The Beaver herald. [volume] (Beaver, O.T. [Okla.]) 1895-1923, 1916-03-23
OKLAHOMA'S PROHIBITORY LAW Her
BEST ASSESI.

DLOt hOOLOts
Eight years ago, when prohibition
was written in the organic law OF the
state, many people predicted financial
disaster and ruin, but the opposite
proved true. In less than six months
every building vacated by saloon
was occupied by legitimate business.
In the days before statehood, in old
Oklahoma Territory, the saloons invar-
iably had the best corners. Today, in
seventy five per cent OF the cases,
banks occupy these desirable locations.
The few breweries are now used as
cold storage plants. Well-paved
streets, clean towns, and splendid
up-to-date school system mark the
progress of the state.
The value of constitutional law has
been demonstrated in Oklahoma. The
hundreds who at first thought il too
drastic measure have seen its benefi-
cent effect, and today resubmission is
very unpopular. The last candidate
for GOVERNOR on a resubmission plat
form received so small vote he hard.
ly knew he ran. The result in a moral
way has been most wholesome. Law
enforcement campaigns have been car
ried on in many OF our largest cities
with splendid results. Oklahoma City
and county have been cleaned up
Through the efforts of Mayor Overholt-
ser and County Attorney John Embry
the joints are closed. the vice district
wiped out, and gamblers in Jail. Thue
has the supremacy of the Law been
vindicated. venture to predict that
there is not cleaner city Of equal
size in the United States.
Through the efforts of the Christian
people, led by the representatives of
the w. G. T. u, Mrs. Cora d. Ham
NETT, state corresponding secretary, a
strong city ordinance providing for the
censorship OF movies was passed, and
the mayor acts as censor. Immoral
shows must go elsewhere.
A cleanup campaign is on at Tulsa
The mayor has just been removed from
Office for failure to enforce the prohib-
itory law and the gambling law-some-
thing that could not have been done
eight years ago. Other cities in the
state are demanding law enforcement
T h is has not hindered prosperity
Tu'sa Is spending millions for modern
city business houses and palatial homes.
An immense high school building il
soon 20 be erected. Business is at
high water mark.
Muskogee is becoming truly met
ropolitan city. Bank clearings d
postal receipts show Oklahoma to be
in fine financial condition. In 1914 her
receipts increased, while those of the
nation decreased.
Our resources are not drained to
maintain liquor system. The first
year OF prohibition the state saved 81,
600 600. The oil and gas section re-
presents great wealth. Thousands of
men are employed at good wages. The
labor journals list Oklahoma as one of
the best fields for labor. A new
drastic antigambling law has just been
passed by the legislature and signed
by the governor.
The western part OF the state COM
prises the agricultural section a d
here the clean, well.kept cities, and
the hundreds Of automobiles used by
the thrifty farmers give evidence Of
prosperity.
Our churches have kept pace with
the progress OF the state.
The prohibition law OF Oklahoma has
been one OF the greatest wealth con-
serving agencies in the state and what
prohibition will do for a state il will,
in large measure, do for a nation.