The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1916-09-04

San Francisco. Cal. Sept, 3,-For-
mer LAeutenant-Go Governor A. J. Wal
lace has filed the argument in favor
OF prohibition for California, with 'No
Secretary OF State. The fortnight be-
fore election this argument will he
mailed TO every registered voter of the
State The argument Is as follows:
This amendment provides for pro-
hibition beginning in 1920. 1t gives
interested persons time to adjust
themselves to the new policy.
1t does not interfere with making
tific or sacramento uses.
Alcohol is a narcotic poison. Its
use injuries body. mind and character.
1t is a race-poison, which units for
fatherhood and motherhood. Prohi
bition means better babies and a bet
ter race.
The liquor traffic is essentially
wasteful. Its overthrow means ma
terial as we'll as moral GAIN Expert
ence in other States proves that pro-
hibition is desirable and practicable.
The Seattle Times and Spokane
Chronicle opposed prohibition in 1914.
They thought 1t impracticable for
rience they admit their mistake and
testify to its good effects.
Change of Heart.
Oregon bankers opposed prohibit
ton in 1914. So did the Portland
Oregonian. The Oregonian recently
said: Bankers are Arm in the belief
that prohibition has helped not only
their business. but business generally
Where prohibition has been tried
the inconvenience has been slight.
Business quickly readjusts itself and
those out of Jobs soon fnd better
ones. The money saved from saloons
goes into legitimate business. More
buildings and workers are required
than were formerly employed in SELL
ing liquor.
The Spokane Chronicle, which op-
posed prohibition in 1914. now says
that uAder prohibition unemployment
Is less than twelve months ago. Dem
ver's Bureau of Charities reports:
We have had much less trouble with
unemployment this year than last, and
requests for assistance average 100
per month less
Predicted Calamities Not Realized.
From all dry States comes testi-
mony that prohibition works. Not
one Of the predicted calamities has
been realized. Prohibition has proved
good for our neighbors 1t will be
good for California
The rest OF the Pacific coast Is
dry. If California remains wet, it will
become the cesspool of the West.
This must not be. Prohibition will
keep California among the most at
tractive and prosperous States in the
Union.
ITO the charge that prohibition will
hurt California by destroying the
wine-grape market. we reply that
wine-grapes are small part of Cali
fornia's grape industry. Last year
raisins sold for $10.000,000; table
grapes for $9,500,000; while wine
grapes brought about 100000, and
little of that was profit. Shall the
cause OF the liquor trafilc with its
cost In men and money be fastened
upon California for 100000?
Universally beneficial.
Putting California dry will hasten
national prohibition. This will be an
invaluable factor In national prepar-
edness. Experience In countries now
at war makes this clear. Lloyd George
declares that the efficiency OF Rus
sia's army has been increased IS per
cent by prohibition. and that Eng
lands greatest enemy In this war 10
alcohol. Addressing hia naval cadets
reeentIys EmperoF William eaid. sThoa
t<eSS vHfna2 49, - - II S316Nof3