Ashland tidings. [volume] (Ashland, Or.) 1876-1919, 1914-10-22
Obe
Peoples Forum
Ole
Judge Stephen A. Lowell on Prohi.
bition.
October IA. 1914.

October IA, 1914.
Editor Ashland Tidings: This COM
munication is offered for publication
as expressing the results of dispas-
sionate study of the liquor question
pursued by one who is not a radical,
and who neither regards prohibition
as a panacea for all evils nor antici-
pates that prohibitory statute, if
adopted, will be thoroughly enforced.
Nevertheless, upon moral grounds the
conclusion has been reached that the
state cannot longer afford to lend
countenance to traffic in intoxicating
liquors, and upon economic grounds
that the commonwealth will be i'm
proved by the elimination of the sa-
loon.
Weighed by the rules of evidence
which govern courts of justice, the
following facts have been proven by
an overwhelming preponderance of
evidence. They are sufficient to in
duce the writer to espouse the dry
cause in this campaign, and are pre-
sented in the hope that their consid-
Grafton may aid others in reaching a
conclusion upon this vexed problem: {:
First--The best authorities in mod
ern medical science declare that alco-
hol is a poison, and that its use un-
dermines character and lessons vital
ity. Any step. therefore, looking to-
ward its ultimate disappearance is
worthy support.
Second-The experience of life in.
surance companies through a lone
series of years has demonstrated that
the use of alcoholic beverages short.
ems life and decreases the desirable
ity of insurance risks.
Third-The great employers of la
Dor have concluded that alcohol di
minishes efficiency, and they are re
fusing places to men who drink
There is no sentiment in business. Ir
the future sober men alone will fint
employment. Labor and capital have
common interest in the banishment
Of the saloon.
Fourth-The athletic world nc
longer stands sponsor for the drink.
ing man, and proclaims through the
mouths of its leaders that clean liv.
ing and quick thinking, the prime es-
sentials to success in athletic sports
are impossible in association with al
cohol,
Fifth-The general business of a
dry town, its collections, it's morals
are all universally better than in the
presence of the saloon. When pay
day comes men then use their money
to purchase supplies for family use,
and bills are paid promptly. Careful
investigation in any town which has
passed through both wet and dry
periods will demonstrate this.
Sixth-Prosecuting officers testify
almost without exception that the
majority of the criminal cases which
come before them have their source
in the use of intoxicating liquors.
When crime diminishes taxes will
decrease. The criminal courts, the
jails, the penitentiares and the re-
formatories are all tax eaters pure
and simple.
Seventh-The liquor interests gen.
orally oppose any movement looking
toward improved moral and civic con-
ditions, and their engine of operation,
the saloon, must be eliminated In the
interest Of progress, just as slavery,
lotteries and open gambling have
been eliminated. II was long, Bit
ter fight to accomplish the suppress
sion of these recognized evils, and It
might be profitable to remember that
their supporters made in their day
substantially the same appeal to bus
mess men as the liquor people are
making now. Respectfully
STEPHEN A. LOWELL.