Clarke courier. [volume] (Berryville, Va.) 1869-1997, 1909-03-24
Prom an Anti-SaIOOn Editor.

there y newspaper called the
News The editor Of the News is
Mr.. II. III. Beazley. one of the
most intelligent and uncompromis-
ing friends Of temperance. In the
last issue of the News appeared
the following editorial, under the
heading, Senator Martin and the
League"
If it were not such a serious
matter, it would be amusing to
watch the controversy between
the Richmond Eveing journal and
DIR. James Cannon, Jr., precipi-
tated by an article in the Journal
from Mr.. II. s. Barbour some
week ago, with reference TO the
position the State Anti-Saloon
League suSiains towards the Dem
ocratic party machine, which is
manipulated. 1t is conceded. by
Senator +. :. Martin.
From the reports Of the pro-
.cceding~ 90 Tee Auti-Saloon Leagne
Convention held ia the city Of
Norfolk a few weeks ago. as pub
lished in the daily press, it was
ver} clear 'hat politics cut con
siderable figure IN jhe proceedings.
and the News referred to IL at the
time. bu, WAS informed ny those
present shat We were misled by
false reports in ,he papers.
Mr.. Il. :. Barbour. who was
present and participated in the
proceedings. stated ia the Journal
that the league is not in politics,
nor does IL endorse any candidate,
and 10 i~ "us earnest desire and in
tention to keep cut of politices for
ever. Ituow appears from recent
developments that Mr.. Barbour
did rot know Clthough member
of iho Legislative Committed all
that was going on at that time.
He denied with emphasis that DIR.
Cannon ruled or dominated the
league. and stated that he sub
mitted resolutions. etc. to the
committees for their consideration
and approval. But this contro-
versy has developed the fact that
DR.. Cannon did not report Ia the
committee or the league all of his
official acts as chairman of the
Committee on Legislation. Ii does
not seem that he was authorized To
consult Senator Martin. who is the
recognized head of the Democratic
party machine, as TO what course
the league should pursue.
For over eight years the Anti
Saloon League, under the direction
and management of ministers Of the
gospel and devout Christians Of
every name and denomination, has
been greatly blessed in its work,
without aid, cooperation. aSSiS-
lance, advice or counsel from Sen
ator Martin. or any other political
party leader.
why, then, should it be deemed
necessary at this particular time to
invoke the aid of Senator Martin
a. Il the best means of advancing
the interest Of the league.
1T has always been the policy
of the league to eschew policies.
The movement is purely moral and
religious; It's aim Is 10 unite the
Christian people of every name
and denomination in an effort to
abolish the saloon evil, by agita-
ton and education, and TO secure
such legislation, in furtherance Of
the objects in view, as public Senti-
Imcnt demands.
I'VE again repeat. why confer
with Senator Martina DR.. Cannon
says it was to secure his advice in
regard to certain legislation. II
Senator Martin has ever distin-
guished himself as superior leg
iSlntor. we have never heard of it.
He may be 4 good representative
in the Scnate-hut legislation ha,
never been his forte. Where wa.
! Senator Daniel and the ten Vir
ginia Congressman, either of whom
is as capable as Mr.. Martin TO give
advice To DR.. Cannon upon tn,
subject OF legislation. Why no
consult them! As stated above
Senator Martin has never beer
connected, as far rs we know, il
any way with the temperate,
crusade, but Senator Martin Ina,
been deeply Interested in Judg,
Mann's political aspirations, anC
Judge Mann has certainly been
strong factor in the temperate,
cause. Therefore it is clear tina
| Senator Martin is moro deenlN