The log cabin Democrat., 1912-06-10
WILL NOT FIGHT
 FOR STATEWIDE
STATEMENT OF OFFICERS
AFFAIRS TOO COMPLICATED CAUSED BY AMENDMENT
 NO. 10, IS CLAIM.

Fearing the statewide prohibition bill being promulgated under the ni- tiative and referendum would not be constitutional if passed, the execu- tive committee of the Arkansas Anti Saloon League has decided to make no further attempt to place the bill before the voters at the coming gen eral election. It is declared, howev- CT, that the fight will be continued against the liquor traffic under the local option law.
 Since the muddle into which the initiative and referendum has thrown affairs in Arkansas has be- come evident, this step has been dis cussed by the leaders in charge of the campaign, but no definite action was taken until Thursday, June 6, when statement was prepared by the executive committee in charge.
 The Rev. Frank Barrett, superin- tendent of the Anti Saloon League, stated last night that the members of the executive committee were unani- nous in the belief that the bill should be withdrawn until the legal status of the initiative and referen- dunn is decided
 The statement issued by the com mittee is as follows:
 To the Prohibition People of Arkan-
 sas:
 The executive committee of the Ar kansas Anti-Saloon League, after careful consideration of the existing conditions, make the following state ment:
 First-In initiating the statewide prohibition bill we followed the ex- pressed will of the prohibitionists of the state.
 Second-We proceeded in the mi tiation under the enabling act passed by the last legislature. We did not doubt but that We were on safe grounds, as to the regularity and constitutionality of both our methods and our measure.
 Third-The late rulings of the courts, however, have thrown doubt upon our measure and our procedure, and confused the entire issue. And furthermore there is now pending in one of the courts a suit to enjo;n the submission of our statewide bill.
 Fourth-The delay in getting a final decision in the courts, even if in our favor, will make it impossible for us to make an effectual campaign n the short time that will remain be- fore the election.
 Fifth-We have sought advice from known friends of our cause in all parts of the state, as to the course we should pursue under the circum- stances, and the concensus is that there is too much legal doubt and po- 1 litical confusion to risk a vote that hiiSiiI pc IoilSlueIeu leSI Ol lHe sentiment of the people on wide prohibition, and which if unfavorable might be in the way of our future eff forts.
 Sixth-In view of the divided sentiment of our people as to the ex- pediency of pressing the issue now, and in view of the doubt and confus- ion surrounding the question, we do not feel that it would be wise to continue the struggle, nor fair to the people who would be willing to con- tribute the funds for the expenses of the campaign, when there is doubt as to the validity of the victory, should We gain it.
 Seventh-Realizing our duty to the friends of prohibition, who naturally expect US to advise them in this emergency, we therefore advise:
 First, that the campaign for the passage of the statewide prohibition bill be discontinued, and that it be not considered an issue in the coming election
 Second, that every effort be turned toward the vote Against License" so that prohibition by local option may be extended over new territory, and the aggregate vote Against Li- cense" in the state be increased.