Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1914-07-09
Commissioner Blue ExpIains Law.

| ~soohohSh DiaO IApfdino Law
Hon. Fred o. Blue, State Tax CON-
missioner of West Virginia and by virtue
of his office also Commissioner of Pro-
hibition, and Mr.. George w. Crabbe,
superintendent of the Anti Saloon League
of this State, were in Charles Town last
Sunday to address the people on the sub
iect of the new prohibition law. A public
meeting was held in the opera house in
the evening, which was very largely at
tended, every seat in the house being
taken. Rev. S. w. Cole was the presid-
ing officer, and excellent music was rem
dered by choir composed of local sing
ers. Mr.. Crabbe made brief address,
explaining the need OF continued organ
lied activity in order that the law might
be enforced, and appealed for support OF
the Anti-Saloon League.
Commissioner Blue then made a very
interesting and instructive speech, in
which he explained the provisions OF the
new law. He gave it as his opinion that
the law is perhaps the most effective
measure OF its kind passed by any State.
Its provisions are so carefully drawn that
they have stood the test OF the courts,
and there are no loopholes by which it
may be evaded. Mr.. Blue gave an earn
est bit of advice to any and all who may
think that they can beat it-don't try 1t.
Among other things, he said that no per-
son can give or sell liquor to another; no
person can buy liquor in another State
and bring it to West Virginia for some
one else; druggists dare not sell, may
not even keep it in their stores; no pre-
scription for spirituous liquors given by a
physician may be filled; no near beer or
similar matted or brewed liquors can be
sold any liquor that contains as much
as one-half of one per cent OF alcohol by
bulk is forbidden.
One may bring liquor into the State for
his own personal use; one may have it
brought in by express or freight, but must
give his personal receipt for it, a record
which is open to any officer of the law
being kept by the agent OF the company.
The elimination OF liquor advertising
from all.publications is another unusual
feature Of the law; and this section also
includes billboards. But the most novel
and effective provision OF the YoSt law is
found in the section covering its enforce
ment. In addition to the ordinary police
powers endowed by like legislation in
several other States, this law accords the
citizen large part in its enforcement.
Any citizen has the right to make COM
plant upon information, and thus obtain
from any Judge, mayor or justice OF the
peace warrants for arrest and seizure.
Any citizen has The right TO apply for an
Injunction to restrain the sale Of liquor;
and in The legal prosecution of such &C
ton he can employ counsel TO prosecute
the case and require the defendant to pay
all fees. In addition to this, any citizen
or organization OF citizens is granted the
right TO employ attorneys to appear as
special prosecuting attorneys with the
duly elected prosecutor, and these private
lawyers have the same standing before
the bar OF the court as the public official.
Among those who attended the meet
ing were a number Of county officials
including magistrates and others who will
have to do with the enforcement of the
new law. Shepherdstown sent a dele
CATION and other sections of the county
were also represented.