Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1911-07-05
Why They Hate Prohibition.

remarkable letter, signed, "A Maine
Woman and attempts feebly to an
swer it from the standpoint of the
local optionist, but scores utter fall
ure, because the editor does not offer
a single fact for which "A Maine
Woman" asked.
We believe there is a wholesome, II
not a wholesale interest, in the de-
mand of this writer for anything
showing, 20 the satisfaction of the peo-
pie that license is any better than
prohibition. One OF the most active
organs of the liquor interest admits
that the fight is between prohibition
and license; that ultimately the work
ers to repeal the prohibition amend
ment expect to bring about license in
Maine as a method of handling the
liquor business.
"A Maine Woman calls attention
To the fact that personal liberty is
the most frequent cry that is made
against prohibition. She asks why
such liberties are not claimed In con-
nection with the quarantine in con
ia gious diseases. She asks to hear
from some of its friends as to how To-
cal option or high license will benefit
the business OF the grocer, dry goods
merchant OF the shoe dealer. She de-
ciares that people who deride prohi-
bition make no effort TO prove that
the saloon evil is checked by license
or local option, or that their laws
would be any better enforced than
the present Maine law; that the ef-
ftcieney of any other system must de-
pend upon the honesty and the ener-
gy of officials as al present. Then
she asks, Why do not the friends OF
license come out in the open and ex-
plain TO the common people some OF
the benefits of their SYSTEM
We hope that every one of the Ken
nebec journal readers will read the
letter OF "A Maine Woman" In II
che has Incorporated an indictment
against the licensed saloon, published
in the Arizona Gazette, and as re-
suit of which the people handed in a
verdict of guilty as indicted against
the saloons in Maricopa county, and
the saloons we're banished. This in
dictment in another column is we'll
worth reading.
As "A Maine Woman declares, the
prohibition law of Maine has been
Inaligned and misrepresented by the
powerful interests which would be af-
fected by its overthrow. For half
century they have fought against 1t,
and now in the crisis which marks
downhill slide for the entire liquor
business the liquor interests are con-
verging upon Maine for its moral eff
feet upon the rest of the country
They wish above all other things to
say After so years of prohibition,
Maine has found the law failure
end has repealed It,"
IL the liquor sellers and the rum
press could shout this in big type to
the world, II would have an all-im-
portant effect upon the rest OF the
United States II they are able to
make such an announcement. it will
be to the everlasting shame and dis
grace of the people of this State,
diseredit to them that will be deeply
felt in the better element of the peo-
pie of every state in the Union and
IN every civilized nation of the world
With the progress that is being made
by the leading minds of the age in
the direction of wiping out the liquor
evil, and In which effort Maine for
given credit for being the advance
guard of this great moral and hu-
manitsTian movement, 1t would be a
distinct blow 10 civilization for the
voters of the Pine Tree State next
September 10 remove the prohibitory
amendment from our constitution.
Not only is money without stint be
ing used 10 defeat the Maine law, hut
sll sorts of deceit and sophistry viii
be resorted TO, TO convince the people
that THE LIQUOR BUSINESS IS
NECESSITY, and that the way which
they recommend is the only way
which is satisfactory to everybody
They will denounce prohibition an,
will tell you that the towns. countie
and state can derive revenue from tn
sale OF liquor.
They do not tell you that the in
crease in lunatics, paupers and Jail
birds will more than offset the rev
enue and that the only ones to realiz
any money benefits from the bushes
viii be the liquor interests. They d
not point out that which is uppermos
In their minds-their determination I
make liquor selling legal and thus D