The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1920-04-15
\. c. |. IS REDUCED
BY PROHIBITION

Westervilie, O., April 14.-Prohibi-
ton as it works out and is enforced
is expected. by Anti-Saloon League
leaders here, to work out gradual de-
Creases in the high cost of living,
back to-the land movement and
general rural benefit, which also will
prove beneficial to the people OF the
cities.
Heretofore a portion of the exodus
from country to town" the league
points out, undoubtedly has been due
to attractions afforded by the sal loon.
True of course, the rural and village
popula tons have been drier in senti-
ment and practice than the average
city population, but, nevertheless,
there always have been those who
would because Of the supposedly good
times to be had where there were
the flowing bowl and its accom- PAM
ments.
That attraction now is gone.
Whatever of lure there may have
been in 1T has passed away. Those
who went to town for conviviality
now find that particular sort of con-
VITALITY gone.
But that is not the chief factor.
Under prohibition there inevitably
comes a demand for better living.
which is reflected in the desire OF
families heretofore strangers to the
better food, clothing and shelter. 10
possess things they have not been
able to afford. but may now safely
buy.
That very desire is partially re-
sponsible these days for lack of houses
in which TO live, the sale of better
cuts of meat, and the demand for
higher priced clothing. This demand
inevitably will result in increased pro-
duction, for production comes in re-
Spouse to demand.
For instance, in the cost of nous.
ing: Whenever there has been rails
ing of rents and an increase in prices
Tor lots and buildings, there has been
a movement toward the country on
the outskirts and borders OF cities
building land is cheaper. Nearby vii
lagos that have trolley connection ex-
perience a boom in the demand for
housing of those either forced out or
willingly leaving the city, but who
must still find employment in the city
Their growing children often find
work on nearby farms. At any rate,
there is movement toward the
farms which, at least, checks the
movement to the city.
Prohibition will put pen and n
desire to work and have something
INTO many man who heretofore has
existed only to find a drink. Farmers
are crying aloud for help. Many city
men heretofore worthless in CITY in
dustries because of their incorporate
habits viii find lure to the country.
now that saloons are gone.
With less taxes needed to main
tam 1aiis, police courts, asylums and
poorhouses, county money largely
paid by farmers, will now go into
ROAD Improvement. bridges, country
schooihouses and other rural improve
ment. making farm life more attrac-
tive and decreasing the cost OF trans
portation OF foods.
Wheat, corn, potatoes, fruit and
other farm produce heretofore used
In the manufacture OF liquor arc new
available for use as food
prohibition undoubtedly will re-
duce loss OF materials used in manu-
featuring. reduce transportation
wrecks and mishaps. result in in
creased production of a better quality,
Keep men on the job better. facilitate
production and distribution, and pre-
vent waste and needless breakage all
OF which will tend to lower prices
without taking from legitimate
profits.
Prohibition will contribute to
church attendance and church mem
bership, and wherever churches are
alive and active, there will be found
better living and heavier and more
Intelligent production and distribu-
ton.
During the saloon regime. Monday
morning in the cities was time for
employers to go to police courts to
get drinking employees out of trouble.
That thing has almost passed away
with its resultant loss OF time on the
part of employer and employs. Also.
criminal courts no longer sit for days
and weeks. as formerly, taking time
of courts, lawyers witnesses and ju-
rors. Indeed, in many countries