The Prince George's enquirer and southern Maryland advertiser. (Upper Marlborough, Md.) 1882-1925, 1916-01-07
o is familiar with these
1t will exclaim with the
poets their enforcement
.erged in trivial technicali-

lie especial character OF the
rince Georges county
generally associated with
the curse which has ruled
ed Southern Maryland {; the
place of the idle and vepal
temptation TO lure the inno-
nto trouble place not for in
ENJOYMENT. but that turns from
,ors bad men-some otherwise
men-parted of their money, rob-
of reason and conscience, a dan
Gus beast to disturb the peace. and
many instances. with petty crimes or
Jul murder in the minds and heart.
And the men who conduct the sa-
looms. what is the ruling passion with
them but the profit i'll the business. and
to extend and maintain this profit, re-
sorting to all agencies of corruption
and iawlessncss.
| could recite statistics and particular
instances until the human mind would
be COMPOUNDED by the very mass of
fact and logic in respect to Prince
Georges county, as to the extent in
which the saloon has destroyed relia-
Bile labor class, has been the main con-
tributor to poverty, and the direct
cause of seventy per cent of our crimes.
But what has been the political effect?
do not exaggerate in the statement
that for many years the saloon has
practically named our sheriff and con-
Justices of the peace. And but lately,
we witnesseth the alarming spectacle
of the saloon element in solid opposi-
ton to those candidates for our county
officers who had the moral courage to
openly avow support of some action
in amendment of the deplora BILE evils of
the business.
But disgraceful as is the state of af
fairs in connection with wholesome leg
islation and the choice of able and hon
orable public officers staggering still is
in many instances have openly taken
tribute of the saloon men as respects
gambling and Sunday violations, and
that some of our Justices of the Peace
are pliabe to improper and currupt in
huence in the imposition of small, or in
some cases illegal fines. upon the viola
tors of our liquor laws.
When the constabulary and judicial
officers are open to such practices. we,
by our federation. endorse bribery and
a subversion of justice, and subject our
selves to condition where the security
of property and liberty is subject to the
caprice of corruption and crime.
To connive such a state of affairs in
our county is to abrogate government
of right and justice and to invite the
rule of iniquity and ruin.
With these facts and their logical re-
suit before us, are we to hesitate in the
application of some rigid remedy. eth.
er lack of energy. the seduction of in
dividual appetite, or indifference to the
selfish interests of the saloon men?
Is the pecuniary profit of fifty saloon
men in Prince Georges county to be
f1attered. INDUCED and obeved. as a
matter of political expediency, when in
violent opposition to the material, in
dus,rial, political and moral welfare of
our people ?
Is individual ambition or party poll
cy more automatically observed in
pleasing 500 voters, or over 5000 of our
best citizens
Now whai do we demand ?
Having tried license and found that
we cannot correct the grave abuses
which confront us, having high license
in Laurel and Bladensburg districts
which has proved inefficient. we de-
mand local option law-that the peo-
may express the decision as to whether
saloons shall be longer licensed in our
county.
Those who ask for this law are not
sentimental dreamers, religious fanatics,
but our best people. irrespective of class
creed or party. They are the proper
ty owners, taxpayers and voters. Their
cause is living, growing. benehcient
power. 1t has expressed itself in our
political life, and shall in the future be
dominant authority.
In conclusion, we have presented to
you. the members of the Legislature of
Maryland for Prince Georges county
the reason of our views and the Justice
of our demands.
In the statement of our petition and
our desires we are fair and truthful.
Entertaining malice toward none, and
with charity toward all, we but ask for
the people, that which is the peoples
right. Not that those who think as we
do shall decide this question. not even
that you, or the members of the Legis-
lature, are to be opposed with the diff
Guilty and responsibility of deciding it,
but that the majority of the voters shall,
in the solemn expression OF the ballot
box, answer as to what is right and
wise. that the saying of old may be vim
Dictated, 1.-The voice of the people is the
voice of God Without blgotry, pas
sion or prejudice, we speak in behalf of
a limitation upon that which contribut-
es everything that makes for evil, moth
thing that is conductive of good, in the
interest of better manhood and purer
womanhood, in the name of pros ress,
civilization and religion.
This we demand because it is right,
just and Christian for "righ eonsiress
exalteth nation" and "the wages of
sin is DEATH =