The Owosso times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1897-1926, 1910-02-11
S'TR0EG,uARGUMENTs.
Presented by Hon. Perry F.
Powers on Local Option
TALKS FROM EXPERIENCE.
Gives owosso People Comprehen
sive Idea of What Local Option
Has Done For Cadillac.

The first of a series of local option
meetings to be held in Owosso between
now and April 1st was held at the
Owosso Theater Wednesday evening.
Several hundred were out in attend
ance. The Hon. Perry F. Powers of
Cadillac, was the speaker of the even.
ing and gave an interesting address.
He was presented to the audience by
Rev. G. H. Hanks, of this city.
Mr.. Powers was particularly fair in
his arguments, meeting those advanced
by those opposed to local option, with
straight out and out facts-presented
in clear, forcible manner. Throughout
his talk he referred frequently to the
experience of his home city. Cadillac,
where local option was adopted almost
two years ago, and it was this evidence,
gathered in careful manner-and Of
fered in simple, convincing facts that
appealed to his hearers most.
In support of his right to appear and
talk upon this subject the speaker drew
attention to change of ideal that has
come to the American people in the
past ten years.
During this time there has sprung up
recognition OF what is our business
and the investigation by the govern
ment into different corporations all go
to prove that the right of the indiyidual
is being recognized more and more.
The idea of wealth bringing privileges
is being forced aside and the idea of a
service rendered is taking its place. In
other words the government is interest
ed and aroused to all that which has
to do with the life, health and happi-
ness of its citizens.
Taking local option up from the view
point of Cadillac citizens he said that
today 80 per cent of the business men
of Cadillac were down on record thro
a signed petition against the restora-
tions of the saloon. In Wexford county
there are 1000 voters. Illustrative of
the trend of public opinion and to what
extent it effects these 1000 voters-he
stated that 3.700 women of Wexford
county had signed petition asking that
the saloon never be allowed to return
to Wexford county. This petition is
now being sent broadcast over the
state.
Figures taken from court records
were offered in evidence showing the
enormous decrease in drunkenness since
local option went effect. Mr.. Powers
also stated that all the buildings vacat-
ed by the saloons in Cadillac were now
occupied by prosperous business firms.
Of the oft quoted statement that the
loss Of license fees increases the tax
rate, he quoted the tax rate in 1909 and
that of several years previous and that
of 1909 was the lowest, not withstand
ing the fact that the city of Cadillac
spent nearly $4,000 on improvements
and road building last year.
A feature of local option that particu.
larly effects the business man was
touched upon in reference to the farmer
trade. Mr.. Powers said the argument
was often advanced that farmers would
not trade in dry town. But the con.
trary has proven true in Cadillac" he
said-the farmer trade being bigger
and more loyal than it ever was when
the saloon was there"
Savings bank deposits were shown to
have increased in wonderful amounts.
Cadillac has gained in population and
in manufacturing industries getting
two factories from Big Rapids where
the saloon is still in force. This the
speaker contended disapproved the
statement that manufacturing concerns
avoided dry towns.
The subject he bore down hardest up.
on was the domestic peace and happi.
ness thatshass eefdessinto the city of
Cadillac and the county. Of Wexford.
And in closing he said: 1t is because
these things are true as to results OF
local option in Wexford county that
have become an advocate of that policy
And that which is true as to my posi-.
tion is true of very many of the best
known business men of Cadillac.
It is probably true that enforcement
of the law here is not yet perfect, but
it is better. far better. than even the
most enthusiastic as to its good results,
had hoped for, and because of the grow.
ing favor for the policy here there is
every reason to believe that its results
will be increasingly good.