The Alaska daily empire., 1916-01-19
wAsHINeToNs DRY LAW

Washington has now been dry sixteen days, and judging the editorial expressions Of the neWSp pers the provisions of the statute are being enforced without trouble
 The Tacoma Ledger commented the transition from wet" to dry" as follows:
 The transition from wet" to dry" In this state was marked by an abundance of good humor Every body had his Ette joke about it Even the saoonkeep CTS who will be most affected from the standpoint of livelihood took 1t good naturedy. In the last wet days they were busy selling to persons who were stocking up against the dry season that they hardly had time to think about It. Moreover the liquor deal CTS had done most of their thinking about .t months ago They had more than years notice of the ter imitation of their business The dry law was nltat- ed by petition early in 1914 and was referred to the electorate approved by h in November or that year. So there were about l4 months between enactment or the law and the practical taking effect Hope was no doubt entertained that the would find the law unconstitutional though the hope probably faint because those engaged in the business were well aware of widespread tendency stringeny to restrict the i' Quor traffic.
 Under the new law the county auditor issues per mts to adult citizens for the importation of limited amounts of liquor beer. For several weeks to come the number of permits is likely to be sma because o the supplies laid in by families in the last few days There be persons who like little on hand for medl- cnal purposes but who would feel some embarrassment m going the county auditors office for permit They as well as persons who like little for other purposes as we'll medicinal did great deal Of shopping on the day preceding the dry" New Year. Retail and wholesale establishments did an enormous business be- tween Christmas and New Year so that by the night of December SO or 2i hours before the taking effect of the dry" law there was little left
 Now will come Q test of how the law works out
 would be unreasonable Tn view of the experience or other dry" states like Name. for example to believe there will be no violations. The law has teeth in it. and the violator will assume heavy risks
 It is the law and should be obeyed as other laws are obeyed The statements of various officials show that they will labor earnestly and conscentousy for its enforcement That is as 1t should be
 The Spokane Spokesmau-Review published the fol- lowing editorials
 which the arrival of the New Year and the coming of prohibition were celebrated
 Drunkenness and disorder were less than on pre- vious New Years There was galey hiarity even but little disorder and practically rowdyism. The number of those who celebrated" in downtown cafes was unusually large but unusually decorous Pracuc- ally all were out for legitimate evening of orderly en- terta,nment.
 The police force had made elaborate preparations to cope with disorder but. though commendabe' they proved to be little needed The good order was the result of the orderly spirit and intention of practically all of the ceebrants
 One thing proved by many New Years eve parties in the cafes was that lack of intoxicants does moi XII joy or prevent decent merrment All of the good time town will not go into mourning because it can't get alcoholic ioy-makers
 The manner in which the New Year ushered in speaks well for the enforcement of the new prohbi tion law The sentiment of Spokane people Is for obedience to the law and this city has plenty of legit mate pleasures and industries n doesn't have 10 de- pend on strong drink either for Its prosperity It's ing !. needs no commlseratons over the 'dry' law.