"To be sure. It must be so, for Republicans, as a rule, are the temperance people and, as a rule, they indorse high license. But you have heard the reading, 'All wise and well-directed efforts,' one is at liberty to substitute no license by local option, or any other restrictive measure he deems wise."
"Is there room on this broad platform for any liquor dealers?"
"Quite a number; and here again may be seen the higher moral tone of the party, for nine times out of ten it is the better class of dealers who are allied with it."
Jean leaned back in her chair and rocked. As she mused she rocked more and more slowly, and when she stopped abruptly her father knew the verdict was ready.
"Well, father, this much is settled: I do not believe in high license. In the first place, I think it dishonest to let the rich man, who can afford to do so, pay for the privilege of making more money and shut out the poor man, who is trying to earn a living, because he is not already rich. In the second place, it occurs to my mind, more so after knowing Mrs. Crowley, that if license laws could be so arranged as to wipe out the 'respectable' places, the low ones would soon follow. Public sentiment would not tolerate them, and if it did, the coming generation would not be lured to destruction by glitter and music.
"In the third place," and the girl sprang to her feet and stood looking her father full in the face, "a man who labored fearlessly for the overthrow of human slavery when public opinion pointed the finger of scorn at him, said to me not long since: 'Regulations and restrictions put on such a vice by the government are but its terms of partnership.'"
It took Judge Thorn half a minute to recognize his words. Then he laughed.
"Jean, child, you are getting sharp. Your logic is all right, but you must remember times have changed. This is different."