"VERAX" AND PROHIBITION. TO THE EDITOR.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 9512, 22 August 1892, Page 3

"VERAX" AND PROHIBITION. TO THE EDITOR.

Sir,—ln yours of the 30tu ulfc., "Verax" asks the prohibitionists to give a definite answer to the following question :—Tn the event of prohibition being enacted, would brewers be fully compensated? adding that this was no idle question, and an answer "free from any absurd remarks about supposed parallel cases " was wanted. "Equity," in your supplement of Saturday last, I think "Verax" will admit, gave the desired information free from any absurd quibbles. "Equity" quoted from a judgment of the U.S.A. Supreme Court, given as late as December 1887 by the whole bench, composed of eight judges, stating that brewers had no claim to compensation because of prohibition becoming law. Now, according to yours of this (Monday) morning, "Verax'' thanks "Equity "for his letter, adding that it " may be American lnw, but certainly not English justice," and that he will be unable to join the prohibitionists, preferring, I presume, to remain identified witli those who demand that the licensing system and its attending horrors should continue (for the two are inseparable). Fur over 400 years regulation has been tried with this traffic, with scant success. Perhaps "Verax" is unaware why licensing was unacted. This is how and why it came into existence. (t has in its effects well accomplished its author's desire and prediction. It is described in a State paper now in the Urilish National Record office; it is addressed to Secretary Cecil, recommending him to adopt a scheme to be brought before Parliament to license for money the servants of the wealthy to sell alcoholic liquors to the people. It reads thus: "The wealth of the meaner sorts is the very summit of rebellion, the occasion of their insolence, of thu contempt of the nobility. It must be cured by keeping them in awe through the severity of justice, and by providing, as it were, some sewers or channels to draw or suck from them their money, by subtle and indirect means, to be handled insensibly." The license law was passed in spite of Cecil's protest. Commissioner Tyldsley 1.-lls the sequel in 1561. He says : "After having journeyed through several counties to find out the facts .... the ale houses have' Income the very stock and stay of false thieves and vagabonds, and ate supported by the gentlemen for the worst of motives." Because prohibitionists will not consent to compensate men as described above, "Vei-iix" declines to assist in the prohibition crusade. "Verax" wants 15G1 " Knglish justice." We want 1837 American law,'and will get it. —1 :im, &<;., Uuiiedin, August 15. Demos.

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