Evening Republican, Volume 15, Number 93, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 19 April 1911 — Makes Strong Plea to Keep Monon Free from Saloons. [ARTICLE]

Makes Strong Plea to Keep Monon Free from Saloons.

The Monon News is making a strong plea to keep saloons from that town and we hope to see it successful. Time was when Monon was called a tough town. Saloons ran wide open and they contributed to the downfall of many trainmen and the ruin of many homes. But that town has been without saloons during most of the past eight years and it has improved, in its standing with outside towns. It is now a better place than it ever was before. The open saloon does not stand out as an invitation to every tired railroad man as he returns from a hard run and he goes to his home and to his family. Monon is much better without saloons and it will be a pity if they are returned there by the votes of the people of that town and township. The News says: “Over two years have elapsed since the last saloon closed its doors in Monon and the town is still on the map, with our merchants doing business at the old stand, the wheels of commerce moving forward, the schools more prosperous than ever, and the churches manifesting a new zeal for the cause of right living. Reports vary as to the quantity of liquors that have been illegally dispensed during this period, but not one drop has been sold under sanction of law, and certainly less than was sold under saloon domination. It is absurd to contend that saloons will lessen the drink habit. It would be just as sensible to assert that the number of criminals can be reduced by licensing crime. In order to keep men and boys from drinking, let us have a licensed saloon! “We have not Interviewed many pf the merchants of Monon on this question, but those with whom we have conversed, some among opr largest dealers, tell us their trade has increased and collections have improved since the town went “dry,” and like conditions are reported in other towns In dry territory. So, for business reasons, the saloons should be kept out 1 “But above and beyond ajl this Is the moral phase of the question and on this point thei*e is absolutely nothing can be said' In favor Of the saloou, it ft .the arch enemy of sobriety and gjohd conduct. It is a robber ten-fold more destructive than the bandit and thug, whose wofst assault can not deprive one of his richest treasure—his eternal welfare! It Is more to be

dreaded than pestilence and war and every hand should be against it that loves the home and family. But why dilate on the subject too foul and desperate for description. The saloon is its own accusser and on its own testimony should have a lifesentence to oblivion."