Keowee courier. [volume] (Pickens Court House, S.C.) 1849-current, 1905-09-06
senrtor Manning for Clean 0lspsnsary.


Richard L. Manning to-day gave out a
statement of his views upon the dispen-
sary law. Senator Manning has fire.
quently been mentioned as possible
! candidate for Governor, but he does not
commit himself to becoming a candidate.
He wishes it understood, however, that
he has no reluctance in permitting the
what his position is with regard to the
sale of intoxicants. The following is
the Senator's statement
a number of articles have appeared
in the newspapers calling on those who
are spoken of as probable candidates
next year to express themselves on the
question which is now agitating the
public mind, namely, the liquor question.
AS one of those referred to desire to
say that have no hesitation in stating
my position on this question. In doing
campaign at this time, for, although
have frequently been men toned as n can
didate for Governor, l have not, up to
this time, positively decided to be a can
didate, and in now stating my position
on the liquor question do not commit
myself to enter the race. l do 30 now
merely to prevent the idea being formed
in the public mind that am waiting to
see which way the tide turns before stat
ing my attitude thereto
In my opinion grave condition con-
fronts our people, and its practical and
Importance to the political aspirations
of any man or set of men.
Irrespective of any candidacy, feel
that it is the duty of every citizen who
realizes the responsibilities of citizenship
to do his part in bringing about the wis
tion, to put aside prejudice to put aside
politics and every con sideration save the
earnest desire to bring about that condi-
tion which will promote temperance,
and straightforward, honest conduct and
morality, and will minimize the evils of
liquor.
1t is inevitable that differences of
opinion will exist as to the way to ac-
complish this desirable end even among
those who are earnestly and honestly
striving after the same object. respect
the position of tho Prohibitionist who
believes that prohibition can be effective
in South Carolina. I admit that there
has been growing tendency to curtail
drink, and the time may come when the
tone of our people will be educated up
to such degree of selfdiscipline, self
restraint, and respect for law that pro-
hibitory law against the use. or sale of
liquor may be observed. but in my judg-
ment that time has not yet come in
South Carolina.
But the time has come whom the peo-
pie of this State will no longer submit to
continuance of the maladministration
of the dispensary law-this condition
has become intolerable. am no apollo
gist for rongdoing. The dispensary
must be purged, and every act of admin
istration contrary to the purpose of re-
stricting the sale of liquor must be cor
rected, the officer or employee responsible
therefor punished, aud every act of
wrong doing wiped out.
The issue in South Carolina is dspen-
sary or prohibition; this does not mean
that the issue must be "dspensary as it
is" or prohibition" but "dispensary
amended and honestly administered" or
"prohibition."
A bill will be introduced at the COM
ing session of the legislature which
will, if adopted, so change the dispen-
sary law that it will be distinctly law
to restrict and curtail the use of liquor;
will make the prohibtive features yromi-
nent and inlperative; permit the sale of
liquor only under conditions that will
reduce the evils to the minium, and sub
ordinate the profit feature of the law.
This bill will also make the salaries OF
dependent of the amount of sales, will
throw every possible safeguard around
the purchase of liquor to prevent bri-
berry and corruption, and will endeavor
to correct such defects and eliminate
such abuses as the work of the invest-
eating committee may reveal, and will
make such other changes as may be
deemed best.
believe that such a law can and will
be great step toward reducing the evils
of liquor; that it can be made effective
and that it will not Interfere with other
functions of government.
With such law, the issue would be
"dispensary law so amended or pro.
hibition." On this issue, would stand
for the dispensary law so am ended; but
| / do not stand for the dispepsary law as