MR HEPWORTH DIXON ON SOBRIETY BY LAW.

Waikato Times, Volume 459, Issue VIII, 27 April 1875, Page 2

MR HEPWORTH DIXON ON SOBRIETY BY LAW.

What are the secrets of yds artisansVparadise ? Why is the place so clean, t&\eopje so well housed and fed? Why are the little \<Jlks J> kale in face, so smart in person, and so neat in dr>A toII voices, I am bound to say, reply to me, that thell unusual yet desirable conditions in a workmen's village, spring from a strict enforcement of the law prohibiting the sale of any species of intoxicating drink. The men of Vermont, like those of other northern States, have adopted that public act which is known to English jesters and good fellows under the opprobrious title of the Maine Liquor Law. These adversaries of Bishop Still, and his riotous stave of " Jolly good ale," command a large majority of votes, They wish to drink water, and they will not stand by and see other men drink beer. They come of strut old Border stock, with great capacities of selfdenial, and a steady burning rage for saving weaker persons then themselves. Being virtuous, they abolish cakes and ale, and will not suffer ginger to be hot in the mouth. "We %c," they say, "in a commonwealth, where >very Y^t * s * ree> ut we have only one law for all, and $h«^ we like to do you shall be bound by law to do." Hurrah for the k majority of votes. . r \ ; The Maine Liquor Lawjis a stfcngent act, and it is carried out in parts of the New England States with the unflinching rigour of an arcfljc frost. " What more would you expect T jeers a passiug stranger in the railway car ; " Would you look for figs on thistles, elk in Broadway, and toleration in the North ? Lank men are never sympathetic," cries the stranger " Look at these bony and cadaverous fellows — men all nerve and passion, but without the indolent good humor that will give and take." But they have done great things," I urge. "Yes, yes— ■ they have fine qualities — all head, however, no heart. Since they rule us in the South, I cannot help praying with Csesar, * Would they were fatter ! ' You have heard the saying in our country that fat tames all living creatures, even buffalo and bear. A thin people, with a tendency to water on the blood, we like to crack our jokes about fat men, and what fat men can do and cannot do. We speak of a stout t«llow who could grease his waggon wheels with his own shadow, and we say of that sort of fellow that he will never upset Lake Ontario. Such jolly fellows you will seek in vain through these New England States where people lie under the Maine Liquor Law. \