The West Virginian. [volume] (Fairmont, W. Va.) 1914-1974, 1915-07-01
Prohibition for
Continued from Page one.)

J. ~ N0~
West Virginia and selected from a
large number OF classes Of people
show strong approval OF prohibi,
ton after q years trial. The answers
are printed Just as they were written
or dictated by the persons inter,
viewed.
Mayor Anthony Bowen said:
THE city OF Fairmont. in my tudS.
ment, is in every way a better city
under prohibition. II is impossible TO
have perfect obedience TO law, espec-
tally is this true Of local or state pro-
hibition. Society must be educated
to the prohibition measure before the
best results a be attained.
Gradually conditions are improving
in this city. There are fewer inten-
tional violators. After while inebriates
will overcome their craving for liquor
or will leave the locality or pass
! out in some other way and the COM
ing generation will not have the II
quor thirst.
81 have seer in this city some splen-
did reformations-men who were fire.
| Quently in count for drunkenness IN
der the former system. and whose
families were ~disconsolate if not des-
titute. are all now happy and prosper.
Gus.
we are working for other reforma-
tons. There are some in whom the
craving for drink is still strong and
! they frequently break oveT but be-
lieve that in nearly every case they
are making a strenuous fight against
this habit.
1t is our purpose and u hope TO
help reform all such rather than 10
merely punish.
"A few weeks ago the manager Of
a big show showing in this city
said to me l have always opposed pro-
hibition, but when l come into West
Virginia and see the result OF this
law here and the effect upon my own
show people. l am about persuaded
that prohibition pays. !,
at does pay, but its advocates and
interpreters must not be too exacting
and expect its highest results at once.
This will be a growth and will come
with conscientious enforcement based
upon fair and humane methods.
In the city Of Fairmont for the
year ending July l. 1914. there were
$40 arrests for drunkenness and there
were hundreds Of persons not con
sidered drunk who would be ordered
OF the street or perhaps sent home.
For the year ending July l. 1915, to-
day, there has only been POI arrests
for drunkenness, and the rule now is
to arrest every mar under the influ.
ence OF liquor.
Yes l think prohibition pays. and
the future will tell us how wonderful
ly."
Judge ". S. Raymond, Of the Ma
rion ounty circuit court said: There
is a decrease in the number Of indlct-
ments for violation Of the Yost law
as each term Of court goes by. The
people are adjusting themselves to
the changed conditions resulting from
the enactment Of the Yost law II
therefore there is less attempt or IN
clination to violate the law. People
OF the better class who use whlSkey
principally for medicinal purposes are
adjusting themselves to the require
ments OF the law and as a result VIC
late 1t to a less extent, while fear OF
punishment is checking violations by
the class that is criminally inclined.
There have been nc lndlct-
ments or convictions for second Of
lenses under the Yost Law. A second
offense is a felony while a first Of
tense is a m~isdemeanor. A number
OF persons may have violated the law
several times but a violation OF the
law to be a second offense must &C.
cur after conviction for a first Of
tense.
II believe that the Yost Law is hav-
ing a beneficial effect from both a
moral and financial standpoint. ! be-
ieve that everybody is better of both
morally and financially as the result
Of prohibition. The Yost law could be
improved upon in some respects but
taken as a whole the law is having a
very wholesome effect"
Tusca Morris. prosecuting attorney
for Marion county. said:
II know Of nothing particularly sig
nifcant in the enforcement OF the
prohibition laws for the past year,
other than what the newspapers have
frequently commented upon. unless
II be the apparent relaxation OF the
enthusiasm of many temperance peo-
ple in their assistance in the enforce.
ment Of such laws, and in their en-
deavors to maintain a wholesome pub
lie sentiment for the proper enforce
ment Of these laws.
Because there may be a supstan-
tial enforcement Of the prohibition
laws, should not cause the temperance
advocates to relax their vigilance. II
is to be hoped that all good citizens
will pledge themselves anew to more
determined efforts for the enforce
ment Of these laws for the coming
year. No doubt, the officers charged
especially with the duty Of enforcing
theseSlaw will enter upon their ef-
forts with more confidence when
pledged the support OF the people who
are heartily in favor Of these temper
ance reforms.
Trevey Nutter, attorney. and secre-
tary for the Business Mems associa'
ton, said:
In answer to your inquiry of what
think about prohibition after a
years trial, beg to say that l think
prohibition IN West Virginia has been
a decided success. The officers
charged with the execution OF this law