The Van Buren press., 1912-09-07
JOE |. ROBINSON DEFINES POSITION
ON PROHIBITION AND OTHER ISSUES
DECLARES LOCAL OPTION AND AGAINST AND ACT
NO. 3-sEvEN THOUSAND HEARD VARIOUS SPEAKERS

one has emphatic convictions regard
ing it, II a majority OF the voters in
the September election tnlhk that the
time has come for the passage of a
statewide prohibition law in Arkansas
and so express themselves, | will ex-
haust all the authority OF the gov
ernor's office in an effort to enforce
the law, and If additional authority
be necessary | will ask the legislature
10 confer it on the executive. | do
not want TO be governor Of state
where the laws are openly held in con-
tempt. Many believe that it is better
TO recognize local conditions and local
sentiment than to force upon com
muuitles laws which are Objectionable
to them. If were governor of a state
which had enacted statewide prohi
bition, and open saloons were run in
contemptuous disregard of the law, |
would either resign or find the means
of enforcing it. Vote your conscience
and your judgment on this question,
and | will do my best to see that your
will be executed"
Mr.. Robinson strongly advocated the
Democratic state and national plat
forms, and discussed the record Of
the Republican party. Concerning the
power of the people to determine po-
litical questions, he said:
This is a period Of advancement.
The progress of our times is illustrat-
ed by the assertion of authority by the
people themselves and its concession
by those who assume to be their rep
resentatiyes. This, to me, is a hope
full indication. It points to the ey-
pansion Of popular liberty and the
consequent happiness and prosperity
Of the general public. 1t will destroy
those selfish influences which are at
once so powerful and unconscionable
as to disregard the sufterings Of hui
manity and to scoff at all efforts in
behalf Of political reforms. Many
frankly contradict, others secretly
mistrust, the capacity of the people
to govern. Let me assent TO and af'
firm with emphasis and conviction,
this doctrine of the corner stone Of all
democratic institutions. We must be,
lieve this principle and teach it, to re
flute the political heresy that govern
ment is the province Of a superior
class"
It was a great day for Lonoke,
Everybody in Lonoke county seems
proud Of "Our joe" and the way in
which his speech was received by
thousands Of home neighbors and
friends attested the very high esteem
in which he is held,
Other speeches we're made by Sec
retary of state Earle w. Hodges, Col
Sam Taylor, candidate. for congress,
Ben L, Griffin, and DR., Ctds, Hillmau
Brough, and all speeches were well
received,
There was plenty Of gaity, plenty
Of music by the First Regiment band,
ball games and other amusements to
please the immense throng that gath.
cred in Lonoke on this gala day. The
little city did herself proud in caring
for the crowd which exceeded all ex
pectations To give some idea Of the
vast feast which was served, it was
reported by the committee that the
following purchases had been made:
$500 pounds OF meat, 5000 loaves Of
bread 500 pounds Of cake, 20 gallons
Of pickles The tables were cleaned
up as completely as II they had been
swept by a cyclone although there
seemed to be sufficient for the crowd