Milford chronicle., 1907-08-30
LOCAL OPTION In
CHFSTERTOWN, MD.
Published by Authority of The
Executive Committee of The
Anti-LicenSe State Campaign
Committee.
CHESTERTOWN. MARYLAND.

UOU. InlS prosperous Old town has
been under the operation of what is
popularity known as the Local Option
law for nearly thirty years, and is
perfectly satisfied with it. Nothing
could induce its citizens to return to
the old license system.
Local Option has become second
nature, as it We're, and when YOU
ask one of the citizens whether he
considered it advantageous to a COM
munity he looks at you somewhat
curiously, as if to say "Do you
think we are so foolish as to have
continued it for thirty years if it had
been to our disadvantage ~
Lest it be charged that I have
sought out, for interview, only those
men who are avowed temperance adj
vocates, let me say, as l said sub
stantially in a former paper, that I
have avoided them. l have en-
deavored to be fair, and many whom
l interviewed had not always been
friendly to local option, and some
of them had voted against it. when
the question was presented years ago.
A TALK WITH THOMAS W.
ELIASON.
Among the prominent men of
Chestertown, and perhaps the most
progressive of its citizens, is Thomas
w. Eliason Heis closely identified
with the town and its interests, and
has grown immensely wealthy out
Of his business operations there.
| found him at his office busily
engaged, but as soon as l made my
self, and the purpose of my call
known to hin, he cordially welcomed
me.
Ono business interests have in the
least suffered because of the operation
of the local option law" he said.
"On the contrary they have been
materially advanced, and as sustain
ing this statement let me say that
the line of deposits in our banking
associations have more than doubled |
since its enactment. Besides, nearly !
every improvement and almost all |
the growth of the town have taken
place during the same period"
"What about its influence upon
the morals Of the community ?" l !
asked.
"Ah, that is the point" said he.
''There is where a marked difference
lies. If you had seen this town I'M
der license and visit it now, you
would be amazed at the happy change
in its moral aspect
GIN the days of the saloon, street
fights were common occurrences, so
common as to call forth but little
comment. Drunken men were tamil
lar objects, and disorderly conduct,
on Saturday nights, pre-
vailed throughout the town. These
things are unheard of now.
"Of course" said he, 81 do not
pretend to say that nobody drinks
here. That would be prepOsterous.
No law could prevent that, if it
would. But l do say that the pro-
law has practically driven
out drunkenness. That liquor is
brought here by the boat, and other
is undoubtedly true,
but where it used to be brought in
barrels it is now brought in jugs
and, besides, there is nothing in the
or behavior of the people to
show that a drop of it is brought
here.
"Let me tell you a little story"
said he, "and incidentally show you
on a Saturday night
Several years ago the States AttOr-
ney of st. Mary's County was visit
ing Chestertown, and on a Saturday
night he and l took a walk about t
own. The streets were literally
.hronged with people-citizens Of s
he town strolling about ladies
going to and fro making purchases
farmers doing their dealing, colOred
people everywhere, and everything
We had walked through
he business district and were return
ng, when the States Attorney said
@ me. Il am perfectly astonished at t
what l see. Saturday night your t
streets crowded with all kinds Of
people, and quiet and good orders t
prevailing. No drunkenness, no
profanity, no disorderly conduct. !
Why, Leonardtown. in my county, I
IN a Saturday night is the scene of a a
drunken and disgraceful orgie. The
own is literally given over to men )
md bad conduct. Ladies never think
# venturing upon the streets. lam,
,doed amazed at what I behold