The Fargo forum and daily republican. [volume] (Fargo, N.D.) 1894-1957, 1911-09-07
MAINE AND PROHIBITION.

The st. Paul Pioneer Press, discuss
ing the prohibition fight In Maine,
says:
Maine has had a prohibition clause
in her constitution for fifty-seven
years and has defeated one attempt,
made In 1884. to repeal It. The ques-
! ton is to be voted upon again on Sept.
IL, and the contest promises to be
most bitterly fought, Governor. Plais-
ted and the democratic party being
in favor Of a return to regulation and
license, while the republicans general
ly are lined up with the "drys."
The republican party controlled the
state for many years, until the cleo
ton last year. when control passed
to the democrats. The republicans
have been committed to prohibition
and have defeated all attempts Of the
'wets" TO have the question again sub
mitted. Last fall the democrats car
| ried Maine by a landslide, elected
full state ticket and legislature. A
new referendum act was passed and
the yeomen Of the state have a live is
sue before them again.
Surface indications are that prohibi-
ton will be sustained, although by a
smaller vote than in 1884. No one
contends that the law is being enforc-
ed IN Maine 1t Is known that in the
large cities and in most of the towns
| liquor Is sold quite as freely as in
states that are under license, while in
most OF the cities no effort Is made to
regulate the saloons. which are practi-
| caly open day and night. In the
smaller towns and villages the blind
piggers do flourishing business and
In the country there is no limit on
the manufacture OF hard cider. This
potent beverage still enjoys lawful
| circulation In Maine. The farmer is
free to grind and ferment his apples
and to INCEST the ensuing juices. 1t is
also matter OF record that the farm
er who acquires taste for hard cider
does not care for the milder beverages.
such as whisky and beer. One result
of this Is that the cider drinker and
and the cider drunkard have no quar-
rel with the prohibition law.
| One Of the most peculiar phases of
the present contest in Maine is that
the saloonkeepers and liquor dealers
are in favor of continuance of pro-
4
cfous Boston Transcript declares that
under prohibition there is lots of
money in the liquor business In Maine.
Under license there would be less
money and most Of the men who now
run joints would be denied licenses.
So the strange spectacle is presented
Of prohibitionists and rum sellers
| joining hands to defeat the repeal Of
Il -. 41-A4
kstitution."
This combination would appear to
have the advantage in the coming
fight. 1t appeals to the uncompromis-
ing prohibitionists, to the republican
minority which has always made pro-
hfbition an issue. and also to the liquor
interests. Opposed is the Plaisted
party which argues that fifty-seven
years of experience has proved that
prohibition Is physically impossible
and which pleads for some more
straightforward and workable scheme.
The democrats are pledged to high IL
cense and strict regulation. in case the
prohibition amendment Is deafeted.
ET Swat the weeds.
ar Did you get any game?
"a Some cities are engaging a pur-
chasing agent.
Twhy doesn't Fargo have auto
hotel TRANSFERS.
f5w GooA voad t,1i1yS 4ve, a. 4,,.3 49,,