1893 - Temperance Reform Experiment

The village of Union Springs, N. Y., is about to try a novel experiment in the way of temperance reform. A number of prominent citizens, including the village president and several clergymen, propose to take under control the sale of intoxicating liquors. Their object, they declare, is to "supply the reasonable wants of temperate persons" for alcoholic stimulants. No treating is to be allowed, and neither drunkenness nor an approach to it is to be permitted. A committee will pass upon the names of the persons to whom liquor may be sold, while to persons to whom the proper authorities have altogether forbidden the sale of liquor none whatever will be sold. Minors are not to be allowed in the saloon under any circumstances. Spirits will not be sold in larger quantities than a single glass except on a physician's order, and all sales of this class will be carefully recorded. The profits of the venture, which are expected to be large, will be applied to the reduction of town taxes. The outcome of this curious scheme will be awaited with interest.