Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1911-01-11

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sale Of liquors, nor DStWs5n the friends Of
temperance and thoss who bslisvs that an
indulgence In. ths4u se cl intoxieating II
quors 10 one Of the natural rights. Of man
which should not BE- abridged bylsgisla-
Sion, but simply whether the eonstitu--
tional amendment prohibiting the manu-
fscture and sale Of intoxicating liquors
should BE- submitted to popular vots BY
resolution Of the Legislature.
believe that majority OF the voters.
Of our State have registered . desire that
this be done, and in view OF the impor-
tance which it has had in the public
mind for many years and the further fact
that resolution has been 30 often before
the legislature, action now which will
place this question before the people Of
Maine that their will may be determined,
cannot be considered as ,hasty or ill-ad-
vised.
II small part Of the energy which has
been expended in our State in an attempt
to lessen the evils OF intempeIance by law
had been directed to the creation Of .
strong public sentiment against intemper-
ance . creator advance would have been
made. Instead of relying upon the good
judgment and intelligence Of our fellow
citizens, and their desire to make the
most OF life and its opportunities, we have
pursued the false course OF relying upon
law.
8TURGIs Law REPUDIATED.
This attempt at regulation by law
reached its elimination in this State in
the enactment six years ago of statute
which created q special commission to be
appointed BY the governor and charged
with the duty OF enforcing the prohihi-
tory liquor law in those sections of the
State where in it's opinion it was not be-
ing enforced by the local authorities.
This statute, wrong in principle, OPP
posed to local self-government, supplant-
ing officers elected by the people by those
appointed by the commission, aroused at
the start the opposition of our citizens
which increased rather than diminished
with lapse of time. This so-called
''Sturgis law, declared unconstitutional,
in part, by the supreme court, has not
only failed to prompte the cause of tenn
perance but has created feeling Of strong
| resentment in every county where the
commission has operated, disturbing the
the orderly and friendly relations which
ought to exist between the State and
county governments, SO that to-day the
authority of the State to enfore payment
OF this statute is questioned and litigation
which promises to be long protracted may
be carried to the supreme court Of the
United State.
The people Of Maine have unmistakably
set the seal OF condemnation upon this
law, and by the most potent means at
their command, the ballot, have en-
phsticaliy repudiated it. trust that you
will not be IN mindful of their wishes but
% their chosen representatives register
their will.
Leaving aside the question OF whether
the present law affords the best regulation
Of the liquor traffic "a question over
which there is an honest difference of
opinion-there can be no question that it
is the duty Of every official to enforce the
prohibitory law SO long as it remains up
on the statute books.
For more than half a century we have
had upon our statute books and for a
quartz; Of Q century in the constitution of
| our State prohibition of the manufacture
and sale Of intoxicating liquors; and,
looking back over these years, no fair
minded man can refrain from feelings of
disgust. Not only has the purpose failed
of accomplishment, but Hypocrisy, corrup-
ton and disrespect for law have been
begotten.
The time is ripe for full, free and
honest discussion and consideration of
this question, which affects our standard
OF citizenship snd the well-being of all
| classes.
| TRUE CONSERVATION.
| Many matters of business interest at
fecting the material prosperity Of our peo-
pie will receive your careful considers
ton. The State has before it rich and
splendid future. Wonderfully endowed
by nature, ours is State Of undeveloped
resources. believe that the near future
is full of promise for Maine and that dur
ing the next ten years we shall show a
greater increase in wealth and population
than has ever taken place during like
period in our history.
| Legislation alone cannot create pros
perity, but legislation can do much to en-
courage thrift and enterprise, equalize OPP
portunities, safeguard investments and
protect legitimate business. Maine ought
to be and eventually will be great manu-
featuring State. Our water powers must
be developed and our transportation ia
cilities increased. Maine needs more
miles OF railroads, steam and electric.
Every facility should be afforded for their
building.
Development Of our water powers should
be encouray CAD. The advance OF science
has made il possible to utilize many water
powers hitherto inaccessible by transmit
ting them, over electric lines, to points ia