The log cabin Democrat. [volume] (Conway, Ark.) 1901-1982, 1912-06-13
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 ini-
tlatlve 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. 1t is declared, howev-
err, 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should be withdrawn until the legal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-
DUN 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 suit to enjoin 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
in 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-
litical confusion to risk vote that
might be considered test of the
sentiment of the people on statewide
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 Lii
cense" in the state be increased.
We confidently believe that our
final victory in this state has only
been delayed by the unfortunate con-
dition which has arisen, and that at
no far distant day Arkansas will be
free from the curse of the legalized
saloon Respectfully,
GEO. THORNBURGH,