The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1908-02-08
THE ANTI-SALOON LEAGUES
DECLARATIOF

=. - 80
DECLARATION.
The Anti-Saloon League of Virginia,
by formal resolution, has committed
itself to the principle of local option in
CARRYING on its work Of abolishing the
saloon. 1t declares that If given such
legislation as will prevent evasion of
the law, and as will provide adequate
penalties for law violations. and as
VIII give full opportunity for fair
expression of the wishes of the duly
qualified electorate, 1t sees no good
reason to depart from it's present
policy.
..gut IT, adds the resolution. 1--WE
cannot obtain legislation that will
protect US in our rights. and give re-
lief to the people from the present con-
trollablc evasion and violation of the
law, we shall be obliged to change our
method and demand the right to vote
on Statewide prohibition
This is one of the most reasonable
propositions we have seen from pro-
hibition source. 1t is well established
principle of law that the liquor traf-
fic exists II at all, by sufferance Of
the people. 1t has no inherent right
of existence. as other branches OF
trade. 1t is subject to whatever regu-
Iations, restrictions and taxes that the
electors may choose to impose, and
there is no redress. 1t may also be
absolutely prohibited by vote Of the
people The voters of each and every
community have the right to deal with
the liquor traffic precisely as they
q please, and. whatever their action may
be. @liauor-dealers have no Just ground
OF complaint. -"fer they so into the
business with their eyes open. If they
choose to take the risk 1t Is their
Of arrogance or intolerance. 1t is a
simple statement of fact. The man
who invests his money in a powder
factory should always be prepared for
& an explosion.
The expediency OF prohibition is a
debatable question:; the right of the
voters to establish ana enforce it is a
lawful right. about which there can
DO no dispute. Every community,
Z however, should settle the question for
itself and we are pleased that the
Anti-Saloon League has committed 1t.
D sef to the principle OF local option.
g., r
sonable and perfectly right in insist
ing that local option elections
shall, be fairly conducted and that al
laws regulating or prohibiting the
liquor traffic shall be honestly ant
rigidly enforced. AS a general propo
sition Tho Times Dispatch IS opposet
to the enact,nent.of prohibition laws
hut when the laws have been enacte,
they must be obeyed. In that polio.
The Times Dispatch will always sup
port the Anti-Saloon League and tn
officers of the law. We have one wore
Ks of caution however, for the prohlbi
tionists. Unreasonable laws. and ever
reasonable laws Which arc not sus
tainad by the dominant sentiment, vii
never he enforced and will fall to tn
ground of their own weight This i
an old and familiar saying. but !
hi Is as true as gospel, and all Temperance
rcformers viii do well TO keep It al
Il. ways in mind.
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4 liETWEEN THE DEVli. AND TIL
SEA.
The Manufacturers Record, of Balt
more, publishes the substance OF ];
statement recently made 10 the edito
as w Il railroad president concerning re
8,3 cent railroad legislation, which Is Ell
Titled to some consideration, in spit
81 the disabilities OF the speaker ii
srgt mentioned that his road was de
pendent for Its existence npon Goa
81 lraf1c. In order TO insure the develop
q sent Of coal lands to justify is opera
INA Non, the company some years ago pun
chased 100000 acres tributary to II