Cut Bank pioneer press. [volume] (Cut Bank, Mont.) 1909-current, 1916-03-03
REFORM And ROT.

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They are in a funny mixup in the neighboring state
OF Idaho over their recently enacted liquor legislation.
The law that goes into effect in Idaho on the first of
the year not only prohibits the sale of intoxicating liquor
within the confines of the commonwealth, but it also
makes it a misdemeanor for any person to have posses
sion OF any intoxicating liquor. The statute gives author
Ity to the officers to search private residences where they
have reason to believe intoxicating liquors are held. This
means that there is no sanctity for the home in the state
OF Idaho. Bedroom doors may be broken down any time
OF the day or night by the oficious or suspicious minion
OF the law who is prompted by any motive to enter the
place. So UNANIMOUSLY unjust and shamefully senseless
is the law that the people of Idaho have enacted for the
government of the state in this regard, that already public
opinion has revolted against it and the attorney general
OF the commonwealth, several weeks before the law takes
effect, was compelled by public opinion to already wink
at and even officially countenance an infraction of the
statute. In an opinion just rendered by Attorney General
Peterson, he says that the peace officers OF the state must
be very careful or they will get into trouble by being
over officious. He advises the officers not to search any
private residences for liquor, or break into any persons
premises in pursuit of hidden booze unless such officers
are sure they are going to be successful in their search.
Thus has socalled reform run mad in some of the
Western states. Weeks before Idaho goes under state
wide prohibition the highest officers in the common
wealth are suborning and encouraging infractions of
the statute. The law will never be enforced in Idaho
1t is impossible. 1t will disorganize industrial and social
conditions; it. is a legislative monstrosity born of bigotry
anu COLCCINCu Ill SCduudl, lICdklSl Ill It's tGuClS, dlLdllIdI
in its phrases, foolish in its purpose, enacted by boobs
and bigots. 1t will cost Idaho millions in money and bring
to the state a nations contempt. No sensible person in
Idaho expects the law to be enforced. The traveller from
New York who passes through the state with a flask of
whskey in his valise is subject to arrest and imprison-
ment, the law requires that he be arrested and punished.
Is there a sane man or woman in America who believes
such a statute is sensible, necessary or feasible? To
enforse such a law would take the standing army of the
United States, and out of the prosecutions would arise
disorder, social and industrial discomfort and lasting dis
grace to the people who enacted the measure.
The elector who votes for a law knowing it cannot
and hoping it will not be enforced is an essentially dis
honest, extremely dangerous and unworthy citizen.
Idaho's liquor legislation demonstrates the growing con-
viction that a majority of the people of the Gem State are
unfit to exercise the franchise. Idaho is destined in the
coming months to receive considerable unfavorable, UNI
enviable and improbable dvertsing-Lbby News.
published and paid for by the Montana Commercial and Labor League,
Helena, MontO