East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1908-05-25

Raleigh, n. c., May 25.-Another
state may be added to the total dry
area on the temperance map as re-
suit of the special prohibition cleo
ton to be held In North Carolina to-
morrow. While the "wets" have
made a desperate battle, 1t Is consid-
cred almost certain that the prohibi-
tionlsts will win a sweeping victory
and that all Of the saloons In the
Old North state will be forced to close
their doors on January next, when
the new law will become effective.
SO far as n considerable portion OF
the state is concerned, the passage or
a prohibition measure VIII Involve
little change from present conditions.
LIQUID refreshments of an alcoholc
nature are now legally obtanable In
but a score of the 20 counties Of North
Carolina. This result has been ac-
complished by the local option law,
under which all the important cities
of the state, except Wilmington, Sails
bury and Winston-Salem, have abol-
ished saloons. Seventeen counties now
have dispensaries, but those Will be
put out of business by prohibition.
Public Sentiment Strong.
While public sentiment against the
llauor traffic Is such that the measure
would probably have secured ma
jority without any campaign what
ever. the "drys" have carried on an
extensive crusade and have utilized
every possible method Of turning pub
lie sentiment against the saloons.
Governor Glenn has been leader In
temperance movement and has cover
ed a considerable portion of the state,
stumplng for prohibition, during the
campaign. Prominent jurists, clergy
men. lawyers. legislators and other
public men have also taken part in
the crusade against the rum demon,
with the end of making the assurance
of prohibition doubly sure. United
States Judge Peter c. Pritchard has
delivered several addresses and three
ex-governors, nearly all the North
Carolina congressman and speakers
from other states have assisted In the
movement. Ex-Governor Jarvis has
been one of the leaders of the crusade.
In tomorrow's election only regis
tered and qualified voters. who paid
their poll tax prior to May l, will be
allowed to participate, This will
largely eliminate the blacks and the
poor white trash" OF the cities and
backwoods districts. who would like
ly favor a "wet' regime. Two bal
lots will be used, one reading For the
Manufacture and Sale of intoxicating
Liquors" and the other Against" that
proposition.
The campaign IN North Carolina has
been marked by the religious, ethical
and emotional appeals that have been
so effective in other states and cities
of the south. Meetings have been
held In every school house and church
the speakers demanding in an impas-
stoned manner "the saving of the
children and the home" Women and
children, praying and singing, have
held meetings on tne sueelS anu
banners and posters bearing prohibit ,
tlon sentiments have appeared every
where Temperance literature has
been spread broadcast through the ,
state.
The prohibition campaign in North |
Carolina had its inception Immediately |
following the dlsfranchlsement of
negro voters eight years ago. At that |
time there were saloons in nearly
every county in the commonwealth, |
and hundreds OF dstilleries, most Of
which have already been put out of
business, we're running at their full
capacity The distilllng industry was
a large and important one, but the
prohibitionists assert that the state
has been more prosperous since most
of them have been abolished than be-
fore.
Crimes Less Frequent.
AS in other sections of the south,