The Lee County journal. (Leesburg, Ga.) 1904-19??, 1907-07-12
BOOZE FIGHT
STIRS GEORGIA
Strong Protest Made Against Pro-
posed State Prohibition.
CITIES TAKING ACTION
Atlanta, Savannah and Columbus Go on
Record, While Atlanta Journal
Sounds Warning Note.

Al a meeting of about $50 promi-
nent citizens held at the Piedmont ho-
tel, In Atlanta, Wednesday afternoon.
stropg resolutions We're adopted plac-
ang the meeting squarely on record
as opposing state prohibition The
resolutions state that it is the belief
of the citizens that prohibition is con-
krary to the best moral and material
Interests Of Atlanta and other large
eenters 1t is further stated that state
prohibition is contrary to the principle
OF home rule. which premits one com
munlty to make its ON laws to meet
certain conditions,
The experience Atlanta had with
prohibition some years ago is touch
ed on. and 1t Is declared that, in many
respects, the morals Of the community
were worse then than they have ever
been since that time
The msetng in many respects was
q remarkable one. 1t was composed Of
prominent men In all walks Of life.
The sentiment OF the meeting was
practically a unlcNfor the continuance
of local option
The Atlanta Journal, Governor
Smiths staunchest supporter in the
state campaign, also comes out strong,
~ against state prohibition in the fol-
lowing editorial utterance:
After the most earnest and sin,
cere deliberation, taking into consid-
Grafton every aspect and bearing Of
the question, we have arrived at the
conclusion that 1t Is the solemn duty
OF this paper to enter its protest
against the present movement to adopt
eta.o prohibition In the state OF
Georgia
But we believe that the highest
interest Of the state, and the dictates
Of true patriotism demand that we
set our face against a movement which
menaces the welfare Of our people
and is calculated to defeat The end
which It's wel-meaning advocates
Nave In view. We feel that we would
DE recrean. to the people of Atlanta
and to the people of Georgia, as a
whole, If we did not voice protect
which hangs upon the lips of thou
sands of good men and true men, high
an their morality, unimpeachable in
their integrity and supremely devoted
70 the welfare of the state.
IN the frs. place, there has been
NO mandate from the people for this
legislation, In the long campaign Of
last year many momentous issues we're
discussed It was perhaps the great
est educational campaign ever held in
the state, Matters Of great importance
were discussed aud the controlling Is
sues finally evolved.
Prohibition was not among them.
The declaration OF the Macon platform
was clear and explicit. 1t demanded
the strictest enforcement of the local
option laws. so that prohibition in
such counties as have voted for it in,
diyidualy would be prohlbitive in let.
ter and in spirit
1t is the duty OF this legislature
70 carry out that plank OF the demo.
cratic platform.
The Savannah chamber OF commerce
and the Savannah board of trade have
passed resolutions, declaring in the
strongest terms against the passage
by the state legislature Of the prohl-
billion measures. Separate resolutions
were adopted by each body. All. how.
ever, join in declaring that the mate
rial interests of the cities of Georgia,
and also Of The country, are threaten.
ed by such legislation as is proposed.
The Columbus city council has adop.
ted resolution expressing disapprov,
al Of the state prohibition bills The
vote was TO 4, two members Of coun.
vii not voting.