The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1914-06-15
Capital 100000 100 Surplus VI COOOOOOC


evidence of greater prosperity
now than 1t has shown for many
years. Notwithstanding the fact
that 1t has grown steadily for the
past decade. There is now in
process Of erection ard under con-
tract more buildings than was
ever known here before, and, al
though Y am not a prohibitionist.
yet | must admit that our city
has been more prosperous since
prohibition went into effect than
before
Opposed; Has Changed Views.
Hon. Juntus G. Adames,. polio
Justice of the city Of Asheville. says
LAS you know, we were on
opposite sides Of this question
wh@n It vas presented on the re-
ferendur TO the people, as l was
bitterly opposed to prohibition at
that time. both from standpoint
OF public policy and also from a
moral standpoint az | did not
believe il would work any benefit
70 the people, but would have
the opposite effect NJ expert
ence as Judge of the City court
AiF@ AQT tAAr past Lii Et OK EghT
years. and M intimate assocla-
ton with the people directly eff
fected by the WORKINGS of the pro-
hyhition law, have made il alb
soluteiy necessary for me- to re-
adjust my ideas and beliefs on
this subject, ana am frank to
say + did it very reluctantly as
no man likes to admit that he is
lhay.t rrtttsEal rar
moral question.
From this experience and an
intimate knowledge Of the prac-
teal workings Of the prohibition
law, 7 have made up my mind
that while the law. az does any
human law. produces its bad er-
fects tn some respects, taken all
ana all ! unhesitattngiy say that
prohibition tends 10 decrease
crime 81 all kinds and TO uplift
the morals and general condition
OF the people as a whole. Not
only does this result from the
actual application and enforce
rlent Of the law itself but the
mere fac. Of the existence OF tho
prohibition lar has generated a
rev attitude towards intoxicating
liquors. and especially the excess
s!ve use Of II, and intoxication is
not now regarded 80 lightly as
II was prior 10 the enactment OF
the prohibition law which is. OF
course, most natural.
II am more and more I'M
pressed with the large numher OF
crimes that grow directly or In
directly cut Of the use OF tntoxi-
eating liquors. and while, os
course. i have attempt ea.to KEEP
nc record of Il, at the same time
have tried from time TO time 10
ferret out cases. whore. upon the
evidence, intoxicating liquors
seemed TO have no bearing what
ever on the same and the per-
centage Of cases growing direct
~ or indirectly out Of the Hs@ of
Intoxicating liquors is appalling.
and believe it would he safe to
say that the percentage is at least
so per cent
80 in the main. the reasons
above set forth were the principal
ones moving me reluctantly to the
conclusion that prohibition is for
the welfare Of the people gener-
ally"
Fewer Damage Suits.
During the time we had bar roo N
in Ashev!l!e, there were on an aver
age as many as three damage suits o
our docket against the Southern Rail
way each year on account Of perAoaa
injuries sustained by persons Will
drunk on the tracks Of that conpan,
whereas since prohibition went int
effect, I am informed, that there ha
not been a suit Of that character.
Likewise the street railway com
pary was subjected to many suits o
account Of the presence Of druake
passengers. Since the bar rooms hav
moved out and moved on ! have nc
heard Of suit Of this character.
III I had sufficient time could ad
he testimonials OF thousands Of GU
-!tizens, including public ofncial.
ministers, doctors lawyers, railwa
officials III fact the great bulk OF GU
people who are contribute to the ma
.erial Advancement Of our State woul
If one accord say that under no con
,ideration would they be willing t
lave the prohibition law repealed.
We are making great progress /
every line OF human endeavor. and
,all attention. to this fact-for. the, pur
pose Of showing that the argument
IF those who contend that prohihitio
$ detrimental to the welfare OF
State is wholly without foundation,
In addition to what | have said
desire to briefly refer to the condl