Liquor Problem in Its Legislative Aspects (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated.1897 Excerpt: ... PROHIBITION IN MAINE AND ITS RESULTS. Dubing the first decades of the century, drinking was general among all classes of men in Maine, as elsewhere in New England. Workmen in the fields, in the woods, and in the towns were supplied with daily rations of spirits, --a half gill of rum-and-water at eleven o'clock in the forenoon, and again at four in the afternoon. No gathering of men or social function took place unaccompanied by more or less drinking. Every well-to-do family kept a stock of rum, gin, and brandy. Etiquette demanded that every visitor or traveler to be honored should be offered the social glass. Supplies of liquor could be obtained from any general trader, as well as from innholders. The first temperance movement started somewhat suddenly, during the winter of 1826-r27, in the small town of East Machias. This has been described as "unique and original, --a serious undertaking, by thoughtful, patriotic, and moral men, to arrest the ravages of intemperance." They worked "without a model or known exemplar." The movement was essentially religious in its origin. In East Machias it followed close upon a strong religious revival. A temperance society was formed, the primary article of its constitution being a pledge of total abstinence from distilled spirits as a beverage. Heavy malt liquors were at that time unknown; wine was a rare luxury, and its sacramental use removed it from the category of intoxicants, while its use at every "proper wedding" gave it almost an equal sanctity. The new asceticism in drink became a universal enthusiasm. Almost all respectable persons took the pledge. Members of the church were ex officio members of the temperance society. To declare against the reform was equivalent to breaking with the church. The movement spread f...