The labor journal. [volume] (Everett, Wash.) 1909-1976, 1916-12-22
PROPOSED PROHIBITION
AMENDMENT

Nose Freeland of Hoquiam, Wash
ington, has fathered an idea anent the
amending of the prohibition law
which has some merit, and at least
has The ring of common sense. Read
The following letter and get the idea:
"Hoquiam, Wash, Dec u, 1916.
"To The People of the State of Wash
ington:
"The matter of slightly amending
the prohibition law in aiding the
orphans Of this state will be proposed
to the next legislature.
"The scheme, as conceived by me
and endorsed by prominent men and
organizations, would in no way affect
the general provisions of the state
wide prohibition law. It would add
paragraph of philanthropy to it by
creating a large fund for our orphans.
lie is for these two reasons, largely,
that it is SO generally endorsed.
ITO explain the scheme in a few
words, it would provide for all liquor,
seized as contraband in this state be
ing sold by the sheriffs of the several
counties. The money derived there
from, in its entirety, to go to the as
sistance of the orphans.
This liquor it is proposed be sold
only on regular permits secured from
the county auditors. Those thus quail
flying to purchase liquor may at their
option buy it from the sheriffs. 1t
will be seen that in this manner no
backward step in the prohibition
movement as now provided by law
will be taken, but thousands of dollars
/ that would, anyway, go to wet states
would be held here and used to eX-
cellent advantage If the state should
go bone dry of course this provision
Of the law would be repealed auto
matically with the permit provision.
''The proposed bill for the next
legislature will provide that all police
departments of the state turn all
liquor seized by them Immediately to
the sheriff department, taking re-
ceipt for it. Provision will be made
for keeping a close check on all
moneys received by the sheriffs.
ut is proposed to have all liquors
now on hand by sheriffs and police
chiefs held pending action on the bill
by the legislature. 1t is estimated
there is now on hand about $175,OO0
worth of contraband liquor in the
state.
IF in the wisdom of the legislature
the proposition should be referred to
the people, action not anticipated I'M
der the circumstances, the necessary
petitions will be filed. 1t is not be-
lieved there will be any objection, by
the temperance people, owing to the
fact that the proposed amendment
does not conflict with the prohibition
law in the least. On the other hand,
its philanthropic intent is meritorious
MANY of the important fraternal
and labor organizations sanction the
plan, including the Elks and Central
Labor Councils. Men prominent in
civic life approve it.
Briefly | submit the idea to your
attention, trusting you will give it your
earnest consideration.
yours truly,
"MOSE FREELAND."
This sounds like the most sensible
proposition yet made regarding
changes in the prohibition law. The
destruction Of property, whether in
the form of alcoholic liquors or other
things Of value, is repugnant to the
law-abiding citizens conception of
law. 1t does not comport with com
mon sense. The Seattle habit of de-
stroying valuable furniture because
the owner uses it in the violation of a
sumptuary law is no less vicious than
would be the burning of a building
because liquor had been sold within
its walls.