davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1917-10-26

Clifton Forge. Va, Oct. 6, 1917.
DR.. James Cannon. Jr..
Richmond. Va,
Dear Doctor:
! have your letter of the 4th asking
me what effect prohibition has had.
according to my observation, upon the
material and moral welfare OF the
state.
can only speak from experience
and observation had in my own terri
tory When we voted the saloons out
of my home town, oven ten years ago.
the liquor people said we had ruined
business and killed the town. They
were false prophets. In the town OF
5000 people we had thirteen saloons.
and l suppose they did at least $780,
600 of business annually OF course,
all drinking did not stop, but the great
bulk OF this money was spent for
shoes, books. clothes and better iiv-
Ing after the saloons went. The town
was not ruined. and it's material pros
perity has been hundred-fold
greater without than with them. The
same thting is true Of Covington.
another town In my circuit OF about
the same size.
I have been on the bench twenty
two years. When | first commenced
we had bar-rooms at every cross
roads The criminal dockets of my
courts were congested and the jails
full. In proportion as ffuuor was
voted out In the several counties and
towns of my circuit, violation OF the
laws lessened, the dockets became
smaller and jail population decreased.
Before whiskey went 1t was no I'M
usual thing for me to sentence from
three to ten persons to the peniten-
tiary every month. Now / rarely have
serious felony case. and the crfmi-
nal business in my courts is really
negligible. have in my circuit four
counties and my home city. The ter
ritory embraces a large mining dis
trict and in the whole circuit there
are not pending a half dozen felony
cases, and the tail- are practically
empty.
| When / started out In my judicial
career / was. / suppose, wet. l be.
| lieved in high license and all of that
As saw the beneficial effects OF elimi-
mating the traffic / became dryer and
dryer. and now / am and have been
for years bone dry"
Yours very truly,
! GEORGE X. ANDERSON.
The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1917-10-26

Winchester. Va. Oct. S. 1917
Rev. James Cannon, Jr,,
Supt. Anti saloon League OF Va
Richmond, Va.
Dear Dr. Cannon;
Owing to my absence from Wash
ington and Winchester. there was
some delay in my receipt of your let
Ter,
In response TO your inquiry as to
the effect of prohibition In Virginia 40
far as ii he's come under my opseFNa-
ton, beg to say that / am EFeatiE
vratifad AT the very material improve
snceat On every hand which prohibition
has brought about
My public life covers period which
shows the progressive development OF
prohibition ideas IN Virginia. When
The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1917-10-26
Richmond Va, Dot. 4, 1877.

Richmond, Va, Dot. 4. 1917.
DR.. James Cannon, Jr..
TOT +. Grace st., City.
Dear Sir:
I am very pleased TO add my testi-
mony as to the beneficial results of
prohibition in this city and state.
! have talked with many who were
opposed to the prohibition amendment
and voted against 1t who are now en-
Enthusiastically in favor of it. None OF
the dire calamitfes which were predict
e by the liquor interests, to my knowi-
edge, have happened. Property values
are just as good. and our PEOPLE are
more prosperous than ever before.
Notwithstanding the fact that we were
a large distributing center. covering
isrge territory to the south and west
of US, we do not appear to have lost
anything on account of the closing out
OF this business. certainly 1t has not
been reflected in our bank deposits and
clearings
] am thoroughly convinced that
from an economic viewpoint alone we
are better off, and as to the social and
moral aspect, there Is no comparison
between the conditions existing today
and those prior to the closing of the
saloons In this city and throughout the
state. -
Very truly yours,
OLIVER J. SANDS
The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1917-10-26
stanton. Va, o.t. s, 1sf

stanton. Va, O.t ), lSaY
Or. JAS. Cannon, Jr.,
My Dear Sir:
It gives me pleasure to reply TO your
favor of the 9Th inst. I I'm In a po-
sition TO observe anu rgivb judgment
on the manner in viii IN statewide pro-
hibition in Virginia has effected thia
portion OF the state and particularly
that part of II embraced In the limits
OF the Eighteenth judicial circuit.
lis effects have been wholly good. /
do not by this mean To state that this
law has been in no tnitsnce broken.
1t mas been. and IN sofa0 cases. the Of
tenders have been punished: In some
they have escaped punis hment. just as
do those who perpetrat, other crimes.
but In every instan Q there has been a
crafty manifestation desire on
the part of every otfi2ial with whom l
have come in contact to enforce this
law In its entirety.
In Lexington. where is located two
II the chief educational institutions of
this state. and where thousand young
men are copyrighted, ! have an un-
usual opportunity for observation and
II gives IN. pleasure to bear witness to
the good influence clearly shsrVA- Many
WHO desahtsA the HlsAssa sSe this .sS.s-
iAs4se Axs NOW, II eosaiAi sstpost1hA
The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1917-10-26

Richmond, Va, Oct. 10, 1917.
DR.. James Cannon. Jr.,
TOT Il. Grace St.,
Richmond. Va
Dear Sir:
Immediately upon receipt OF your
letter asking what effect I think pro-
hibition has had upon the material
and moral welfare of the state. went
out to lunch, apd took seat among
seven friends and acquaintances. in
tho restaurant. mentioned having
received your letter Of inquiry. and
asked them to express their opinion.
They all readily responded. The ser-
geant OF one OF our courts said: PRO
hibition mas done a great deal OF good.
know of three families who are be-
ing amply provided for by the has-
band and father. Before prohibition
these men spent an average OF three
out Of four Saturday nighxs In jail
for drunkenness. j know of many
other similar cessa." 4 dry. goods
The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1917-10-26
tContinued from First Page.)
personal knowledge that 1t has had
good effect in my own city.
Sincerely yours.
f e HOLLAND.

Washington. d. c, Oct, 6, 1917.
Rev. Jas. Cannon, Jr.,
Richmond. Va.
Dear MIR. Cannon:
l have been In Virginia compare
sively little since statewide prohioi-
ton went into effect. congress having
been in practically continuous SEES
sion. conse auentiy have not been in
position TO observe the effect or the
law.
Then i've in a portion OF the state
that has been under prohibition sew
eral years In that section, am saie
in saving that prohibition would re-
ceive a larger vote now than ever be-
fore.
Very tsaiy YOURS,
The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1917-10-26

nortunity to Immediately observe the
effect in other sections of the state.
but in my opinion the moral and ma
terial welfare OF that part of Virginia
which is embraced In my judicial cir
cult has been greatly promoted by
the abolition of saloons No doubt the
sah.e can be said of the state at large
/ might also say that the people
of my circuit have. generally speak
The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1917-10-26
Very truly yours,
OLIVER j. SANDS.
Empor:a. Va. Oct. 8, 1917

Emporia. Va. Oct. 8, 1917.
Rev. James Cannon. Jr.,
Richmond. Va.
Dear Sir:
| have yours of the 4th instant ask
ing my opinion as to the effect of pro-
hibition in the state of Virginia.
I can truthfully say that SO far as
! have seen, 1t has wrought miracles,
and certainly in our immediate vi
entity. The conditions are not to be
compared to what they were prior
to state wide prohibition.
We are working now about 500 COL
ored people in our business and we
have seen a wonderful Improvement
in them which we attribute mainly to
the fact that they are unable to Sc
cure whiskey. I wish I could find
words to express myself more emphati-
cally In Its favor, but simply say
that those who do not enjoy or do not
live in a place where whiskey is not
sold and can not be had can not begin
20 appreciate the benefits that such a
conditions affords
Very truly yours.
G. L. VINCENT,
Banker and Manufacturer
The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1917-10-26

ing. accepted prohibition and desire
to see the law enforced; and, although
the authorities have been diligent, the
records Of these courts disclose won
derfully few violations. considering the
revolutionary change in our liquor
laws
Yours very respectfully,
JOS w. CHINN,
Judge Twelfth Judicial Circuit of
Virginia.
The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1917-10-26

Richmond. Oct. 8, 1917.
Rev. James Cannon. Jr,
Richmond, virginia.
Dear Doctor Cannon:
Replying to your inquiry regard.
ing my opinion OF the practieal etfec.
Of the prohibition law in Virginia ana
making the allowance for the fact
that statute is vet young and the test
therefore not fully made, 40 hot
hesitate to say that my observation IN
nv own ana in other comnuh itieS
has thoroughly satisfied me that ths
law is a success, gnd that ttS tIsNN
upon the moral and matef'hl -,
Of the state is. and "ib coh''.1uo
~ hnn.scial in very high degree
Yours sincerely,
JoeEPH l.. KELLY .
The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1917-10-26
n. r. ID. /, Holdcroft, Va.
October l6, 1917.
Rev, DIR. James Cannon. Jr..
Richmond, Va,

Rev DR. James Cannon, Jr.,
Richmnnd, Va.
Dear Sir;
The receipt OF your letter of the 4th
was delayed on account of my alb
sence on the circuit.
In reply to your inquiry | would
say that in recent years the criminal
docket OF all my courts has been
greatly reduced, and this gratifying
fact Is largely due to the prohibition
law now operative in Virginia. and
especially to the obstruction of the
omen saloon. Certainly in this section
of the state. public opinion stands
firmly behind the enforcement OF the
law. and / believe the bsnefcent ef-
seetsf cs the statute and the resultant
Grange in the social customs Of the
The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1917-10-26
Banker and Manufacture

Norfolk. va. Oct g, -l919,-
]. ", Hough. Esq,
Norfolk, Va.
Dear Sir:
Replying to your letter of. the sth
instant, beg TO say that in my opinion
the closing of the saloons In this city
has had no adverse effect on the gem
eral business of the city. The money
generally invested in that form of busi-
ness has as a rule gone into other
enterprises, and believe that the gem
eral effect has been exceedinly helpful
Yours very truly.
NATHANIEL BEAMAN,
Bank President.
The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1917-10-26

Chatham, Va, Oct. 3, is17.
Rev. James Cannon,
Richmond, Va,
My Dear Sir:
/ am in receipt OF your letter of the
4th inst. asking my opinion as to the
effect OF prohibition In this section of
the state. / will simply state a few
facts from which you may draw your
own conclusions. For several years
prior to November /. 1915. tried from
eight to twelve murder cases year !,
and from twenty to thirty cases. of
felonious assault a year. Since that
time l have tried only one murder
] have just concluded term Of court
term / have hel2 there when there was
not single /isoner in the county
Jail. In Pittsylvania county, the larg-
est county in the state. only one jury
has been impaneiled. in a>felony case
since March. in Patrick, the other
county in my circuit. conditions are al
most as good AS they are in Henry
ard Pittsylvania. Criminal expenses
have decreased in proportion to the
decrease in crime.
For several months / have not seen
n man who appeared to be drinking,
bu. on every hand there is evidence of
increased thrift and efficiency. The
people seem to be contented and hap
ply. and they were never more prosper
Gus in the history of the country than
now.
With best wishes, am,
Sincerely yours.
r I HARVEY
The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1917-10-26
Abingdon, Va. oct. .. 1si'

Abingdon, Va. Oct. ., 1917.
Or. James Cannon, Jr..
Richmond, Va
Dear Doctor Cannon:
In reply to your letter OF the 4th
instant. requesting me to state what,
in my opinion, has been the effect
of the prohibition law upon the ma
teriai and moral welfare OF the state,
IL affords me pleasure to state that the
general effect throughout the state
has been excellent. In my judicial
circuit. composed OF the counties of
Smyth, Washington and Scott. the
good effect of the law has been mar
velous. Drunkenness has decreased
10 such an extent that a person intoxi-
Gated is a rarity. Before the passage
OF the prohibition law the criminal
docket was congested: since it's pas
sage the docket has greatly decreas-
ed should say rs per cent
The law has been strictly enforced
and violators thereof have BEEN ex-
ceedingly few.
In my Judgment a repeal of the
prohibition law would be calamity.
Very truly yours.
PRESTON w. CAMPBELL,
Judge OF the Twenty-third Judi
cial Circuit Of Virginia.
The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1917-10-26
Cashier First National Bank.

Roanoke, Va. Oct. 5, 1917.
Rev. James Cannon, Supt,,
Anti-Saloon League,
Richmond, Va.
Dear Doctor:
II gives me great pleasure to say
that l have carefully observed the
workings and effect OF the prohibition
law on the material and moral welfare
of our state and I unhesitatingly say
that my conclusion Is that the effect
has been most excellent. / do not be-
l.eve that there are many. II any,
reasonable men in our state who vot-
ed against prohibition would deny
this fact, and but few of them would
be in favor of the return to "oid
conditions"
l am connected with one Of tie
largest banking institutions and the
largest manufacturing plant in our
city and the effect in both cases k'ts
been most marked. OF course. we
have had b great many violtions of
the law, but the diligence with which
these have been prosecuted Is raving
very fine effect, and believe that the
time is not far distant when such
violations will he reduced to a mini
mum and we shall have the law en-
forced. as other laws on our statute
books.
Your very truly,
r. r. FISHBURNE,
Banker and Manufacturer.
The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1917-10-26

Blackstone, Va, Oct. 10, 1917.
DIR. James Cannon. Jr,
Blackstone, Va
Dear Sir:
I am gratiied at the effects OF pro-
hibition II the liquor traffic In this
state. There liz a marked increase in
bank deposits. traceabie directly to the
beneficial effects of this law on our
people. particularly have the savings
deposits increased since the outflow
of money for drink has ceased.
So marked has been the benefits OF
this law upon the people Of the state.
that some OF the bitterest enemies
OF prohibition now admit frankly thai
they would not, under any circum-
stances. go back to the old local ops
ton methods OF handling the traf-
f1c.
The moral effect on the community
has been wonderful. I can call to
mind citizens that were worthless
sots under the old law that are now
leading sober lives.
/ cannot refrain from giving credit
where credit is due and in this case
1t is due almost entirely to the Anti
Saloon League of Virginia, under the
wise MANAGEMENT OF its leaders.
Yours sincerely,
S. l.. BARROW.
Cashier First National Bank.
The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1917-10-26
Warsaw. Va. October 81 1917.

Warsaw. Va. October r. 1917.
Rev James Cannon. Jr..-----------
Superintendent Anti-Saloon League
of Virginia,
Richmond. Va.
Dear Sir:
regret very much that reply to
your letter has been so long delayed,
but / have been away from home en-
gagged in holding courts In adjoining
counties during the past four weeks.
which circumstances prompted me
from EtvinE proper attention to my
have had no op-
The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1917-10-26

Richmond. Va, October 10. 1917.
Rev. James Cannon, Jr.,
Anti Saloon League of Virginia.
70f East Grace St,
Richmond, Va.
Dear Sir:
found your letter of October d
here on my return from Goochland.
In reply I would say that the period
since last November la somewhat short
as a basis upon which to express an
opinion of what will be the exact effect
OK the prohibition law. However. l
am satisfied that the absence of the
barroom or saloon where liquo- was
sold has improved the conditions In
the counties of my circuit, both mater
tally and morally, y@es..
f.. Yours very truly,
JOHN RUTHERFORD.
The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1917-10-26
Falls Church. Va. Oct. ., 1917.

Falls Church Va. Oct. .. 1917.
Rev. James Cannon, d. D..
Richmond, Va.
Dear Brothe. Cannon:
Our state prohibitory law has pro-
eli efficient and greatly helpful.
Drinking intoxicants has almost dis
appeared In this community and sec
tor and a man seen under the In
fluence of liquor Is very rare oc-
currence and but one arrest for this
offence has been made since the law
went into effect last November.
Reliable Information from other
sections of our county is to the same
effect
or course the very few -hahitnai
drinkers can still obtain liquor from
Washington. as II is so convenient.
but as our capital city goes dr." the
first of next month, we viii then get
the full benefits OF our prohibitory
Law.
Our people are unanimous. almost,
in their hearty approval of the law.
Very sincerely yours
GEO. w. HAWxHURST.
Banker
The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1917-10-26
Farmviiie, Va, Oct. 8. 1917.

Farmville, va, OCt. o. JSAf'
Rev. James Cannon, Jr., II. d.
Superintendent Anti-Saloon
League of Virginia.
Dear Sir:
Yours OF the 4th inst asking me
what effect think prohibition has had
upon the material and moral welfare Of
the state received. Although. did
not favor the enactment of the prohibit
ton law, but favored local option, az
the best means OF deaiing with the lie
quor evil In Virginia. my mind hes beer
open to conviction, and after careful
observation. I am convinced that the
effect upon both the material and moral
welfare of the state has been good. /
have noticed marked change In the
habits and appearance of individual Is
who were already far gone with the d.
sease called alcoholism. I cannot say
that business has increased. nor do l
see that 1t has been diminished. but /
do think that living conditions are bet
ter. amongst the families OF those who
have heretofore been addicted TO the
drink habit.
I notice that arrests and prosecutions
for crime have greatly diminished In
my circuit. within the last year, and
that there Is less drunkenness and dis
order in public assemblies. and the jatls
are generally empty. Whether all this
Ia due 20 the operation of the law,
am unable to say. but do think, that
the law and those who advocated II. are
entitled to a fair statement of exist
ing facts. and to the conclusions which
may he drawn from them.
Permit me to say also. that l think
some of It's pro ''isions are too drastic.
and are calculated to unnecessarily ir-
ritate Iaw-abiding and liberty-loving
people; for Instance: / think the pun
ishment provided for a first offence,
comprising as II does, both fine and
imprisonment without allowing any dis
erection to ou-t or jury, to omit one
or the other. II too harsh. and Is the
cause of many failures to convict, by
juries. where conviction should be had,
and to that ext emit it tends TO de-
moraligation.
Yours sincerely,
GEO, ]. HUNDIEY.
Judge OF the Fifth Judiciap Circuit
OF Virginia.
The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1917-10-26
suffolk. Va. Oct /, 1917.
Dr. James Cannon. Jr,
Superini endent Of AT ti-Saioon
League OF Va,
Richmond. NirEinta

Superini endent of AT IT, Saloon
League OF Va.
Richmond, virginia,
Ny Dear Doctor. %
| have your letter OF the goth ult.
requesting my opinion as to the effect
upon genedal business conditions OF
the prohibition law in my locality
Eastern Virginia).
his city and the counties OF SanRe-
mold and southampton have been dry
period in which the sale OF intoxicating
ritory, real estate valuos in the rural
section, ] can safely say, have doubled
and IN niay}y Instances have auadrnpled,
II being 4 rather singular fact thttNin
those sections OF these counties that
were trst to vote liquor out, real es-
tate values have 1rst increased there
As TO the city of Suffolk, We have
been dry some eight years. during
which time bank deposits have con.
siderably more than doubled; the fac
tories that have located here Increased
In numbers immensely; the emploes in
the factories are probably more than
100 per cent Increased, and with this,
OF course. has come general prosperity
in all lines Of business in the city.
| need hardly say that crime has been
reduced more than 100 per cent as
shown by the actual police records.
don't think our people would give seri-
Gus consideration to an attempt to re-
store the old conditions.
Yours very truly,
JAMES l. MLEMORE
The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1917-10-26

McKenney. Va, October "a. 1917.
Rev. James Cannon, Jr.,
Richmond. Wa.
Dear DIR. Cannon:
Replying to yours Of recent date
relative to the prohibition in our co,in-
ty. beg leave 10 say. that have been
located at McKenney for seventeen
years in a mercantile way, We operas-
ed under the license system. local
option. and now statewide prohibit
ton. II gives me great pleasure to
state that prohibition is a positive end
absolute success from every stand
point. Ii ~ great pleasure to do
business now with men making an
honest living who used to be drunk
at least two-thirds OF their time. We
have characters OF this kind In our Inn
mediate community. with whom it Is 4
pleasure to do business
Sincerely yours,
JNo, r. DOYLE,
Banker.
The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1917-10-26

Norfolk. Va. October ., 1917.
Mr.. j. w. Hough,
20i e. Plume street,
Norfolk, Va,
Dear Sir:
] wish to acknowledge receipt Of
your favor OF the 5th making some
inquiry concerning the effect or, busi-
ness on account OF the closing OF tho
saloons In our city during the fall Of
1915.
In this connection, l wish to advise
you that In my Judgment there IL NO
question about the, closing of ths
saloons having benefited business.
fCnnfi nl,Ad an sr6s.A 49, h.
The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1917-10-26
Believe me TO be
Very truiy yours.
HENRY W. HOLT.
sixteenth judicial Circuit,
October 6, 1917.

Sixteenth judicial Circuit,
october 6. 1917.
Rev James Cannon, n. D..
T0l East Grace Street.
Richmond, Virginia.
Dear MIR. Cannon:
Your letter of yesterday has just been
received. and in reply to the rame, I
beg TO say that I am greatly pleased
and gratified at the effects of prohibit
tion In Virginia.
l vas fifteen years prosecuting at
tcrney before became Judge, now moro
than ten years ago. and hence have
had an opportunity 10 Judge OF the
good that has been. In my opinion. &C :
complished by prohibition. l should
hate greatly TO see our state return TO
the ell order of things
I am very busy In court and hence
have written hurriedly, but / cannot
too strongly indorse the good effects
that have been and are being accom-
plished under prohibition in our state.
Truly yours,
j. b. r. THORNTON.
The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1917-10-26
Rocky Mount, Va. Oct. 8. 1917.
Rev. James Cannon, Jr,,
Supt. Anti-Saloon League of vir


Sfftfsft
Richmond, Va
Dear Sir:
Yours of the 4th of October came
While | was away in Bedford circuit
court, and / am very glad to receive
your letter. The effects OF prohibit
Eion in my circuit have been. in my
judgment, a blessing, not only to MEN
OF the present day, bat especially to
the coming generation of young men.
My observation has been that men
who used to come about the court
house and get drunk, and many Ct
them be Imprisoned and fined, now
come with their trade and 20 back
home sober and in ar orderly and
peaceful way. The difference is more
marked here in Franklin, probably,
than anywhere, else, because this lis
what you might call a very wet
county, but know various men here
who have been wet who would vote
dry now. / myself have voted both
ways, wet and dry, IA ut ] am now
unquestionably bitterly opposed to a
return OF the old regime. The bar
room. l think. is not only menace
to the public, but disgrace to civil
ization.
have not had many violations of
the Mapp law to contend with. but
usually they plead guilty and take
their dose of $50 fine and thirty days
| in Jail for the first offensa | feel
sure that the state of Virginia Is
safely Within the prohibition lines.
Very truly yours.
| p. H. BILLIARD