The daily tribune., 1908-06-29
LIQUOR
TRAFFIC
AN ISSUE

4 bangor, me-. June SS-bauROr IN
today filling up with politicians in
advance of wha will probably he the
most exciting Republican convention
in the history OF the state. Resub
mission to popular vote Of the Fifth
amendment to the state constitution,
which prohibits the manufacture or
sale of Intoxicating liquors. Is the
issue to be decided tomorrow. The
rival candidates for the gubernatorial
nomination have taken opposite sides
OH this question, William L. Haines,
of Waterville. declaring for resub.
mission. while his opponent, Bert NJ.
Fernald. is opposed to such action.
Frederick L. Boothby of Portland,
is the dark horse'' in the race, and
may possibly be given tthe nomjna-
tion as compromise Mr.. Fernald
has been given the support of all the
churches and Sunday schools of the
state, and appearances today indicate
his nomination. Tag reform also en-
ters into the question. but resubms.
sion is the great and overwhelming
issue.
For fifty years Maine has been try.
ing to legislate temperance into its
citizens, but even the more of the
candid prohibitionists admit that the
attempt has been failure. While
many small towns are dry" all of
the larger cities are as wet as in any
license state. the only difference be.
ing that bad liquor is sold under
some pretense of secrecy at an exorbi.
bant price.
The Democrats are almost unit in
demanding resubmission of the pro-
lfbiticn question. and that fact may
cause the Republican leaders to de-
eide on an opposite stand in tomor-
rows convention. The session will
be held in the big auditorium, which
will doubtless be crowded with dels-
gates and spectators.
Early in his campaign Mr. Haines
declared himself In favor OF resub-
mission. Mr.. Fernald has declared
himself opposed to resubmission. Up.
on one side or the other are arrayed
individuals. clubs. societies. news.
papers, churches, politicians, every
interest and influence that exists in
Maine.
| The churches and conferences and
Sunday schools have passed resolu-
tions supporting Mr.. Fernald's posi-.
tion, likewise the temperance clubs
and most Of the Professional promi-
nent women prohibitionists has de.
clared in favor of Mr. Haines.
The arguments for and against re.
submission can be briefly stated
Those who favor resubmission say
that in the first place It Is twenty.
five years since the people have had
an opportunity Of expressing them
selves upon the sub ject, and that In
that time conditions have changed
and views may also have changed.
Many or most Of the supporters of
the proposition. including Mr.. Haines
himself, say that they believe In
prohibition. and that they are con-
fldent that the people would reafiirm
their adherence to tho principles.
thus establishing the law more firmly
than ever as u part OF Maino's politi.
cal and moral code. and by taking the
question ont Of politics for long
term OF years would make possible
and probable n bettor enforcement OF
the law.
Opponents of resubmission declare
that 1t is but device OF the enemies
OF the law to break down the constitu.
tional barrier that now protects II
from constant assaults In tho legisla-
tuIo. and that the present agitation
Ii merely the first step toward license.
inspired by liquor dealers and sol
fish politicians
A peculiar thing about all this
discussion In that II would matter
very little which candidate WAS chos.
on M governor, NO far M tho ettlc.