Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1915-04-20

strain the strong for the protection
of the weak II is as easy to enforce
c prohibitory law in the beginning OF
the new order as it was to enforce
the law of regulation in the begin
ming Of civilization. Yet is there
man who would say that society ought
never to have begun regulation to gov
ern the rights of men and restrain
the strong from taking from the weak
simply because it would be difficult OF
enforcement? AS enforcement and es-
adjustment of regulatory rules in
other lines of human endeavor have
been growth. progress, so must be
the enforcement and establishment of
rrohibitory liquor laws.
Some weeks ago the Hoster Brew
ing company of Columbus, o., capital
lied at $12,000,000, filed its petition
praying for the appointment of re-
ceiver and the winding up of its af
fairs. One of the causes given for Its
unfortunate financial condition was
that the state of West Virginia had
gone dry! Only few days ago large
bank at Pittsburgh suspended pay
ment. The statement was given out
that some connected with the man.
agement of the bank were connected
with certain breweries; that the bust
ness of such breweries had been very
much injured and curtailed by pro-
hibition in West Virginia. And yet
the brewers and the liquor people
generally say that prohibition win not
prohibit
Let no man in West Virginia be de-
ceived! West Virginia can only be
made and kept a dry state by Wig
ilance and constant effort. The liquor
interests have spent a large sum of
money in an effort to break down the
prohibitory laws of the state Includ
ed in such expenditure is the employ
ment of the ablest lawyers whose SER
vices could be had to prosecute pro
ceedings and defenses in the courts
of this state, including the federal,
and in the federal courts outside of
the state, in efforts to break through
and destroy the states prohibitory
laws.
The effort Of the liquor people to-
break down the prohibitory laws Of
West Virginia has twofold purpose.
First, to regain the lost business in
West Virginia; second, any failure in
West Virginia to be used in efforts to
prevent other states from becoming
dry. The liquor people realize that
success in West Virginia means fail
ure for the liquor people in contests
In wet states that are striving to be
come dry. Failure in West Virginia
will assist the liquor people in the
efforts to keep wet states wet.
Let us take this occasion to say to
any man, or any association of men,
that when this state voted intoxicat-
ing liquors out of it, it voted them out
forever. The state will never again
permit the legalized sale of alcoholic
beverages, and the state will never
again enter into a partnership with
the liquor business. There seem to
be some people deluded with the idea
that this state will go back to the
liquor business for the purposes Of
raising revenue. Shame, twice shame,
upon those who will permit them
selves to be led away by such a delu-
sion! To seriously suggest it is re.
proach to the citizenship of the state,
and sad reflection upon the intelli-
gence of those who suggest the idea.
The time is here when the people Of
the state put men and morals above
the dollars.
Let us turn to some Things ana con-
ditions in West Virginia to illustrate
effects and experiences under prohibi-
tory liquor laws. Some time ago re-
ceived letter from one of the large
coal operators in the state. His plant is
located in section where two or three
years ago we mad internecine war. He
said:
II never in my life saw such a
great improvement, both in the
way of behavior and moral con-
duct on the passenger train Of the
Cabin Greek branch of the G. &
o. railway since whisky ceased
in our state. Further, ] notice
with great pleasure the large por-
ton of our men who used to go
out to get whisky are now spend
ing their time with their families
or at the Young Mems Christian
Association at Decota, and por-
ton of the money which orig
inally went for whisky is now go
ing towards the entertainment of
their families, which means I'M
told pleasure for their children"
Benefits to Labor.
On the same day that the above let
ter was received, the president of one
Of the labor unions, covering a large
district of the state. expressed to me
his pleasure because Of the change
that had come to the thousands of
working men, members of his organs
zation. He stated that he found them
better contented and saving their
earnings; and that their wives and
children In the homes showed the ben
eficial effects OF taking away from the
men the opportunity to buy intoxicat-
ing liquors.
Tie Words Of a Banker.
Mr.. e. NJ. Gilkerson of the Wood
County Bank, Parkersburg. was quoIeo
recently as saying: Apart from the
great moral uplift, there was an ap-
Ireciable Improvement in business I'm
til the great European war set in.
One Of our leading bankers remarked
to me tGat the change for the better
In our community, morally and in
business way, since prohibition, ID
| most marked"
Better Christmas for Many.
In thnra firnos of ware aud rurnore