, 1909-04-17

DAN 49, C''ANA ii'N
sufficiently strongly express his appreciation
of the very lucid AMI interesting statements
just given by the homo lrable Chalrmtn;
such calculations are just what are required
ana needed III TINS community on our eco
nomical affairs, and he could heartily snpport
the C~halrman's views in regard to the use
and abuse Of Alcohol. The buneful copse-
quonces in this place, like all over the rest
Of the world, were painfully visible in all orr
affairs and connections; but he had to state
as q positive fact that the tax on rum has
had a very wholesome effect in that respect.
1t is evident that there IS less drunk 4nna.q
throughout the Island, since rum b.cama
more difficult to obtain, than at the low rntaa
formerly KNOWN He too would |coufue himself
to the view OF the pecuuiary site OF the CUES.
ton. Ihestate and condition even tnanciollv
OF our iabourers Is visibIy improved since thew
no longer find such attractive application for
their earnings IN the excessive use of A1co
hol; it IS an indisputable fact that discusses
liabilities to work,such as those enumerated
by the Chairman, were the consequences Of
excessive Alcoholism, aud the expenses
caused the public funds here for the cure
in sickness ana burial after death of MI
those who fall q sure prey to drinking were
very high, and are Il constant source of ex-
pense on us; il now any step or measure
be taken whereby the chances and encyu-
agement to get Rum are increased for in
stance by lowering the excise duty, so that
the use Of liquor becomes prevalent again
on account of the cheaper rate, we would
be undoing the good that has unuuestion-
ally been done alreal y,he did not think that
the C0loniAI Treasury would suffer any loss
IN any way by the Ruln5hopkeeper taking
out less Rum at a lower rate of duty and
selling at the customary rate to consumers.
The ro ia has bnaT hya,] of.ar n,n,;1o,o+;,
of all circumstances for Il period OF 3 years,
as Is presented by the law. He would say.
that he saw no reason to alter the tax; after
all it might be far from having the effect
which the letter before Us would represent.
Bird Member for Frederl ksted's Country
District (LuAney) could fully appreciate the
remarks from tho honorable Chairman it
seemed to him CLunneyl that it would be a
great pity, if now, after seeing the visible
good results Of the excise on Rum, au@ the
restriction resulting therefrOm in the drink
ing desires and habits of the working classes,
we were by any step whatever to open the
chances for q return OF such habits. We
have often in Council and out Of it, spoken
Of the excessively Ianeutable results Of
uncontrolled drinking Of Alcohol the reduc-
ton of the excise, once stipulated and now
gladly yielded, would beyond a doubt cause
a great consumption and all the cases we
used to complain Of before would return.
1t is his opinion, like the Chuirm ln's, that
an alteration of the excise dues for the one
year 1909-l0, would be quite insignificant to
merit consideration alongside Of the heavy
expenses which will continuously be in
CURED if we let the gates opsn TO drunken
ness again by making it easier to get rum.
If it were shown that the rate of excise
fixed for 1909-10 is too high that would be
Il matter for consideration of another ma
ture, but to allow it because of the anti
oipation that rumshopkeeper5 will supply
themselves at the cheaper rate OF excise
before 1909 10 comes, and sell at the high
or rate, depriving the Treasury of the higher
excise, does not seem to be the point merit.
ing consideration He must therefore join
the two honorable speakers that no altera-
ton is needed or necessary.
The Chairman pointed out that the ex-
else has already been fixed for the year
19O9-1O, but if really circumstances war
rauted or called for a ohlngo, such could
be made, but it must always depend upon
the circumstances rs tn Y actually exist.
Bird Member for Frederiksted (LmpneW