Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1912-03-20
CONTINUED from Page one.)


eorrnpting influences which it has
caused. These conditions are too well
known to need any extended discus
sion. We have been plunged into them
all by one cause only--the enactment
of a law which had not behind it pub
lie sentiment, sufficiently strong and
widely distributed to ensure its hon
est and faithful enforcement.
Governor Perham in 1872 said. Il am
not unmindful Of the fact that no law
can be enforced through any instru-
mentality however efficient in itself
for a term of years unless it he sus-
tanned By the public sentiment of the
people. on that an our laws depend.
If they meet with approval they will
tie sustained and enforced: if not, they
will be repealed or become dead let
ter To the statute ~ $500
- Governor Dingiey in 1875 said, "EX-
perience has shown that however
faithful officers may strive to be, their
per4nanent success in the enforcement
of any laws, and particularly laws OPP
posed by unprincipled avarice and de-
based appetite. will largely depend on
the strength and activity of the pub
lie sentiment which supports the OBJ
iect they have in view in the several
counties and municipalities.
Governor Robbie in 1855 said, Its
1.-THE law's) weakness seems TO be in
its non enforcement by those officers
whose duty it is to execute the laws
of the State-Public sentiment has
much to do With this question; the en-
forcemcnt or reinforcement of pro-
hibition in any locality depends upon
the general disposition of the people.
Governor Bodwel in 1887 said, In
the larger cities and towns on the sea-
board and at railway centers it has
been found more difficult 10 secure
perfect compliance with the law.
What is actually needed at the points
named is sound public opinion To
urge and uphold the enforcement OF
the law
Governor Burleish in 1891 said. 1t
cannot be denied that the law for the
suppression OF the liquor traffic IS Of
ten violated and that officers charged
with its enforcement are frequently
derelfct in duty. But it rs undoubted-
n true that this condition OF affairs is
mostly confined TO our cities and farg-
er villages In other places the law
seems TO have been faithfully and
suceessfully administered
Governor Cleaves in 1893 said. There
must be an active public opinion in
support of the laws; and whatever ad-
vance can be made in this direction
will tend to lessen the blighting intiu-
ences OF incompetence and command
general approval"
Governor Powers in 1897 said, 1T is
4. .ha4 .4sp mood ia
day is IA more active public sentiment
in our larger towns and cities
Governor Hill in 1903 said, In near
" all our country towns the law Is
rasuected and obeyed. Il is in the
cities and larger villages that 1t has
been most frequently and persistenliN
violated. This condition OF things IS
apparentIv due To the fact that In the
larger places there has been wanting
an eetive and healthy sentiment IN
Support of the law. and indifference
and opposition have made its enforce
Inent difficult.
Governor Cobb in 1905 answers his
own question as TO whether the law
has been enforced or not, thus: Every
intelligent citizen knows that IL mas
not. and in this statement Is cohtAliiea
the reasons for past and present nllh-
culties and the suggestion Tor RENE
DIV. The estimate in which the pfoht-
bitory law is held in certain parts OF
the State and by many of our citizens
is working an incalculahle INJURY TO
the forces that make for law ana or
der A disrespect and disregard Tor
oil law is being nurtured that II al
lowed to grow unchecked and unas-
safled will weaken and destroy the
,,ary foundations of good govern
Ynent."
These were all utterances of those
who were friendly to the law anu
elected upon platforms in which pro-
hibition always formed part. Ihefe
has been no lack of statutory enact
r,ents and expedients to ensure the en-
forcement Of the law.
what have been the conditions in Ken
nebec County which Ior all the time the
prohibitory law has been upon our stat
an q hook. has had Republican sheriff
and his deputies until 1896? What were
they in Andreseoggin, Cumberland anu
Penobscot counties under republican
officials, not only in the office oil sheftl
but in the Office of mayor OF ITS eltes
What have they been and what are uieS
still in Sagadahoc under Repuphcaii
sheriff? The city of Augusta Tor MANY
wears had a succession of Republican
MAYORS. who were able men, good ciu
zens. conscientious believers in and sup
porters of law and order, but VINO OF
Them enforced the law? We have haa
great men in the office of Chief EXecn-
tive of our State, wise, patriotic ana con-
scjentious in the discharge of the duties
of that high office, but who of them with
the exception of Governor COBB, mas
lent the great weight of his office and It's
influence to the enforcement of this law
and by enforcement | Wean not shan
enforcement but real one?
] have the highest respect for the nopl9
men and women who sincerely believe
in the prohibitory law as the most effec-
tive means of advancing the cause III
temperance, as | have the utmost con-
tempt for those who would use the molly
cause of temperance for the purpose OF
advancing their political interest.
If the prohibitory law cannot be en-
forced in our cities and larger towns, Us
has been proven after a long trial under
x~,,-+ fa,-nra HI. conditions. aided by leSlS-