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PUBLIC FORUM

h open for the gmuulon by correspondents of question! 0f Internal. I'll gpgricttetown Guardian duel nol necessarily endorse the Uphill!!! o] correspondents

this IIII—I

THE ISSUES CLEAR

gin-in your issue oi Feb. 2s, "observer" end W. K. Rogers’

' guggestiflfl for a conference between

half o. dozen representatives of the Tgmpefllllofl Federation and on rqual number of those who are "asking for a ohanae." and that my; should result in a sane concili- riorr about our liquor legislation. My answer is that, until the oppon- ents of Prohibition have something better to offer than Government control, such a conference would "re no hope of results. To include all interested parties such a con- ference would have to be attended by several representatives of the

. Montreal and Toronto brewers and

who are interested to the orh-ut of approximately a ruiliion dollars a" yeer business. and that would not be acceptable to the Tem- pciallCfl Federation.

The issues by now are quite clear. The supporters of Prohibition want the present law enforced and im-

oved where necessary. Their op- poncnts want more liquor. The two demands cannot be reconciled.

The majority of the pcoplc of this province want to be free of the ll- quor traffic. Even those who them- selves cannot resist the temptation to drink are opposed to the Govern- ment putting increased temptations in the way of their children and. their grandchildren. and so why shorrd they not vote for Prohibi-

distillers.

tica?

"Observer" states that moat of the liquor now w. umed in the pro- vince is poor stuff, and that if a "change" is made, it will result in the consumption oi "good liquor" instead. It is true that under Gov- ernment Bale the bootlegging is mostly done with Government li- quor. Here, for instance. is the story, ia true story, by the way), of a aian a few years ago who moved from Nova. Bcotia toNew Brunswick. when N. B. had Prohibition and n. B. had Government Control. l-fe was asked why he moved, and his rcply was that it was much easier to bootleg in N. B.,-easier to get supplies and easier to avoid being caught. The experience oi Govern- ment Sale in the rest of Canada. is that in very many eases the Gov- gmment Liquor store is the boot- loggcrs wholesale house.

so cvcn the bootieggcr can sell "good liquor." But what is the re- stilt? During the years i921 to 1028 the death rate from alcoholism in Canada rose from .1296. to .3293. Anti that does not ta-ke into account drizhs duc indirectly to alcohol, sum us cirrosis of the liver or in iriui accidents; Those who believe the. "good liquor" is harmless sirouid be sent back to school to iliidy chapter XX in "Physiology and Hygiene", as taught in grades IX and X of our schools, since without a knowledge of that chapter they are quite unqualified to give advice concerning thc use of alco- holic liquor. According to the teach- ing of that chapter, all drinks con- taining alcohol universally do harm. ii this is-not true, why is it per- mitted tobe taught in our public schools?

-.i.i Government Bale is forced upon us, it will be against the will cf the majprity oi the people of this province. And no government can prosper when it goes against the expressed wish of the mclority- The people oi P. Ii. I. want less ii- quor. There is no doubt about it. And why should our representatives for one ‘ consider ,. ‘ the liquor faucet wider’! Are we ning to be ruled by the liquor in- terests of Ontario’ and QllQbw "d by a minority oi our own people?

And there is no use keeping the issue a secret. The Master once re- ferred to men who "loved darkness rather than light because their deeds were evil." This issue must be brought into the open. And our wish is that those who are interes- ted in truth and right will not ra- main silent, but will make known their mind in no uncertain manner. and let our legislators know that the "change" desired by the people oi this province is a decrease in al- coholism and not an increase.

I am, Sir, etc, .1‘. ll. GOUDGE.

Murray Harbor, P. E. I.

___._._______-- CONTROL OF CONSUMPTION

Sin-Another of your correspond- lnts "Bert Walner" writes about the Moderationista‘ advocacy of thc drinking of liquor. This statement i: not true. (w. n. aeriticy has I1- leady been silenced on this point-L Perhaps "Bert Winner's" precon- cclved notions of so many things preclu the proper firnctioning of his reasoning powers. I shrill 881m remind him that the moderationist does not advise anyone to drink ll- uor. “On the contrary, he advises self-imposed total "abstinence as the highest virtue to be attained. If. however, anyone wishes to ch10? l lceial glass oi liquor, the modera- tlonist dose not cblect. but ma"! ll a point to exhcrt him to follow the practice of temperance (modera- licm. The mcderationlst condemns lrcmslve drinking.

Apparently "Bert Wainer" docs not think much of education. e8- hcrtatlon, and moral suscion.

fers violence. May I remind him Christ very seldom used vio- t. Such an attitude, on “B014

Vintner's" part. is tantamount to illlphcmy- .. Christ used violence m! ll a last comma llllbli whereas gicchtl of "Bert

" would ram a general Wlcidcg u , _ - l! I rliki ci Live, even farms mercies, '

that Christ would be with the Mod- erationists to-day. I really think that if prohibitionista would do more preaching and. resort to less violence they would get results. To- day in Prince Edward Island I have good reason to believe land most people will agree with ma) that fully 05% of the adult male popula- tion end at least 50% oi the adult female population, some occasion-

social drink oi ale or hard liquor. Too many, alas, drink excessively. But what else can we expect under such an absurd, illogical law as Prohibition?

“Bert Wainer" suggests that I stick to what I know something about. I suggest that he read my letter of the 22nd inst. over again. I-further suggest that he attempt to solve the question which he wants me to state for him by con- sulting a standard dictionary on the words "temperance", “sobriety? and "total abstinence" in their wide aense. If he cannot then do any real thinking, I pity him rather than ridicule his ignorance of the most elementary principles of reasoning. No one, not even a moron, would make such a painfully evident ex- hibition of silly reasoning as he has displayed in hi1 recent letter. 1 re‘- peat: “It is not a sin to use liquor; it is a sin to abuse liquor-the sin of alcoholism. One can take adrink or even several drinks and still be sober. Temperance (the use of ll- quor in moderation) is a virtue; in- temperance, the abuse of liquor, is a vice. Self-imposed total abstinence is a greater virtue than mere tem- perance." Apparently this rigidly logical reasoning is beyond the grasp oi “Bert Vlainer"

By the way, "Bert Waitress" style oi writing is strongly reminiscent of a. former correspondent who uiith- drew from the controversy some time ago. His reasoning is fanatic- al, and extreme to the "nth" degree, He even pitted a tiny Buddhist vil- lage in far-ofl Japan against the action of the whole world. Perhaps all the prohlbitlonisis there are as- sassinated by this time!

Further, I should like to remind "Bert Wainer" and his ilk that the moderatlonists sin is not that he is threatening to bring back_"booze." You cannot bring back what was never token away. But the modera- tionist/s sin is that he says that Prohibition is a farce, a tragic farce. and something ought to be done about it. Under both Liberal and Conservative governments Prohibi- tion lms been a grotesque and bean- daious ‘ failure. ‘

Since writing the abovc remarks. I have noticed on article by one, Malcolm McNeill of St. Catherines. I don't think anyone with uuy com- mon sense pays any attention to such clap-trap as he writes. I am afraid that “Pro Moderatione" has dealt some very telling blows against the supporters of the ill-fated pro- hibition laws. The supporters of prohibition are all at sixes and sev- ens with one another". Mr. Wetter- worth tells the truth, thc whole truth, and tiothing but thc truth. This does not suit W. E. Bentley ill- all. I admire Mr. Waiter-worth for the courageous and candid manner in which he has spoken. The rest of the piifle we have read is a pretty good index oi the menial calibre of the writers. Malcolm MacNcill has probably read the story of Jack thc Giant-killer. Well. the boy he thinks me to be. has. 1 think. 5W- cesafully overcome thc giant i?) oi prohibition. Malcolm MacNeil closes his remarks by way of a syilvsism- Lei. mo remind him of the adage: "A littlo knowledge is a datiZiIFOII-‘i thing." Prohibition brings strange bedfellows together — and what a row they do make! Prohibition — "Bert Walner". Poohl Meurant, Poohl Lewis. pooh! Malcolm Mac- Neill, pooh. pooh!

I am. Sir. etc., PRO MODERATIONE.

_-__-___._.____

‘ REPLY TO MR. BENTLEY

Sin-There was a letter in Wed- nesday's "Guardian" from Mr. W. E. Bentley which I hoped some one with more ability than I have would reply to. .

I feel that this letter would con- vey to its readers the impression that the members of the present local government are committed to maintaining the Prohibition Act. They are not so committed. If Mr. Bentley, or any person sufficiently interested, will road the ofliclal platform of the two parties put be- fore the people at the last Provin- cial election they will find that no reference oi any kind is made to thc Prohibition law or. any other liquor legislation.

The platform oi the late Hon. Mr. Lea contained fifteen points. that of l-lon. Dr. McMillan fourteen points. Further I am credibly informed that the liquor question was never raven-ed of the members during the campaign. While it is true that the Liberal party did commit itself to the support oi Pro- hlbition nine years can this ll no reason why they should feel bound by what was said at that time Ind so be prevented from 103ml "W5 to remedy the terrible conditions existing at present.

I am, Sir. etc, W. K, ROGERS. ___.__----

CHANCE FOR GIRL GUIDE!

two Now Zecland

5ir,-—W are e to correspond with

irls wlahin Itch-friends fin your Island. Could you please oblige us by conveylhk our wish to your readers. Our s are sixteen us» and seventeen ('1) respectively; we are fond of all sport, readin and dancing.

Please en c snap with first e.

e are. an. etc. PAMILA IIIRY ill) ll‘ It... ‘

DUI! l. gorthimfckland, ' cw can . MAW! clllghl. (l1). - Hcangs,

Dargaville, North Auckland

am forced to conclude, therefore,‘

ally, others qulte frequently, take a,

THE TEMPERANCE VOTE

Bin-We noticed in your paper- the other day two advertisements. m" Signed by the Premier of our Province. the other by Mr. Horace Wflilht. Liberal candidate in the coming 4th District election. The wording of both letters made it up- pareht that Mr. Wright and his friends h" vmllosed a pressing ultimatum for the Premier. If Mr. Wflkbt and his friends really had an audience with their leader, did évfr. Wright tender his ultimatum on

he "liquor question? "A stallion deal with a. brewery firm in Mon. treal is rumored, and rumors of rum flowing like honey are going about, It is even announced in Mr, WYIBhi/s hearing from the pulpit. To all this there comes forth no 116111111. and Mr. Wright, running an election and posing as an apostle or temperance, would be one of the first to deny these rumors if it could be done. During all, ghogg We?“ M1" Wright had access to public halls, and the press, but Mr. Wright has remained reticent and Bllcnia- .Now, in his letter of the 24th. he announces that if elected on the 29th, he will support the Policies of his party, as formulated by the late Premier.

What were these policies on the liquor question? The present gov- ernment came into office on August 18th. Almost immediately a. special session of the House was called by the late leader. The new govern- ment was formed and one oi the first acts of this new government and its policies, which Mr. Wright promises to support, was to shame- fully betray all of the temperance people of this province by throwing to the dogs the Independent Liquor Commission, which they promised i-ht‘ Dfiflple. ‘The Attorney-General, now Premier", was made Liquor Commissioner instead. And auto. matically prohibition practically ceased to be a living thing, and government sales became the order of the day, with rumors of brewery stallions and rum shops nil over tho country. The most shameful be- trayal of the people's wishes ever known by any government in this country. o

Mr. Wright now asks the temper- mrce people of 'thc Fourth District for their support. Contrast. all this with Mr. Bentley. whose .‘1(’l‘IC5 of letters in your -p:‘.per oi late has done more for prohibition and tem- pcrance than all the politicans put together, ivhose chief ambition seems to be a seat amongst the mighty, I

There nrc two types of temper- ance men, the typc like Mr. Bentley. who parade with temperance for temperance sake, and those who parade with temperance as a means to an end.

No truly temperance man will subscribe himself to support any party or any measure after they have betrayed the people as the present party in power has done, but will come out from among them and openly declare, “l am through -\vi'.h the cowards forever!“ Wnkc up, temperance people and don't bc fooled any longer.

I uni, Sir, etc, DISGUSTED LIBERAL.

A FALSE ASSURANCE

Sin-In your issue of the 24th there appears a letter from Mr. Horace Wright in the course of which lie tilanlks his Conservative friends for their demonstration of confidence in him by refraining froln nominating a man iii opposi- tion to him lu the coining election. Perhaps Mr. Wright would tell us what authorized persons in the Conservative party conveyed the news to him that it was out of a super-abundance of, confidence the Conservative friends he'd for him that caused them to refrain from opposing him.

1f Mr. Wright really suffers from the type of mind which leads him to think these things, he has only to wait until the next provincial elec- tion to wake up and see for himself that he has been the victim of a false apparition. ,

The writer never saw a man who can say as many wrong things at the wrong time as can Mr. Wright. '

May we suggest as one reason why the Conservatives refrained from opposing Mr. Wright. It may have been their hesltance in sending one lone man down to the local House in Charlottetown and perhaps get him kicked by one of those brewery stallions from Montreal.

I am, Sir, ctc., AMUSED.

_€__._______. APPRECIATION OF LIBRARY

Sin-I should like to express my

appreciation of the service rendered the people of our Island in the, de- monstration of the Carnegie Lib- rary. Carlyle once said: "The true uni- versity of these days is a collection of books." The majority oi books found on the library shelves of the different branches contain a great store oi information and wisdom.

Over the radio and through the press we learn c. great deal these days about adult education. Some- body speaking on the subject re- cently, said: "What better oppor- tunity is afforded adults to continue their studies than through the med- lulu‘ oi the libraries?"

I think that is true. The shelves contain books on all subjects for every taste and we are never too old to learn. 1n some communities study groups have been formed and helpful discussions held about books on world p. blems, etc.

1n n recent article, we have been shown what the demonstration li- brary has meant to one Island lady who has gathered much helpful in- formation on gardening.

I think particularly of the young people who possess the universal spirit of adventure. Some groupaof young people's societies have ven- tured into the field of minions and helped by such books as ‘s Candle Light" by Mabel Show, "Through the African Bush". by . Gardner. Other groups venuring into thc subject of war and peace have found guidance through "cry llnvoo," by Beverley

Nichols, “Peace with Honour", by A. A. Milne. "Preface to Peace" by Norman Angeli.

A ‘ of teachers have taken advantage oi the opportunity of getting books for the school. ‘Through the pages of "Lands and Peoples" which are very beautifully illustrated, the pupils have ventur- ed into foreign countries and learn- ed the customs of other races.

There are other instances in which benefit has been derived- from the books, but without taking any further space, I should like to ex- press my appreciation again for the advantages offered us through the demonstration library. ‘

I am, Sir, ete., M. E. N

AVOIDING ISSUES

. sIIBfi-WIIY is it that the two can- didates for the Fourth District con- test are not holding joint meetings? Is one of them afraid he would he asked why the independent Liquor Commission was done away with, or about the stallions, or are both men afraid to meet for fear some old political’ ghost might pop up out of a. rum keg that was discovered in the Cape ‘Traverse poll a few elec- tions ago.

I am. Sir. etc. CURIOUS.

ELECTRIC LIGHT PROBLEM

Sin-The majority of citizens are much concerned over the financial condition of our City with its un- balanced budgcts and mounting debt year after year. Council after Council have given the subject much thought. but none so far in rcceni. years have provided a, rem- edy. The same sorrowful tale is told at the end of each year until now, if all services are_ to be maintained as at present, it means that our revenue must be supplemented by from sixty to seventy thousand dol- lars. -

One thing is certain, we cannot go on in the same cld way. The whole voicc of the country calls for a policy of paying as you go. How can this be accomplished in civic affairs? Some will say by the rais- ing of the tax rate, but property owners shudder from such a pros- pect. Why not first take the ne- cessary steps to procure all the ben- efit from our great public uti‘ity- light and power.

Fifty years ago ihc City decided to own its own water supply: their was added the sewerage system. Both these services ccst a large sum of money. but the expenditures have been justified and the citizens have so far not been calledcupcn to pay a cent of the capital cost. Of course, debentures were issued but the returns from the system are sufficient to pay all interest charges and in addition provide yearly from four to six thousand dollars to the sinking fund. Is that not a satis- factory condition? The water and sewerage system is no more of a public utility than is light and power and being a public utility the public is entitled to all br-tiefrt aris- iug therefrom. In ‘every part of the civilised world public ownership -— municipal ownership-is becoming nn accomplished fact. One of your correspondents asked the question if I know what I am talking about, and my answer is “Yes? I do know that municipal ownership has prov- ed a success in almost every place where it has been put in operation.

Municipal ownership has produced two results,

l-it has given reduced rates to the public;

2-It. has augmented the municip- al revenue. ‘

Do these objectives appeal to the people. I am confident they do and we ask our leaders both civic and provincial to give the proper lead in securing such benefits,

Let us look again at the results of our local electric plant. A total revenue of over $200,000 and this can be augmented by increased con- sumption. An operating cost $l40,000 which can be reduced by getting clear of absentee ownership and a yearly profit of $60,000.

These figures are not given in any jealous spirit or with a view to any confiscatory proceedings but the fact is that our electric plantuhas become mixed up in a most intricate and complex organization which has through a course of years been a party to many financial transac- tions, which our people should not in thc remotcst sense sanction and further. should be resented by op- propriatc action.

The local plant was owned and operated by local people twenty years ago. It was desired with eas- er eyes by financial interests abroad and at every step in the progress to the present ownership it has become the ruaans oi an inflated capitaliza- tlon. Surely we should not be call- ed upon now in make good till!» frenzied speculation. I must repeat some things in order to have them impressed upon the public mind. The plant was purchased for S90.- 000. At present the owners claim its value as "nearly £1,000,000." Tlrc Maritime Electric was incorporated June 2'7, 1017. It at once took over, purchased outright and merged the old Charlottetown Light and Power Company, whose stock had been first acquired by the Charlottetown Electric Company which was a. hold- ing company. ‘The Maritime Com- pany operated-here for ten years without receiving any authority from our Legislature to do so, but eventually not satisfied with owner'- shlp of the plant. the Company also desired to relieve our citiaens oi some of their money and a0 thc Legislature is approached and in 1927 a Provincial Act was pussctl setting iorth that the franchise rights held by the Old Charlotte- town Light and Power - mpany was "ratified and confirmed" .in the Maritime Electric co The balance of tho story necd not be ‘recounted in detail except to any that after receiving this legislative sanction. the sale of bonds, debentures, cer- tificates and obligations took place until notice of refusal to renew thc license or permit was given in i032.