The Temperance Campaign in Maine by M. W. Howe

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Aug 24, 1911

The Temperance Campaign in Maine

By M. W. Howe

THE temperance issue in Maine should claim the attention of our people all over the world. It is not only the temperance cause in Maine that is at stake, but the world-wide cause of temperance. The eyes of the whole world are on the issue here. It was here that the prohibitory movement had its birth; and since Maine has held the prohibition platform for over fifty years, naturally the enemies of prohibition seek to find something in Maine to demonstrate its failure; and if it is demonstrated to be a failure by a repeal of Maine's constitutional prohibitory amendment, the influence will be felt all over the world.

Richmond Pierson Hobson, in a lecture of March 19, 1911, at Portland, Maine, said:—

“Alcohol is slowly and surely degenerating our citizens. In 1850 the average consumption of liquor per capita was four gallons; to-day it is twenty-five. We must destroy this destroyer or ourselves be destroyed. Westward the course of empire has taken its way until the last country is reached. If America falls, the world is doomed. The liquor forces of Canada, together with the liquor forces of Europe, have united with the liquor forces of America to make Maine the citadel of the world.”

The fight will be a close one. The laxness in enforcing the prohibitory law, through the corruption of politics, has given the license movement vantage-ground, and hundreds have been moved from their position by a misrepresentation of facts.

The matter is being agitated in our Maine churches, and we feel sure all will help to the extent of their ability, but the utmost that the small company of believers in Maine will be able to do is far too small for the great issue before us.

In less than three weeks, this time of our greatest opportunity will be past. Something must be done, and done quickly. Shall we who know the truth, and who pose as the most temperate people in the world, let this opportunity go by? Often we are classed with the saloon element because we oppose Sunday laws, but in this straight temperance issue we should be in the forefront of the battle.

Friends of the cause of temperance everywhere, we appeal to you in this time of crisis in Maine, to come up “to the help of the Lord against the mighty.” Fifty thousand copies of the Instructor are wanted to distribute in Maine before September 1. Let those who hear “the sound of a going in the tops of the mulberry-trees” pray for the work in Maine, and contribute to pay for the Temperance Instructor to distribute in that State. May the Lord lend the strength of his mighty arm to give the victory. Money should be sent to D. W. Reavis, Review and Herald, Takoma Park, Washington, D. C.

M. W. Howe, Secretary Maine Tract Society.