MR STAFFORD'S-REPLY TO MR CRAWFORD

Gisborne Times, Volume VIII, Issue 568, 12 November 1902, Page 3

MR STAFFORD'S-REPLY TO MR CRAWFORD

(To the Editor of the Times.) gjj. q h ive been deeply interested in tile correspondence appealing in the Times oi Into on the question of no-license, and though I disagree with the conclusions Mr Crawford has drawn, I urn thankful in has counnitted huuseif to something Ucti D ite in his last letter. I will deal with his objections in the order presented. No. 1 : I’rohibiton docs not effectually prohibit. That will, of course, depend in a large nicasuro on how the law is enforced, n has worked wonders in Clutha, as witness the letters from thero which appeared in

your issue of Friday lust. The law prohibits murder and theft; tho fuct that both these crimes are committed docs not prove tlio law to bo had, er that It is ineffectual in preventing crime. 2. Closinn hotels under local veto produces worse evils thun exist under present conditions Nobody desires to close hotels ; we do m tend to closo tne bars, the wlluonco ot which is pernicious and demoralising, o Prohibition is a partial failuro m Cluthu. TTow do you know tills, Mr Crawford . “Lysnar” says so, but be is no authority, and thirty business people do not constitute a majority, when there are over a hundred such people. If you knew your men, I don’t think you would bo very proud of your list Mr Crawford 4. Prohibition has failed in America? Sir, after forty years’ trial in the State of Maino, the prohibitory law was embodied Jq tbs constitution of the State, The

Legislature of Maine is certainly better able to judge the merits or demerits of prohibition than Messrs. Kowntrco and I’herwell, or even Mr Crawford. 5. Prohibition demoralises the people. Surely Mr Crawford you are not serious, or 1 shall havo to say this statement is not true. Drink does demoralize and brutalize its victims. Many people have tried prohibition in their homes; it has produced happy, contented, comfortable, and even prosperous homo circles. What it has done for individuals it will do for communities and nations. 0. No liccnso vote carried, increases rates and decreases property values and wages. This is a mere bald statement, and is absolutely disproved by Clutha, where property values have risen, streets have been greatly improved, rates have not increased, neither have h r ° n 0 (lown - ,r * Crawford has made statements which are impossible of proof. It is really sad to see so intelligent a man defendin'' so vile a traffic. Quito recently nno engaged in tlw trade sain to me, “ Look, my hoy, “ad Uiu argument is on your side,” ** hut it is my biead and buLtur.” I admired tn« man for his honesty, tlmugu it is to ot d.plored he stiil sells 1 quor. - I am, etc., Fkanojs Stafford.