Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1911-09-01
Saloon a Relic of Barbarism.

Editor Kennebec Journal:
The saloon from a modern stand
point is regarded a relic of barbarisri,
OF early mining camp days. and rem p.
devious of men of the toughest type
the hot bed of gamblers and thieves
the ban to progression and enterprise.
VIII Maine. the home OF famous
statesmen and men of world wide ac-
knowledged ability, admit defeat anc
substitute a law that can be disobeyed
in more ways than one? Why are not
all laws obeyed? Is not the reasoE
lack of enforcement of law rather
weak excuse for its abolishmeht! we
do not abolish other laws because
they are hard to enforce. but the Vlo-
lators are punished to meet the de-
mands of the public.
Laws were enacted not to conNen-
fence the individual but to protect the
public at large, and our prohibition
amendment would not be regarded ~
even its most bitter enemies as a re-
striction on mans well being but as
an aid to those who if it's daily temp
tation were before them, would lead a
life that they would themselves abnor
and regret.
careful review where the license
reign holds sway has proven to th2
satisfaction of the writer that, even
with the liberal time allowed for tue
legal sale of liquor, the Sunday closing
laws are violated and every street cor
ner furnishes evidence to prove that
the victims are no nearer the law
abiding standard 50 long "a strong ar
gulnent i'm the license ranks. the tur-
moil that is the result on gay SET
apart for quiet rest. IS an eNii lhal
would send any law respecting cltiZeli
of the State of Maine to the work OF
making the prohibition law one OF the
best respected ever enacted. "A man
will not willingly take poison unless
he wishes to die. Neither will he sac
riflce a cause that is weak only III I've
strength that is undeveloped and be-
cause of indifference left to rest III an
undeserving light
resident of the State OF South
Carolina in an interview | held with
him was very strong in his words IL
nraise for the prohibitory law ana
soid no coula see no reason why IL
could NOT no enforced in Maine as well
as II had been III iiiS 'N"N~'
no ,iol,or was sold or could be Oh
tanned except under the strict proVls-
ion of the statutes and stated that m
temperance was very rare indeed. ne
also added that a few years ago ne
visited no-lcense city in New Eng
land and was impressed with the or
derlv condition that he found every :
where while today that same city un-
der omen saloon presents an unwei-
come disgusting sight. sad to pehoio.
Are the southern people to be lookcn
on as far better observers of the law
of their state, than the Maine citizens
with their natural love for law ana
order and the welfare of the State?
What sort of a business man couid
be led to believe that saloons on every
side of his store would draw trade 10
buy his clothing, his boots, his gold
watches and his meats and provision
Why, these things are just what the
drinking man, as far as possible, does
without He doesn't spend his money
for these things at all nor to improve
his home or pay his life Insurance
dues-he puts it where it does the
greatest possible harm for himself as
well as for those who cater to his