The Republican journal. [volume] (Belfast, Me.) 1829-current, 1911-12-28
GRANGE OPPOSES EXTRA SESSION.

|
The roll call of counties to offer reso-
| lutions for reference in the State Grange
session at Lewiston, Tuesday, brought
out resolution from Aroostook county
to protest against a special session of
the Legislature. This was the resolu-
ton:
Whereas, the people of the State of
Maine have re-affirmed IN the recent
special election their belief IN the neces-
sity and efficiency of the present prohib-
itory amendment to the constitution of
the State; and,
Whereas, the Governor has announced
his determination to call special session |
of the Legislature for the avowed pur-
pose of again re-submitting the prohibit
tory amendment to the suffrage of the
people in such manner as to secure |
local option for the cities and larger |
towns; and
Whereas, the present situation is not
of sufficient Importance to demand
special session, which would involve
large expenditure of the funds of the
State, and would be in direct violation
of the expressed will of the people;
therefore, be it
| Resolved, That we, the members of
the Maine State Grange In session as
! sembled at Lewiston, most emphatically
protest against the calling OF an extra
session of the Legislature.
! In Maine there are more than $1,000
patrons, and every day they are becom-
! ing more united and cooperative; they
are standing more and more for high
! ideals: they are looking toward broader
tie Ids and progressive application of per-
sonal responsibility. The Grange is to-
! day committed to social and civic re-
forms; it is unalterably opposed to back
ward movements.
In his address, Tuesday, State Master
! Stetson said:
"The question of the retention or the
repeal of the prohibitory amendment
was resubmitted to the people or Sep
temoer 18th. Prior to that time the
Grange had placed itself squarely in
favor of its retention. The fearless and
fair minded discussions of this issue at
the field meetings and elsewhere, created
an interest and exerted an influence suf-
ficient to retain this law, though by
small margin. With one exception every
city in the State gave large majorities
in favor of repeal Dishonest officials
and political combinations have discredit-
ed the prohibitory law. honest men, men
of courage and integrity, men in whom
the people have confidence, are needed
/ the Grange should aid in the finding. |
have faith to believe that the Grange of
the future will stand fearlessly in the
open and absolutely divorced from par
tisanship, will use all its influence in
creating a widespread public sentiment
and demand for an honest enforcement
of the law prohibiting the manufacture
and sale, the use and abuse of alcoholic
/ liquors in Maine The Grange has long
declared for reforms and progressive
positions to meet rural demands. The
Grange in Maine today stands at the
parting of the ways. We stand COM
mitted to social and civic reforms. 1t
should be our policy to openly, frankly
and fearlessly fight to maintain oar posi-
ton and accomplish specific results
Great problems affecting the welfare
and good name of our State are pressing
for solution, and if we are to maintain
our policy, if we are to hold position
which appeals to thinking people, these
problems must receive our deliberate at
tention. We must openly, fearlessly and
honestly champion the right, and as fear
lessly oppose and condemn the wrong"
/ In the face of these protests, Demo-
cratic leaders are driving ahead with the
single purpose of accomplishing that for
which the rum trust is willing to pay
generously. All promises are thrown to
the winds; professions of patriotism and
interest in public welfare become mock
cry.
After volumes of chatter about ''econ-
omy" Governor Plaisted intends to dump
the cost of a special session of the Legis-
lature and special representative cleo
lions upon the people. He says "the
best people of Maine" demand such a
course. So the nearly $4,000 patrons
may understand from the Governor that
they are not of the "best" people. =
kennebec Journal