MEN OF MAINE 



with its bright lights and comfortable surround- 

 ings, has never been a factor in Maine life for 

 quite two generations, yet I know of no part of 

 the United States where drunkards are so com- 

 mon, in proportion to population, as in the 

 rural districts of Maine. Looking over a list of 

 divorces granted at a single term of a county 

 court, I found that in four out of seven cases 

 the cause alleged was habitual drunkenness, 

 though all of the parties had been born since 

 Maine had adopted her prohibitory laws. 



As far as my observation goes, I am con- 

 vinced that prohibition in Maine does not pro- 

 hibit, and though it undoubtedly reduces the 

 number of moderate drinkers, it does not reduce 

 drunkenness, but rather tends to increase it, and 

 I feel quite sure that a wide-spread and persistent 

 violation of any law must have in time a disas- 

 trous effect upon the character of the people of 

 the State. 



Notwithstanding the evils of intemperance, I 

 am ready to confess to a great fondness, coupled 

 with not a little respect, for " Cal," who for so 

 many years held undisputed claim to the title 

 of " Village Drunkard." My good opinion of 

 Cal was not gained by reason of his inordinate 



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