Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1907-12-21
jacksonville as it is and as Neigh

DOf sees IL. - IA
Springfield Record.-More than 40l
stores We're vacated in Jacksonville. |
Thursday, as a result of prohibition be-
coming effective there Not allsof the |
stores were occupied by liquor dealers. |
some nine or ten. of them being de-
voted TO other lines but the trade for
which was largely dependent on the |
operation of neighboring saloons.
These 40 odd vacant stores include
some of the best locations in the cit,
and their sudden throwing on the
market is said to have completely dis
rupted rental conditions in the Morgan
county metropolis. Heretofore there
has been but few vacant stores in the
city and these We're not of choice loca-
ton, and. as a result of this condition
owners of all centrally located prop
erty We're able to command stiff rem
tails for their premises. Now that 50
many choice locations are for rent it
has completely changed this aspect OF
affairs and it is predicted that the
drop in rentals win amount to fully
| 80 per cent within the next few
|
men have been thrown out of employ
ment and it is estimated that fully
| 500 men. women and children are di
rectly and materially affected by the
change. while. of course the entire
community IS indirectly affected.
| Illinois is a great state and Jackson
vile is located in choice section
| ~ he oh hot he
town will survive the disruption OF
business conditions. but it is virtually
certain that many years must elapse
before it can completely recover from
the effects of the action taken at the
November election. unless, as is more
than probable. it rescinds that action
land repudiates prohibition.
There are two sides to most ques,
tons and the prohibitionists are moi
without strong arguments5sin. support
of their cause. 1t is well. though. that
1.-THE other side of the case should also
be given and the fact recognized that
the strongest arguments are really on
the side of personal liberty. The par
amount argument against prohibition
|
and is opposed to the spirit if not &c
the letter of the United States consti
tuition. That historic document grants
to every citizen the pursuit of happi
ness and there is nothing it in thai
gives the right to any person to die
, tate 10 another either as TO what ht
shall or shall not eat or drink. AS {
| Of in1n II,
more reason why prohibitionists SHOULD
dictate that his opponent shall no
drink malt liquor than there is for tn,
opponent to say to the prohibitions
that he must drink. Another strons
. argument against prohibition, as shown
above. is the disturbing and depress
ing effect that it has on propert!
values.
Those well-meaning persons Wit
T. are confidently predicting that Spring
:. field will be dry within a few NOR
!. months would do well TO conside
O what the effect of such law woul
o have in this city. More than 200 store
= would Immediately become vacant AM
= many others would undoubtedly 70
:, low suit More than 500 men, at
= conservative estimate. would b
= thrown out of employment and tn
" means of support of fully $500 mer
: women and children terminated.
1t is ever we'll to look cold facts i
l. the face During the heat of can
u tpaign the cold facts are often over
looked. In these cold December day
u Jacksonville is just beginning to rea
4 ze what the cold facts really are an
II as to the consequence.
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