Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1916-10-30
Virginia's New Law.

States that are now embracing pro-
hibition are profiting in some measure
by the difficulties which Maine and
other states have met. but most of
them make one fatal blunder-they do
not prohibit the sale or offering for
sale, within their state limits, of publi-
cations carrying the advertising of
booze makers and sellers. Virginia on
November l becomes prohibition
state under an act of many admirable
ton of newspapers published outside
the state, are permitted
We believe that a vital Weakness
We also believe the Maine law should
be amended to prohibit the sale, on
newsstands, trains and elsewhere, of
newspapers. magazines or other publi-
cants. If we cannot prohibit the send
ing of such publications through the
mails to subscribers we can, at least.
prevent the sale within our borders
Nov l. This act prohibits the sale of
ardent spirits, except by bonded drug
stores, and throws stringent restrictions
around its shipment. About $50 liquor
been preparing to close for several weeks
and stocks are being disposed of rapidly.
Liquors valued at hundreds of thousands
OF dollars have been purchased by con-
sumers and stored up against the dry
days to come.
1t will be unlawful after November i
for any person in the state to manufac-
ture. transport, sell. advertise, give away
dispense or solicit orders for ardent
spirits. which are defined to embrace al
cohol. brandy. whiskey. rum. gin. wine.
porter, ale. beer. all malt liquors. alb
with vegetables or other substances, that
will produce intoxication. In the same
category are placed fruits preserved in
ardent spirits. and all beverages contain
ing more than one-half of one per cent
alcohol by volume.
The prohibition does not apply to cider
containing not more than one per cent.
OF alcohol by volume. Provision Is made
for the handling of pure grain and fruit
alcohol and pure whiskey and brandy by
drug stores, for medicinal, pharmaceuti-
cal, scientific and mechanical purposes,
and of wine for sacramental purposes for
use by religious bodies
The manufacture of cider from fruit of
ones own raising and for consumption at
nome is permitted. Hotels, under certain
restrictions. are allowed to purchase and
keep on hand liquors and wines for cult
nary purposes only.
every adult female who is the head of a
FAMILY, to receive not oftener than once
month. one quart OF whiskey. one gal
ION OF wine or three gallons of beer. Ar
dent spirits are prohibited in lodge rooms
CLUBS fraternity houses and other public
places. Newspapers published within the
state are prohibited from carrying liquor
Advertisements, but the sale and distrihu
ton Of newspapers published out Of the
state and carrying liquor advertisements
are permitted
:, The first violation of any provision of
the law is deemed a misdemeanor Unable
from $50 to $500 with confinement in iail
tor not less than one nor more than six
months. The second offense, if not a
to 5000 and confinement in Jail for not
less than six months nor more than one
year: II felony. by confinement in the
penitentiary for one to five years, or. in
tne discretion OF the jury. by confinement
In jail for from six to IL months.
The turning of Virginia into the COL
umn Of dry" States came after a Wig
orous campaign of four years led by
the Anti-Saloon League. Bills pro-
viding for a referendum to ascertain
the will OF the people with reference to
statewide prohibition were introduced
In the legislatures of 1910 and 1912
only to meet defeat at the hands of one
or both branches. An enabling act
was passed in 1914 in accordance with
which the referendum was submitted
to the people on Sept. %, 1914, and
statewide prohibition won by about
10000 votes.
During the campaign of 1915 the
Antt-Saloon League worked for the
election of new general assembly
pledged to strict statewide prohibi-
ton. A large majority of the lao dele
gates and senators were elected on such
a platform and the legislature which
met In January. 1916 followed closely
the Anti-Saloon Leagues prohibition
program. The Mapp bill, declaring
prohibition in force on November /.
and providing machinery for enforcing
1t, was carried by overwhelming ma
jorities in both houses and was
promptly signed by the governor.
The Mapp act creates a prohibition
commissioner at salary Of $500 a
year, who will be charged with the en-
forcement Of the prohibition law.
We'd like to see Maine with prohibit
ton commissioner with power to direct
county officers and by and with the
Governor and Council. remove delin-
ouent officials. And then we'd like to
see Ferd Stevens, Wilbur Oliver or
some man Of that type. elected COM
missioner. E