The Caucasian. (Shreveport, La.) 1900-192?, 1907-12-19
JHE DOLLAR VIEW
In an Address to the Voters of the
Parish of Caddo.

In an advertisement headed "An Ad-
dress to the Voters of the Parish of
Caddo' number Of gentlemen, among
whom are listed some Of the wcathicst
property owners, is pro-" the issue
of prohibition strictly f; II the dollar
view.
1t is rather dismal picture which is
drawn, and is, in a sense, reflection
on the intelligence of the sutfragans of
the parish of Caddo
In this address, all the evil arising
from the saloon is, by implication, con-
ceded; but no defense of the saloon is
attempted, none is possible. In pallia-
ton, it is pleaded that the revenue from
this source is essential for the maintcn-
ance ii the city government.
If this be true, why not invite and en-
courage the increase of the saloon?
Why limit this revenue to the saloons?
For the purpose of revenue, why not
legitimatize gambling and make it de-
srable occupation?
Why not invest harlotry with a license
for revenue?
Why not have a wide open town for
revenue only?
Why not encourage these evils and
moral testers, as industries, with the
view Of limiting taxation to a fraction? !?
Why not proclaim an invitation to the
world that the home seeker, the invcs-
tor of capital, the artisan and the toller
should come and dwell i'll Shreveport,
the great city bordering on the Red,
where all the revenues for the mainten-
ance of the government is to be rcdved
from the saloon, the brothel and the
gambling den?
1t is not intended to reflect on any of
the gentlemen who have signed the ad-
dress. but it is The Caucasian's view OF
obtaining revenue, if revenue is the only
issue.
If revenue must have greater weight
and be held in greater favor e.1an high
morals, then let there be sweeping sac
rifce of all that which is dear and en-
nobling
1t is unnecessary for The Caucasian
at this hour to review this issue from
moral standpoint The question raised
| is revenue.
In the address it is stated prohibition
means for us either an increase in our
taxes or a retrenchment in our eXpen-
ditures This is strictly the Dollar
view, which may be contradicted by the
results obatined wherever prohibition is
maintained.
1t is fact that the city of Shreveport
was not ruined nor its credit nor its
good name impaired when it obtained Z
revenue of $4,000 and less from The
saloon
| 1t is fact that an enhancement il
the valuation of taxable property mus
operate in the creation of greater reve-
nue., and with the decrease Of the Grim
inal expenditures, as the sequence O
the lessening of crime, and with the
benefits which must accrue from the
betterment of the general condition
springing from the restraint of intoxi
cants by the thousands who can not af
ford this indulgence, except by deprlv
ing their loved ones of the very neces
sites of life, there will be no need of III
creasing the taxes, the rate of which i
fixed by law.
1t may become expedient to lop OF
some of the expenditures, which may b
strictly unnecessary, but even this is no
anticipated.
To present the issue practically: Pro
hibition, if it will not prohibit, will min
imize the tendency to crime, and at leas
ninety per cent of the dollars lnveste
in beer and intoxicants which rob me
of their reason and brutalize every hu
man instinct, will be invested in grocer
les, dry goods and shoes; in feWe
, words, in the needs and the comforts c
homes.
1t has been demonstrated, and it is i
: practical evidence, that prohibition ha
created a better and higher standar
, of citizenship wherever it is in force,
statement which is presented boldl.
Notwithstanding its possible contradie
, ton in derision by the saloon who ma
point to isolated instances, whel
? through the influence of the saloon pr'
3 hibition has been made ridiculous.
Such condition will not be permitte
in Shreveport should prohibition pr
3 val, as it will beyond a doubt Nor wi
the bugaboo of the blind tiger" Il
Jug trade nor the "durg store racke
q, be tolerated in evasion of the law. SUI
3 woefu recitals are purposely designs
3 and circulated to influence the timid al
and appeals to the glitter Of the doll;
against reason and common sense.