The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1914-11-07
ANOTHER Bbow TO THE LIQUOR TRAFFIC

ANOTHER BLOW TO THE LIQUOR TRAFFIC
Arizona dry. Colorado dry. Washington dry.
ohso wet California wet. This is The tabuated
result OF Tuesdays elections on the liquor traf-
nc. The States where the question of the sa-
loon vas an issue decreed Two 10 one against
its continuance. Texas wei Virginia dry;
making tor the falls work return of five dry
and three wet States ont Of total of eight
Every time contest over prohibition or tenn
gsrance arises the verdict is against the saloon.
1t may not he SO in absolute terms Of political
rajorities bat ia terms Of future existence the
saloon always loses 1t Is weaker after every
election than 1t was before. whether a major
ity VI the voters decide to retain it or not.
For public sentiment is the worst enemy If the
saloon. and public sentiment is being gradually
educated 10 cast II out
The result Of Tuesdays elections constituted
tremendous blow at the liquor traffic The
mere fact that six States at one time voted
IN the continuance o. the legalized saloon is in
itself a striking indication Of the trend Of sen
tirnent on this great issue Not many years
ago few men could have been found who would
admit that six States OF America would ever
rcte on the liquor question at the same time
ana in the midst OF great national election
But of the ak that voted four voted dry.
ard that IL q thing which even the most ardent
advocate of prohibition FIVE years ago
would scarcely have claimed
One of the most significant features OF the
elections Is that eight Senators were added to
the temperance cause in the United States Sen
ale. The Importance OF this point is great for
future temperance work. Arzonas vote can
cells ohios, and Colorado calhornia's in tbs
upper house.
In California the influence and weight OF tbs
grape growers and wine manufacturers, wht
constitute a largo element OF the population
and the fact that the State had practically de
eiaed that the Panama Pacific Exposition mus
be an open fair. formed tremendous obstacle.
Likewise tactical blunder In allowing the Law
10 be mutilated 10 go into effect within
twenty days of passage was contributing
cause 10 its defeat
SIN Ohio the largest city population that hat
Her voted on Statewide prohibition had to b
educated and enlightened. and when It is re
4
natl a great mixed foreign element was involved
II il obvious how great the odds there. Blu
even then 1t must be remembered that the tota
vote in Ohio was over one million. that state,
In terms OF the Virginia result the vets woI
By what w&s relatively larger majorit.
than If prom hiton had carried here by onl,
ave Ihoa~aAd majority which. in terms of tn
wet press here, would have meant an incor
elusive verdict. IN relative terms the o
the temperance leaders fairly shook the sta,t
30 that today tho liz far stronger than
xas before the election. 1t is only question
OF time when prohibition VIII be the establshe
principle o. every State, and OF the who'll
4 NATION.
And In Oregon. Washington. Colorado an
\ Arizona ne voters declared their Intention o
getting OUT of partnership with the liquor bus
ness The days work furnished ample JUST
u fcatinn fer the wisdom OF Virginia's temper
ance leaders in isolatfng the Issue that tn
people might have clear view of the singl
question.
From the results OF the days hallotng tn
temperance forces OF America have won largely
and the liquor traffic has more black ey
to handage.