Elko independent. [volume] (Elko, Nev.) 1915-current, 1917-07-25
ispeech of Senator Henry L. Mye
~ OF Montanal

was passed by the Continental con.
gress on the 9th day of February
l777. Indeed judging from the votes
that were cast in this chamber on
the seventh day OF this month fear
that It has slipped the minds Of many
of US.
II will come as a distinct surprise to
some congressman that the question of
food conservation, which we have
hitherto prided ourselves upon as the
very most recent Invention, demanded
attention in 1777. And 1t will GER
tainly startle some to be reminded
that in that connection the congress
went its lir1it, without presidential
interference or correspondence with
the Anti-Saloon league, for bone-dry
conservation OF food-stuffs.
Bone Dry In 1777
Resolved: "That 1t be recommend
ed to the several legislatures of the
United States, Immediately to pass
laws the most effectual for putting an
{. adiate stop to the pernicious prac.
tee OF disblling grain. by which the
most extensive evils are likely to be
derived, II not quickly prevented"
That was passed one hundred and
forty years ago. No body had ever
seen kerosene lamp, or cook stove,
or a steam boat, or locomotive, or a
postage stamp or dreamed of tele.
phone, automobile, flying machine or
submarine Those were slow and
dreamy days. But congress passed
more sensible and more effective con-
servatIon bill (within It's limitations)
In Ave minutes than this senate liv-
Ing in these days of enlightened pro-
gress has been able to pass in iTe
weeks. And incidentally, to the boun-
daries Of its limitations, it passed a
more statesmanlike bone-dry law than
this senate seems to be willing to en-
act.
But they had some distinct advant
ages-that was before the adoption OF
the constitution, and before the un
constitutional ghost was stalked nj
every legislative feast And they had
some disadvantages unfortunately
they could not enact any law binding
upon any body. and their resolution
met, in the legislatures the fate tha
great things often meet at the hand!
of small men.
Beer Had Not Vet
Discovered America
Socie critic may urge that the meas
ure was not bone-dry since 1t did no
mention brewing. At that date bee
had not discovered America. The gov
eminent has no record of the beer in
dustry prior to 1840-sixty.three year
after the adoption Of this resolution
and then the per capita consumption
was but 1876 gallons. or less than one
twelfth the per capita consumption o
last year.
cIear.visioned Men
This was the urgent and heartfelt
appeal of earnest men for immediat
action forbidding the transformatio
of their strengthening grains into
poison which was certain 10 bring
flood OF social and domestic disorder
They were without the moder
knowledge OF tl!e physical effect of a
cohoi upon the human system an
the physical economy. They wei
without the guidance of the experient
of charitable, correctional and PEN
institutions. They did not have Il
testimony of judges of every couI
OF peace officers OF every grade, al
Of cities and states of every sectiC
ali Witnessing the destructive nj
corrosive civic and social effects
drink. And, sir, It was before the n
vent Of the saloon. II was bcfo
drunkenness was looked upon as
weakness; 1t was before the ministe
OF Christ either Stunned II or look
upon II with marked disfavor; II W
before the insurance oompani
frowned upon alcohol; II was befo
the church demanded total abstinenc
II was before the school taught q
effects OF the poison; II was befo
there was a square inch OF prohi
ton territory in the AngloSax
world. That congress was a wor
renowned gathering that is rene
bered today with more generation,
spect and love than many, perha
than any, OF It's successors. Are tn
remembered for their wlsdom7 +
their time they were wise men, b
wisdom aocumulates with the yea
There Is not man in this chamb
that does not know more Of electrici
than Franklin. who knew more OF
than amy other of his time. But, 8
they are not remembered for The
oratory7 There were but few orato
among them, and this chamber hol
the equal OF their best Are they
membered for their literary attal
ments7 Their literary men thouI
great were few.
Men Of Courage
There Is one characteristic that q