The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1914-03-18

Editor VtreinSan
sir.--I do not recall that 7 have ever before
requested space in any paper, in which might
air my view. express my opinion on any
subject bun being keeniy interested in some of
the problems that confront today. I take the
liberty Of asking Just short space in your
columns
The particular matter that suggests your
columns as an avenue of expression for my
feeble effort is contained in two articles APP
pearing in the Times Dispatch of the 9Th. in
their columns devoted to Voice Of the People. -
one signed VIM. s, Morton. South Boston, Va,
and the other "A Lone Optmist"
Regarding the first: Correspondent endeav-
ors TO discredit the workings of prohibition in
North Carolina, declaring that is dsm al
failure. This statement I am sure will be
challenged by. any unbiased student of condi-
tions in that State whether resident nom
resident, During the past twenty years I have
spent much time In North Carolina, and from
my viewpoint. / would certainly not exchange
the conditions for the old
Is 1t not fact that in matters Of education,
good roads value of Agricultural products,
! growth OF manufacturing etc, that North Caro-
lima has kept fully abreast of her sister State
OF Virginia, although lin my judgment) hardi-
capped by the shipment of booze into tho
State by our good people OF Virginia, In fact,
will the records not show that they have 'Ebeaten
us to IT. in education, because of present laws,
or In spite of them
do not know what character OF business Mr..
Morton LIS engaged in. what his business was
In North Carolina but the question would s1Ig-
gest itself: why does he leave dry" State
which has been the direct (as he saysJ of
the ruin of his business and settle in dry
town.
He furthermore seems to to go out of his
way to cast reflections upon his adopted city.
and upon its citizenship who by their
votes have east the demon out" Is this fair ?
While do not know Mr.. r. $. Barbour per-
sonay wish Ii my good fortune to know
him Intimately. yet feel sure that if Mr..
Morton would confer with him and others like
him In the good city Of South Boston, an easy
finances of the city, which appear to have been
so sadly depleted by the loss of revenue once
derived from the legalized saloon
l would like to say something regarding the
blind tigers referred to- but space forbids.
However, upon the matter of revenue lost, etc,
to interesting question suggests itself.
What the revenue derived from the leealized
liquor traffic in South Boston? What are the
taxable values of real estate, personal property.
etc? What additional levy per hundred dollars
would be required to overcome this shortage so
sadly needed for improvements, etc?
These things may not appear pertinent to the
questions at issue, but do not believe the good
people OF South Boston will allow the loss of
this revenue from the legalized liquor traffic to
deter them On making any Improvement their
city may need, nor anything else, that may be
needfsil to its fullest and best development
Shame any city, town community that is
dependent upon revenue derived in such way
to keep UP with needed improvements.
A local optionist suggests that the passage Of
a law prohibiting from being connected
In any way with the liquor business has worked