LICENSING LAW.

Dominion, Volume 2, Issue 496, 1 May 1909, Page 14

LICENSING LAW.

Sjr, —I am surprised that any person subscribing himself "Toiler"- could write in such an undemocratic strain. 'If a majority'of the people desire an alteration, in any form of government, it is recognised that tney should have it. I five in a No-License suburb, and know that Karorij Brooklyn, Seatoun, Day's Bay. oto., in which there is, of course, drinking, -are infinitely more prosperous ana respectable under No-Liconse, and this fact is testified to by some 'five-sixths *of the residents. •. Does "Toiler" remember tne rumpus that took place when an attempt was made to force an'hotel upon the residents of Rintoul Street? Well, there would be fax more trouble for anyone attempting to foist one on any. of the above-named suburbs. The reason, according to "Toiler," is "an abundance of cheaper liquor." Can "Toiler" point to one hotel in the world and truthfully sav "Uiere is an institution which makes for improvement' and enlightenment of mankind, a Bchool which • ennobles and beautifies the scholars, improving the | morals' and characters of those conducting it?" 'My business*takes me into the neighbourhoods of North Street, Tory Street, .and To Aro -Flat, 'and. T say sthat the • scenes taking plaoe there daily 'and nightly as a direct result of the licensed liquor traffic are a .diflgraco to our boasted civilisation. Twico recently have I seen women dragged along by the police, women sunk down to the lowest 1 depths of degradation, graduates of these | schools of morality: and virtue. Let "Toiler" visit tho S.M. Court to-morrow a<nd see .the array :of miserable creatures dealt with for purchasing their wares from these licensed vendors-or refreshments. Then lot "Toiler" attend the Tory Street Mission and inquire into tho work' being done there to alleviate as muoh as possible the misery and wretchednew caused by the drink curse; Perhaps'he will then cease to scoff at tho work' of tho Churoh, and scoff at the _ hotel. : Sir, • the ordinary of subduing an evil- is to prohibit it: to propagate an evil permit .it. Of course there are "unbiased observers" extremely anxious for peace on earth and goodwill to all men, ana so concerned about the poor unfortunate No-License dupes,' not dupes, mark you, , that they argue differently. J?ancy licensing opium dais at street corners, with; a view to checking the opium habit. It is too ridiculous: ask a Chinaman.—l am, etc., • '■ ■ FIRE PLUG. .P.S.—No donbt the French W English globe-trotters decrying No-Lioen&. - are interested in - the traffic, for authentio police reports prov© No-License to be aji unbounded success where tried. . [This lettor has been abridged.]