it. !
have come to the conclusion that it is
Il wise measure, and one which should
he passed i'm order to accomplish the
desired end. hat are you going to do.
gentlemen. when the Chief Magistrate
of the State calls upon us and says
that there is a cry from the people for
enforcement of the prOhibitory law?
What are we going to do? | think |
properly express the sentiment of this
House when | say it is DESTROYS of
meeting this great question and of re-
moving the stigma which has long at
tached itself to The prohibtory law
whenever ii has been mentioned by
passing this bill.
Those who spoke against the bill
were Representatives HutchlnS,
O'Rrien and Reed. The theme of their
arguments was that there is enough
law at present on the statutes for the
enforcement of the prohibitory law;
that the bill provides for Il commission
which would be expensive to the State;
that the attorneys of the various cOun-
ties are desiriOus of doing their duty
if an expression of the people demands
it: that it will meet with general dis
approval when it's provisions are at
tempted to be carried out.
At the close of Mr.. Reeds remarks
1t was voted to adjourn until 10
o'clock this morning.