The Colville examiner. [volume] (Colville, Wash.) 1907-1948, 1908-05-30
Democratic Prohibition Plank

constitutional amendment prohibiting the manufacture
sale of sprtuous liquors within borders
State Platform.
A great amount of discussion has been engen-
dered by the prohibition plank adopted last week
by the democratic state convention. The week
before the republican convention declared in favor
OF local option. This was recognized at that time
and is generally known to be wholly meaningless.
The republican party has been in power in this
state for years. If any desire were present within
the ranks of the republican party to change the
status of the liquor problem in this state plenty of
opportunity has been afforded to do So The legis-
lature has had power at any time to model such
laws as it desired. Since it has taken no action it
is reasonable to suppose that it desired none.
Local option is but another way of stating the
present condition. Legally any person of good
moral character who complies with the conditions
regulating the saloon traffic, may own or operate
saloon in Washington. In reality, public opinion
enters largely into the question of giving licenses,
and in but few is this public opinion disre-
garded. This is in reality local option. Hence for
the republican party to adopt local option plank
is to declare that present conditions shall continue
which is equal to saying nothing at all.
A great moral wave is sweeping over this coun-
try and the west is beginning to echo the feeling
IN the east. Whether or not the state of Washing
ton is ready for prohibition is not attempted state
ment herein. Belief regarding the benefits or
disadvantages OF prohibition is greatly varied in
any locality as it is in the state. Many there are
who do not believe in or practice total abstinance
who yet favor legal prohibition of the traffic in
intoxicants And there are plenty of other good
and intelligent citizens who demand that no legal
infringements be placed on personal privileges
The republican party is attempting to placate
both sides of the question by keeping present con-
ditons, and making everybody like it. That party
would make friends with the liquor interests by
giving prohibition only to those who demand it, or
in other words, those who already have it. And
that party would also attempt to make friends with
the prohibition elements by giving them what they
already have but with another name. 1t is game
where all factions win-win the pleasure of keep
ing what they already have.
In contradistincton to this anomalous position is
the plank of the democratic party. Democracy has
ever advocated that the people should be their own
arbiters and in this state the party deems it not
only just but wise that the question should be left
to the people for decision instead of to a legis-
lature with not too savory reputation for the last
ten years. No recommendation is made for or
against the question. No equivocaton is attempted
that might serve to make friends under mis-
they will have, and then there can be no ground
for appeal
The pros and cons of the question of prohibition
may be relegated to their proper time and place.
The one matter of importance which is up for
decision this year is whether the people shall be
given their right to make the decision, or whether
assembly of legislative tools shall be given the
chance to ursurp this prerogative. 1t is a matter
of vital Importance to the state and must receive
the careful attention of every citizen. Prohibition
itself is not the ISSUE 1t is left for future deter
mination in any event. But the question as to who
shall make this determination is now before the
people, and it should be thoughtfully decided.
The republican party has at last acknowledged
that the tariff question needs attention For many,
many years the democratic party has preached the
doctrine of a difference between high tariff and
protective tariff. The formation of giant trusts
as result of high tariff has at last been brought
to the attention of the people, The protective
features of the tariff have been shown to be but
protection to the selfish interests of the corporations
A change in the tariff schedules is imminent
Which is the logical party to make this change,
democracy as the teacher or repubicanism as the
pupil?
On which side is the heart of the president in
the party struggle in the house of representatives?
Does he sympathize with the opposition ilibuster-
ing to force action on his favorite measures, or
with the republican majority fighting to dump them
under trap-door until the next session? Which
is the presidents party, anyhow?-S Springfield Re-
publican.
With the Republican party torn by strife, democ-
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