The Redwood gazette. [volume] (Redwood Falls, Minn.) 1873-1940, 1937-01-14
LIQUID BOmbShell

= bombshell to the legislature, although
it hasn't as yet burst in full force,
when he suggested the liquor business be
made state institution with the idea of
reforming if possible what has been regard
ed for generations as something of a repro
bate.
There are so many angles of the sub
ject that no one not devoted student of
liquor control can hope to see the entire pic
ture in the time which has elapsed since his
announcement.
To the politician, for example, it looks
like scheme to build huge political Or
ganization with immense profits for the
state.
To the radical politician, it is an oppor-
tunlty to put the state in business with
every possibility of success and the chance
then of pointing out other industries to be
absorbed by the state. AS starting point
it is ideal because where another business
has sympathizers, there are few who waste
any tears for the liquor interests.
To the ardent dry, it is blow to pro-
hlbition hopes for the government rarely
gives up a profitable sideline, or any side
line that supplies jobs. Liquor under any
management smells the same to a prohibi-
ZIONIST.
To the business man, it is another eX-
ample of government in business, one which
forbodes new experiments because on the
basis of profits it can hardly fail. The liquor
business has known few depressions.
To the distiller, it at least leaves the
opportunity to get out of dealing with CHS
cling wholesalers, chance to sell to a GUS
toner whose credit is good and who, once in
the business, is likely to be permanent GUS
toner. Of course the state will expect it's
goods at cost plus ten, not 40 per cent.
To the private wholesaler and retailer
it is a blow below the belt from the leader
of the party they supported. If they are
philosophical at all, however, perhaps they
expected that such fabulously profitable
trade as many have enjoyed since the leg
alizing of booze could not last.
To the legislature it will be headache,
in some cases of the hangover variety, be-
fore it is settled To the legislator with a
pet bill, it offers extraordinary opportunity
to trade with the trader sure of a defense
for his vote before any audience. To the
legislator with vote for sale it is an oppor-
tunity to obtain top price.
Governor Benson, sincere dry, no doubt
suggested the plan with the honest convic-
ton that it promises considerable reform,
particularly in the large cities where the old
saloon and the old time evils have taken res
idence again. His inaugural address would
indicate the government in business angle
desire for tax money no doubt added flavor
to the proposal.
To Redwood Falls, the principal differ
ence would be that the state would furnish
the stock for the municipal stores shelves.
Several travelling men representing as many
firms would be replaced perhaps by one in
spector and order taker. The liquor commits
sioner or commission would set retail prices,
if uniform prices were deemed advisable
and have dictatorial power over other
phases of the stores operation should it see
fit to exercise them.
The city councils ardor for the highly
technical and detailed milk grading ordin-
ance which it recently passed cooled on fur
ther thought but the body is committed to
the idea that Redwood Falls milk supply
must be more closely supervised with strict
requirements and proper labels. The city is
entitled to every protection.
Fairmont Sentinel says: That it's not one
whit too early to begin laying away spon-
dulix for that vacation next summer.