The morning Astorian. [volume] (Astoria, Oregon) 1899-1930, 1909-03-13
COUNCILMAN CURTIS
WRITES LETTER
AND WRITES 1T IN HIS USUAL
DIRECT AND UNAMBIGUoUs
FASHION.
Astoria, March IL, 1909.


Editor Astorian:--
"Being somewhat interested in the
movement for the benefit Of the city,
financially and morally, the views Of
layman may be opportune at this
time. The Astorian has been ae-
cused, in certain quarters, Of agitat-
ing the question Of more stringent
measures against the saloons, which
in my opinion meets with the ap-
proyal Of majority Of the residents
Of the city. Astoria is peculiarly
situated in that It has a large floating
population, who contribute nothing
TO the support Of the city gov
ernment, but who rely upon the
theory that this is free country,
where every man has right to do as
he pleases. They do not take into
consideration the fact, that while this
lis a free country, the freedom can
only be exercised so as not to con
flict with the rights Of others. All
are equal under the law, is one Of
the underlying principles Of this gov
crnment, and all persons are amen
able thereto. No person has right
to violate any law of the city or
state. even though it be obnoxious in
certain particulars.
"There seems to be determined
effort among certain people to make
Astoria wide open town Whether
il be advocated by the liquor inter-
ests or by an auxiliary organization,
il is evident the motive is the same.
These advocates OF what is termed
more liberal policy seem to ignore
the fact, that public sentiment in As
toria has changed within the past
two years, and il is not confined to
this city alone. II seems to be an
irresistible force, an underground
current that is sweeping over the
country, having for its object the
betterment Of mankind and needed
restrictions against what they con-
slider growing evil, the liquor
traffic.
Personally am not opposed to
the liquor traffic when it is conducted
under the strict construction OF the
law. | am in favor of such restric-
tive measures as will give the Ii
quor men all the rights and privileges
they are entitled to under the law,
but insist they should obey every law
and ordinance, believing it will pro-
tect them in a. legitimate business
and result in ousting the undesirable
element. There are a number Of sa-
looms in Astoria trying to live up to
the letter and spirit Of the law, but
overt acts on the part of the more
radical tend to cast reproach upon
the better class with the result that
the better element of the community
place them all in the same class. If
the officers enjoined with enforce
ment OF the law will perform their
duty, there will be no necessity for
local option, but a continuous viola
ton of the law, tends to inAame the
mind of the public against the traffic
and ultimately will result in prohibi-
ton.
"The better class of saloon men
have it in their power to overcome
this widespread dissatisfaction exist
ing against the liquor element The
reactonaries should conform and ad-
here to a rigid enforcement of the
law and when all do this, there will
be less agitation and the conservative
element OF the community, of which
am one, will not vote to impose
any drastic measures upon law
abiding citizens, no matter what
avocation they may be engaged in. A
large majority Of the citizens are in
favor of strict compliance with the
laws, and though it may work a hard
ship on certain element public
opinion will insist that their views be
complied with. am not 'reformer'
as has been intimated, but represent
ing the entire people of the city Of
Astoria, having taken an oath to see
that all laws are enforced, my object
is not to antagonize the liquor ele-
ment, but to carry out the wishes of
the majority of the people, whose
servant I am, and use my best en-
deavors to see that all laws are en-
forced, No honest man, no matter
what business he is engaged in, can
conscientiously oppose this. l be-
lieve everyone should be given equal
privileges, consistent with the right
of the majority to rule.
whatever may be the motive Of
the Knockers Club recently organ