The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1911-07-21

The liquor interests seems TO be giving the
people OF Kentucky considerable trouble They
ere upon the threshold of a political contest for
State Offices and il apears. from the news re-
ports, that the whiskey lobby has been having
considerable to do with the affairs Of both par
ties These patriotic gentlemen OF the liquor
traffic have attempted to follow the apostolic
method of becoming all things to all men.
They have professed, so the story goes. devo-
ton for the Democracy Of that State and. at the
same moment, have been making eyes at the
dear Republicau--ourageous conduct, and so
unlike the saloon, BE that 1t may, wher
ever there has been political gathering in
Kentucky of either complexion. Brother Brewer
and Deacon bistiHer have been on hand with
ingratfating smile and warm handclasp and
subtle suggestion, 49,.
And why this activity? For some years there
has been danger OF legislation adverse to the
interest of the liquor business in Kentucky. The
old State, famed for its Bourbon. is waking up
aud strong temperance sentiment has been
developed The friends OF reform legislation
have so far found the liquor lobby at Frank
fort tee strong for them. Now upon the eve
OF another campaign. this benevolent institution,
the liquor trust is trying to dominate and con-
troll both parties so that should either win. it
will have friend al court
Blu; the Republicans at least. not TO re
taken with guile They nominated clean,
strong, fearless man for Governor. Judge O'Tear.
ard when the liquor lobby attempted to put
their man in FOR the Lieutenant Gov ernorship.
he immediately expressed his determination to
step Gown. should friend of the saloon inter-
ests r. nominated as his running mate, Judge
ORear expressed himself in no uncertain terms
as fayoring the strictest regulation of the IL
quo- traffic and the determination of the liquor
lobby. The issue at present, is not Statewide
prohibition, bat Judge oRear declares that IN
less The liquor lobby BE- eliminated and the eff
forts of the saloon to dominate both parties,
and perpetuate bad political machines, rs well
as to debauch the electorate with large of
oney, be discontinued. there viii be 40 alter
native but TO annihilats. business so condi-
ticne1 and so employed" Kentucky is forti
nate in having. candidate for the high Office
of Governor. a who fears not, nor seeks
the favor of the saloon. and who filings in its
face the threat that unless they discontinue their
mschievous and iniquitous meddling in the poll
tics of the State, the people will request their
absence from the State.
The Louisville Post in summing up the stu
alton, points out the saloons utter disregard Of
law and order, and their employment OF men
and money to defeat the win of the people, and
declares; THE oyershadowing issue II this
whole conflict Is the presence of liquor politi-
clans in both parties and their efforts to deprive
the people OF the control of their own affairs"
Kentucky is not alone in this struggle. The
hopeful sign is that public men and officials
gradually awakening to the situation and are
gathering themselves together for the conflict,
Ii Is inevitable. The saloon cannot continue to
prey upon society as In the past. 1t cannot
continue to exist side BY side with the church