Temperance -- The Maine Law." The New York Times (October 3, 1851). The New York Times Online. http://article.archive.nytimes.com/1851/10/03/74852967.pdf? AWSAccessKeyId=AKIAJBTN455PTTBQQNRQ&Expires=1387322248&Signature=GYIfXvv4mUHC6wWv17R%2FYjwh%2F5E%3D (December 17, 2013).
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This article was written in 1851 when Maine passed their temperance law. There were no stores or bars selling hard liquor. America had become a "nation of drunkards." Men walked around on streets during daylight intoxicated and unable to properly do their jobs. They got paid and went out to drink. When they came home, they would beat their wife and children. The temperance movement began in response to the lack of morals and self-control seen in the era. The goal was not to eliminate alcohol entirely, but rather to limit the amount and time of day alcohol was consumed. The movement was biggest in Maine, where alcohol was almost completely outlawed. This was a huge turning point for the spread of Temperance ideas. The article shares the events of Maine; it also tells about the spreading popularity of Temperance in New York. Meetings in Brooklyn have been held discussing Temperance and the possibility of completely ending the trafficking of hard liquors. The author goes even further than New York. He discusses how other towns all throughout the country have been having similar meetings. While the article shows a broad view of all the Temperance situations in America, there are no quotes or opinions from people living in Maine or citizens who are deciding with their towns whether or not to follow in Maine's footsteps. So, we can't be sure what the people in Maine really think about the Temperance law. Do they think it help them? Does it hurt them in anyway, such as their economy? Also, there is no way of knowing what the opinions of the general public are and if they differ along with separate social classes.
The author seems to approve of the government trying to change the immorality and public drunkenness in America. He makes remarks on how seeing temperate men and nothing else on the streets of Maine is quite the spectacle. The author is surprised at the success of the law in Maine. However, he has a problem with the laws limiting alcohol distribution and consumption. It is the author's belief that the lack of alcohol in circulation with negatively impact the economy. It was consumed in such great amounts that it became a huge, and depended-on part of the economy. He claims that it will "cut" down the economy. Another worry of the author is the potential for any laws against alcohol will raise crime rates. Legally sold alcohol will be short and illegally sold alcoholwill rise. Fighting and stealing will break out over alcohol and money. While the author thinks that the idea to limit alcohol is valid, outlawing it completely will do nothing but bring more problems on the people and the government.**unable to properly indent bibliography due to limitations on blogger**
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