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PROHIBITION FOR THE FARMER 



IN all the arguments which I have seen favoring pro- 

 hibition, I have never yet encountered a plea for 

 prohibition because of its value to agriculture. One 

 of the stock arguments against prohibition has been that 

 it will injure the farmer by contracting his markets for 

 rye, barley and maize. My experience has shown me 

 that one of the principal benefits which prohibition of- 

 fers is protection to the farmer. One of the most pa- 

 thetic sights which I have personally witnessed is that 

 of the man who works with becoming industry and vigor 

 during the week at hard labor on the farm, for small 

 wages, and on Saturday night invests the larger part of 

 his week's earnings in rotgut whiskey. 



My farm in Virginia is in what is known as a dry 

 county. There is not a saloon within the borders of 

 Loudoun County, but in spite of the Webb law there 

 still remain the express company, and for aught I know 

 the parcels post. If one takes the trouble to go to 

 Bluemont, the terminus of the Washington and Old 

 Dominion electric railway, at the time of the arrival 

 of the last train on Saturday evening, he will find a 

 large assembly awaiting its coming. This assembly is 

 composed largely of agricultural laborers who have 

 finished their week's task and are now preparing to 

 enjoy themselves. When the express car comes in 



there is a lively commotion. I don't know how many 



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