p. 17 | Our Participation in the Temperance Crisis in West Virginia

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Nov 21, 1912

Our Participation in the Temperance Crisis in West Virginia

By Benjamin George Wilkinson

THERE is at the present time before the people of West Virginia the question of an amendment to the constitution looking toward the establishment of State-wide prohibition. Section 46 of Article 6 of the constitution of West Virginia provides that laws may be passed regulating or prohibiting the sale of intoxicating liquors within the limits of the State. In harmony with this provision, the last legislature submitted to the voters of the State for ratification or rejection an amendment striking out this section, and inserting in lieu thereof the following: “On and after the first day of July, One Thousand Nine Hundred and Fourteen, the manufacture, sale, and keeping for sale of malt, vinous or spirituous liquors, wine, ale, porter, beer, or any intoxicating drink, mixture or preparation of like nature, except as hereinafter provided, are hereby prohibited in this State. Provided, however, that the manufacture, and sale, and keeping for sale of such liquors for medicinal, pharmaceutical, mechanical, sacramental, and scientific purposes may be permitted under such regulations as the legislature may prescribe.”

The liquor people are endeavoring to make the taxpayers understand that all taxpayers who possess $10,000 worth of property or more will have to pay a tax of $6.50 on each $10,000 worth of property if prohibition goes into effect. Of course they do not say anything about how much taxpayers have to pay for prisons, policemen, courts, hospitals, and asylums. It is true that some State revenues arising from the licensing of liquor will be cut off, but many expenses of taking care of the product of the licensed saloon will also be cut off, and the saving will likely take care of the loss of revenue. This is but a sample of the active and insinuating work that is being done by those who are financially interested in the manufacture and sale of intoxicating liquors. On the other hand, those who desire to have clean and virtuous neighborhoods have organized themselves together for the purpose of persuading the people to vote for the adoption of this amendment. Elder F. H. Robbins, president of the West Virginia Conference, has been chosen as a member of a committee which will work for that purpose.

Naturally, the Columbia Union and the West Virginia Conferences desired to have a part in this important campaign. In counsel with the General Conference brethren, it was decided that the Columbia Union Conference contribute cash to pay for papers and the time and expense of a special lecturer to visit the State, and push forward the circulation of the Temperance Instructor. In addition, the General Conference generously donated for this special work, while the little conference of West Virginia gave liberally. The publishers also joined in this campaign. To begin the work 20,000 copies of the special number of the Youth's Instructor were purchased. About 30,000 in all were finally circulated. Elder Robbins writes that he thinks this paper will help greatly in

breaking down prejudices and in opening many places for the further presentation of the truth.

It is impossible at this writing to report the full results of the campaign. We trust, however, that the united co-operation of all will be successful in bringing to pass State-wide prohibition, and in opening up hearts for the favorable presentation of the blessed truths of the third angel's message.

B. G. WILKINSON.