The Ward County independent. [volume] (Minot, Ward County, N.D.) 1902-1965, 1909-07-15
Interesting Paper Read at Socialist Meeting at Lynch
Writer Thinks Liquor Traffic Would be Thing
Of Past Under Socialist Rule

Lynch, N. d., July 4, 1909.
The Ward County independents
Geats: At the regular meeting OF
Lynch Socialist Sunday School held
juno 10, ct Mr.. C. ]. Bells twenty
ninth (29) being present, a motion
that the Independent be requested to
publish the enclosed paper read by
Robt. Dunnard. carried unanimous
~. Accordingly, I herewith send you
tie art4cte with request = thatsH BE-
published At your earliest CONVEX
3eaoe. Yours truly,
r. w. Dalzia, Secy.
Socialism and the Liquor Traffic
BY Rev. Edward Ellis Carr, Chicago.
He was . loyal Socialist, but the
liquor fumes upon his breath offend
ed mo: and, in answer to his Ques-
ton, remarked with a slight tnfec-
ton OF Pharisaic emphasis: II came
into the Socialist movement from the
Prohibition party"
You did right. As a true prohib-
atoaAst, you did right" said he
promptly: for the liquor business
sanaot live under Socialism"
Tho thought was not new to me.
The incident is mentioned merely to
show that even drinking men who
are versed In the principles Of Soc
iaaism reelise that the saloon Is
doomed under It's regime And most
Of them are glad at It.
~. And az this issue o. the Christian
Socialist goes to thousands Of tom
perance people. wish to set forth
some reasons for bslisying that the
liquor business cannot live under So
c1alism and that tho only way to
destroy the liquor traffic is through
the destruction Of tho PROFIT system,
or Capitalism, from which It springs.
II b difficult to make clear the
claims yet forth tn this article to
those who have not fully mastered
the Socialist philosophy, and I earn
estly beseech such readers not to
turn away with impotence or doubt,
but to read the article carefully thru,
ponder the statements made, then dill
isently study. Socialism Ito see II
these things are So" &c.,. G
Tho Saloon Sustained By Profits Only
The saloon exists for Profits only,
not TO make criminals" nor even to
satisfy an appetite 1t is not primar-
lily either nnlevolent or benevolent.
It de- a business enterprise, pure and
simple. ~.
But for Profits no man would sub
ject himself, his wife and children to
the social sights which are newt
able in America If he runs saloon
or liquor factory. In common par
lance the business is not respect
abae," and no one feels this more
keenly than the liquor merchant and
his family. "But," said a saloon
keeper, what am to do? every
avenue Of business and well-paid
labor is overcrowded, and I must OBJ
tain living for my 1amily somehow.
This is easier and less risky than
most other business; and, besides, If
do not run tho saloon some one
else will"
Strike tho Profit from the business
and how many men would endure So
cial condemnation to engage In It?
There would then be absolutely No
Inducement for any ono to keep q
saloon, bucket shop or bootleg bot
tie to supply the demand Of his
thirsty neighbor.
"Let him make his own liquor II
he must have It." every one would
say; for breweries, distilleries and
saloons are not run for benevolence.
The most radical Prohib Zionist could
not demand more, and that would
soon end it.
III.
Profit the Source u Corruption
Profit in the liquor business is