Prohibition as it is In the Probihitory States of Amcrica.

The President of the N.Z. Licensed Victuallers Association

Sir—

With the special mission of seeing on my own behalf and also as representative of your Association, I, on May 24th, set out to make my acquaintance with the States wherein Prohibition is now an existent portion of the State Legislation. Prior to entering upon any of the details of my experiences, let me here state that my original intention was to journey into Iowa first, hut by accident my steps got guided Kansasward, and that with no mapped route except such as was forced upon me by local train services, I have paid visits to eight of the cities in the State of Kansas. Having no local knowledge except such as was obtainable from a Commercial Travellers' Guide, which furnished the names and population of Kansas cities. I have yet in many cases unwittingly halted at County Seats. In order that the reader may be familiar with the character of settlement, etc., existent in the State. I purpose here placing before him some figures respecting the area, population, etc., &c., extracted from the "Eighth Biennial Report of the State Board of Agriculture Kansas 1891-2," Vol. XIII. Kansas is a State lying within the meridians 94, 37 and 102 W. longitude, and between the parallels 37 and 40 deg. N. Its extreme east and west extent is 400 miles, and its north and south 200 miles, or an area of 81318 square miles, 52,572,160 acres. Its northern boundary is Nebraska, a State in which the licensing system is high-license. Missouri River and the State of Missouri forms the eastern boundary, Colorado the western, and to the south the Indian Territory. The State is the most centrally situate in the Union, lying equidistant between Canada and the Mexican Frontier, and its centrality east and west is shown by the fact that at Fort Riley (Gleary County) is the Geographical centre of the United States. This State, despite the fact that Mrs. Brown holds that "comparisons are odious," will be seen by a comparison to be as large as England, Scotland, and Wales. Now this vast area is in typography most simple. The trend of the streams is easterly with a southern variation, thus the general slope is westwards towards the Mississippi River. In the main the greater portion is gently undulating plains. There are mountains, the valleys are all valleys of erosion, and about their sides are billy districts, some rugged with fantastic forms, others with feat-topped mounds and long promontaries, and there is but little timber, i.e., native, although there are numerous plantations and orchards, and every city has its streets planted with speedy growth trees, which lend unexpressible charm to the scenery which otherwise would be from an artistic point of view "flat, stale, and profitable." Of the area mentioned, 18,300,200 acres are included in farm areas, and therefore may be fairly said to be under cultivation, and as a fact the state is one of the chief agricultura States in the Union. The return of value of products for 1892 was 164,668.955 do 1s page 6 On the question of population the State yearly for taxation purposes takes a census. From this source I glean that from 1887, when the State held its largest population, until 1891, there has been an alarming exodus. It would be unfair to endeavor to arrive at the full cause of this. Undoubtedly in '86 there was a property boom, but the figures which are yielded by analysis are not fairly attributable as results of decline. Some anti-prohibitionists attach great weight to the enforcement of the law of which the Hon. J. Murray is credited with being the father. They direct attention to the decline of population in this State and other Prohibition State, which I shall analyse at a later period when I have their State returns before me, and compare this with the rapid growth in nearly every State where licensing is legalised. Be this as it may the figures are worth reproduction as affecting Kansas; this return was obtained from the Agricultural Bureau on May 31st.

Thus it will be seen, making due allowance for the increase in 1892, in fact, basing a calculation thereon, the decline of population in Kansas, or the excess of emignation over immigration has been in the period since 1888 when the maximum population was registered, 171,125 persons, or an average each year of 42,78l, & weekly exodus from the State of 822, or daily outgoing for the whole period of 117 persons. Certainly the thing which has contributed to make Kansas what she [unclear: is], is the splendid railroad facilities she enjoys. It is here that private railroad enterprise at its best can be seen, for the State is intersected in every direction, and its railroad map is perfectly bewildering in its network puzzle of railroads. [unclear: Thses] from surroundings it will be seen that Kansas was a specially suitable area wherein to make a good forward Temperance movement, It was chiefly agricultural, and the agriculturist if he be well handled in his own home need not fear, in fact, is not subjected six days out of the seven at least to the tempations that beset the thirsty souls in the great centres of population. There then was promising ground [unclear: for] Prohibitionists, but the story of the introduction of legislation thereanent is [unclear: but] another illustration of the banding of a "third" party with one of two factions. I few years back, nay it is even now so in the majority of the States if my information speaks correct, and if one may credit what they read in the daily papers, it [unclear: was] question of Republican versus Democrat, a tight betwixt these two for the plunder. The word seems a severe epithet, but I know of none other that meets the cast Parties here are not as they are known to the Australian mind. Here they have a huge scheme of political preferment ranging from the Cabinet officials right down to the very street cleaners, the postmen, the janitors in public offices, there is no, exception, you must vote solid if you would hold your billet. Your tenure of office is only that of your party, but your party once in is bound to last four years, these heigh ho for a good solid vote and a hope of return to power of a President with tendences like to your own, for if he be an opponent be sure no mercy will follow, If he be a Republican then out from office walks every Democrat, and vice verm, No life appointments here in a kindly civil service. Four years is all you can surely count on, and in that four years the general idea seems to be to "do well," in other words refuse nothing that comes in your way. Provide yourself with big pockets and an elastic conscience, or better still, no conscience at all, and devote yourself to did I hear someone say, "your country and your country's good,"—oh, dear no, nothing so prosaic or Utopian—I repeat devote yourself to making as much as you can. Bribery and corruption thrives on every hand, but there, why need I dwell or dilate upon what others have written before; nevertheless it is a little difficult the Australian mind, with their mild little occasional jobberies, to grasp the extent to which public pillaging goes on in this glorious land of freeborn. Some idea will however, be gleaned from these remarks of the power possessed by a third party when things are any way close. It was just this position that occurred in Kansas in 1870-80. The Republicans feared for their heads; the Prohibitions had been page 7 [unclear: gradnally] gaining strength until, while only a miserable factor in the whole, yet [unclear: attached] to either side their coalition must prove fatal to the other. There were in [unclear: the] Republican ranks men who had been itching for a long time to get Prohibition [unclear: raced] in their party platform, and their suggestion of course was backed by the [unclear: Proaibitionist] third party by a demand to this effect, or a fearful alternative, the [unclear: defeat] of Republican hopes. In a weak moment the demand was acquiesced in, and [unclear: then] in 1880, thus committed, the Republican party carried the amendment to the [unclear: Constiution] of the State, which sets forth that the manufacture and sale of [unclear: intoxicating] liquors except for medical, scientific, and mechanical purposes, is [unclear: pressly] forbidden in the States. In the following year the people were asked to [unclear: note] upon the proposed amendment, and it was carried by a large majority. Then [unclear: is] fell upon the Legislature to frame a law giving effect to the amendment in the Constitution, and in March, 1881, such law was carried, and came into force on May 1st. 1881. The night the bill was passed there was a high old time of it among tie supporters who were not what we know as teetotallers, and from more than one [unclear: resident] of the capitol I have the information that "lashings of drinks," as Pat would put it, were sent up to Parliament House. Then followed in Topeka a [unclear: orious] all-round inebriation, the whole city on a final bust, until for self-proteetiou the saloon-keepers had for two days to close their doors; not for any fear of the law, [unclear: fc] dreading damage of their worldly goods by their customers. For two years, I learn, there was little closing of saloons, the Act was a piece of mechanism that though it had been got upon the Statute books, yet no method of administering it should be found. You will ask where was the majority that had voted to put it there? The reply is found in the party conduct of legislation referred to. The absolute [unclear: believers] and faithful disciples of the creed of Prohibition were few compared with the men who bad voted for it because it was on their ticket. Better to reign in [unclear: Pandimonium] than serve in Heaven was the choice of the Prince of Darkness—better to have a law and break it and retain our reins of public government, than to [unclear: ve] in the cold shades of opposition and enjoy the honesty of our convictions was [unclear: be] choice of the Republican party; therefore the Prohibition third party men, or [unclear: the] Republican addition, were still Prohibitionists, but the Republican Prohibitionist [unclear: once] assured of his warm convenient office, didn't hesitate to come down from the [unclear: recomfortable] perch, throw over his newly-found convictions, and—take a drink [unclear: lx] his stomach's sake when the inclination dictated. For two years the Prohibition [unclear: ty] bore it very quietly, chafing beneath the gall but abiding their time, when [unclear: with] an eye to the future the Republicans considered it time to swoop down and [unclear: dose] the open saloons. There were hard fights against the constitutionality of the [unclear: w], but it was upheld by the Supreme Court, and drink had for a time to be [unclear: cained] for a time under the rose. A favorite form was that of the "bottle legger," a man who imported for his own use a small quantity of the vilest of vile liquor, and [unclear: gave] you, a drink out of the bottle round a corner. Then it was discovered that the [unclear: law] did not prohibit the importation and sale in the "original package," i.e., you [unclear: ld] import a barrel or a bottle and sell in an unbroken condition despite the law, [unclear: lt]—Agencies (wholesale) were established everywhere, beer was imported in [unclear: mall] bottles containing just a glass, and you could buy these "original packages" in every shop. This ran on until legislation preventing it was adopted. Then [unclear: followed] personal importation. The agent of a brewer would take your order and [unclear: h] on Kansas ground, go to Missouri and ship your beer over. Appeals to the [unclear: Supreme] Court shewed that payment in Kansas made the sale a Kansas one, and [unclear: meable] to the law, and not a few fines resulted. Then came the question of the [unclear: right] to bring the liquor into the State from neighboring States. This was a [unclear: ta] point as affecting the Interstate Commerce Law, whereby no State can [unclear: te] out the products of another, if a resident in said State desires to acquire same [unclear: for] personal use, not for sale. The Supreme Court held that such importation was [unclear: a] and since that time it is generally understood that the large purchase of [unclear: ers] made in Missouri and Illinois are for "private consumption," or for sale [unclear: under] the clause in the Act which provides that a druggist may sell, on the [unclear: furnishing] of an affidavit made by the purchaser, to the effect that the liquor so purchased [unclear: is] required for "medical, scientific, or mechanical purposes;" but the law controls [unclear: the] sale in this much, that if your requirements be whiskey or spirits you can only page 8 purchase half a pint or a pint of whiskey on one affidavit; or if be beer, only four bottles. The price for whiskey to be Idol, a pint, and for the four bottles of beer a like amount. With all this legislating and appealing to the Supreme Court, it will be generally thought that the status of the people would be pretty well established The uninitiated will say, as I said after acquainting myself with the Act, "Why this is a place where you cannot buy drinks, where you would only be likely to get intoxicants is in a rich man's house, in the I house of a man who would import for his own comfort." I had been told in Australia of men who had "worked the oracle" in Maine in days gone by; but said I so strict a law as this must preclude anything but the men who are initiated into smuggling societies, with doubtless their accompaning oath of diction, dreadful, and with penalties direful from tickling their palates with aught of a character that shall cheer and inebriate. Even trade-men brewers' confidants in Chicago—who, if anyone, should certainly have possessed an acquaintance with just how tilings were worded, said. "Well, Kansas, that's the state Prohibition a strongest. It is dying in Iowa, but we can't say much about Kansas, except in one or two places where public sentiment has caused the latter law to become a dead letter." I decided that to fairly examine into Prohibition, and how she is worked, required that 1 should not only visit the State, examine Statistics, walk around the cities, &c., but that 1 should, during my stay in each place, endeavour to gain the opinions of some of the prominent public men, taking absolute verbatim notes of their remarks, and apprising them of my intention to publish same or extracts there-from if requisite. Then, in view of statements made that there were places where liquor was illicitly sold, I considered that a fair test of the administration of the Act would be that I should in every city endeavour to obtain liquor without asking the; aid of any resident—in other words, that having once become acquainted with the character of such sly-grogselling places I should thereafter depend upon my own resources—as an entire stranger—and thus test the difficulties any but the initiated would have in getting supplied. 1 mapped out no routes, but made one thing an object—to go right to the centre of the State, so that it might not be said I had only visited the outskirts. Taking, as my departure point Kansas City, Kansas (the nearest Kansan point to Chicago) I journeyed by the Union Pacific Railway midway across the State to within four miles of the dead geographical centre point then transferring to the Missouri Pacific. I ran south and south-west to Wicheta, nearly a hundred miles. &c., taking the Santa Fe, completed a triangle, and returned to Kansas City. The opinions of Prohibitionists to whom I have submitted this rote is, that 1 have obtained a fair representation of this State. In order to let my observations be general, I have visited cities of varying size to note the application of the Act. Thus I find there are ninety-seven cities having populations of a thousand and over. I have visited Kansas City (1), Topeka (2), Wichita (8), Lawrence(7). Salvia (14) Newton r (17), Junction City (19). McPherson (27)—the figures in parenthesis denote the importance of the cities.

Before I proceed further it will be well that I acquaint my readers with a few of the local terms and thus remove, perhaps, some difficulties which might otherwise arise and correct, mayhap, some impressions which owe their origin to [unclear: unservupulse] lecturers, who, acquainted with the circumstances, yet use ambigious phrases.

"Open Saloon."—First let me say that an open saloon as it is known in America—the open saloon against which temperance orators have so long inveighled, and, I think, not without some cause of complaint—are unknown in any part of Australia or New Zealand that I have ever visited. In the States I have been in where saloons have been licensed, they take the form of a large ground floor room very often finely fitted with large bars fronting the open street. In many cases the doors are wide open—there is no attempt at screens; and in others it appears that the front of the room looks right out, leaving only an open saloon. The banishments of these certain drinking shops (for there is no clause in the license demanding that the keepers should have a house open for the accomodation of guests) is a result to which prohibitionists point with pride. Say they, "We have no open Saloom; when 1 say, "Yon have places actually fitted up with bus, to which the ingress I merely to go in at the side door, just as I would walk into the private bar of licensed hotel hotel in Australasia;" they reply, "Oh yes, there are places where page 9 drink is sold, but you cannot find them." Either they arc blinding themselves;, or they know as a positive fact that the Act absolutely fails.

"Joints."—This is the term applied to any place where liquor is obtainable (aside from druggists's shops). It matters not whether the place has a bar elegantly fitted up—in fact, exceeding in character of appointments, any bar in Australia, not excepting even that in the Australia Hotel, in Sydney, where they dispense American liquors—or whether it be only a back room with a keg of beer standing in it, all alike are "Joints" to the Kansan mind.

"Clubs."—This is a neat system of evading the law. In Topeka the German Clubs purchase in bulk the requisite stock of liquors, and you get supplied according to your credited rating, for which you first pay your cash (this before the stock is sent for), and receive checks. The question of the right of one man to drink from the general supply having been raised in the Supreme Court, in some small places, they now purchase in bulk, and each man puts his supply away in a private locker. This, of course, is for form's sake; and one member hinted to me that any key would fit any locker, all they wanted to do was to keep outside the law. (The statement of Marshall Myers and of Governor Llewellyn on this point are interesting.)

"Justice of the Peace."—The American Justice of the Peace is a paid officer, possessing a jurisdiction similar to that employed by our Resident Magistrates in the smaller cities; and preliminary investigations are always conducted before him.

"City Marshall."—An officer in control, and at the head of the police force.

"Probate Judge."—Amongst other duties, this official has to take record of applications for sale of liquor licenses by druggists. He also is required to till returns of sales made as deposited by the sellers, on the first of every month. There is a Probate Judge in every county in the State (in the case of Kansas there are 106 counties, and consequently a like number of Probate Judges).

"Bottle-leggers."—A man who carries a supply of whiskey (usually of the vilest character), and singling out his customers sells them "nips," in dark comers or up alleyways.

Hoping that 'this by-way of explanation' will leave the reader in a position to understand all allusions in my report, I will now proceed by detailing my experiences in each city, leaving the reader to occupy the position of Judge.

Kansas City (Kansas).—This is the first part of Kansas that the traveller, journeying by the Southern railroads, enters. It is an addition to Kansas City. Missouri, but has a separate City Government, and of course is under the Kansas legislation. Missouri State allows no gambling, but licenses the sale of liquor. Kansas reverses the order of things, there you may gamble, but you must not drink—that is, you must not keep an open saloon. I was credibly informed, on entering Kansas City, Missouri, that there were any quantity of "joints" over ill Kansas City, Kansas, despite the prohibitory laws. As an evidence of the sale and transport of liquor into the prohibited State, Mr. Becker. Manager for the Pabot Brewing Company's Agency and Warehouse, showed me entries in his ledger showing sales all over the State of beer, and then followed this up by taking me to their bottling or packing room and pointing out returned empty cases, bearing the addresses to which they had been sent; barrels likewise addressed, and (a favourite form of importation by druggists) flour casks used for the conveyance of beer. Of course no concealment was necessary, as importation is allowed in any quantity, and you may give away as much ale or beer as you like, provided it is not with the intention oi evading the law—i.e., sale under the pretence of gift. Next I was shown the address-labels, then being written by a clerk, and the bills of lading to accompany the rail packages, some of which I found to be addressed to Kansas, and to Kansas towns. It was an off-day said Mr. B., but if I happened along early in the week he would show me car loads carrying tons of beer to thirsty residents in the home of Prohibition. A pertinent remark was made by my guide, said he: "I'm a Prohibitionist." I looked up aghast. A traitor in the camp of the enemy, what could it mean? Then he added, and a twinkle gleamed in his eye—a Prohibitionist for Kansas, you know, but not for Missouri." "How do you draw the distinction?" I queried. "Well, you see. Prohibition for Kansas gives us a big trade, which, if they hadn't got, it would doubtless be largely eaten up by local breweries." was the answer. Fearing that a stranger might not be favourably page 10 received at the "joints." I decided to gain assistance, and secured the services of a Pinkerton detective. This is a tine institution—the Pinkerton Agency. You want to go in the direction of slumming, and straight-away you produce the golden key, and your attendant appears and guides you whersoever you will. The journeyings incog of Havoun Al Raschid, and other emulators of that worthy Caliph, all sink into insignificence alongside the ease with which you can be brought face to face with vice, misery, lawlessness, in fact, anything that is to be found in that other half of the world of the which this half knows so little, and possible cares even less. At 7.80 p.m. on the 25th May I left the Midland Hotel, Kansas City, Missouri, accompanied by my slave of the "greenback"—a pleasant fellow, and intelligent, too, this representative of a detective agency that has made its name famous throughout the length and breadth of the world. The dividing state line is simply a street some half a chain in width. On one side of this you are in Kansas City, Missouri, amenable to all the pains and penalties attached to illdoing in Missouri State. Over on the opposite flagged pavement no Missourian policeman can touch yon, and Kansan law reigns supreme. As may be pretty readily conceived, the Missourian is nothing loth to benefit from the condition of Prohibition existing across the line, so for a distance of fully half a mile their side of the state line I was not, in a certain degree, surprised to find that saloons abounded. Saloons in drug stores (chemists' shops), saloons running as open saloons, and wholesale shops, but one and all prominently displaying to view offers of special inducements to the thirsty soul from Kansas. The new arrival, then, hailing from the country of Prohibition, assuming that there were no quiet corners in his own land, assuming that if there were he knew them not, or cared not to brave the strong arm of the law, need not go long athirst. And on his return to the land of drought need he go empty-handed? Certainly not. Private purchase, private consumption, donation to friends of any of the liquors, sale of which for refreshment is prohibited, was not debarred, and 'twould be a foolish Kansan who, not being a Good Templar, should go back empty-handed—at least, that I take to be the creed of the Missouri sellers. Turn where he would your Kansan's eye would rest on urgent invitations to protect himself against the tortures which the demon thirst may inflict. In every saloon doorway, in every merchant's window, were to be found inviting kegs of beer, demijohns and bottles of whisky labelled "Take me to Kansas." "Take me with yon," "Don't forget your home comforts," and so forth and so on. Who with such facilities need go long thirst? John, requiring a revivifier, had only to take a small whisky store with him, and arrived back in his beloved Kansas, although he could not get a drink of whisky, a single drink in a saloon, yet he could make a night of it at home to the discomfort and misery of his wife and family. (This, of course, is all assuming his Act of Parliament to be as rigidly administered as the advocates of the system of Prohibition assert is the case.) In view of attendant circumstances 1 say this condition of affairs—this effort on the part of Missourians to make hay while the sun of Prohibition continues shining on the neighbouring state, was not a surprise to me, but, said I, at least the open-handed sale of liquors will cease so soon as I get into Kansas, for that is a Prohibition state. We crossed the line, and left two flaring open saloons (more like two gin-palaces in East London than anything 1 have seen since 1 quitted the Old Country) behind us on either corner of the Street, which was intersected at right angles by the state line. We paused on the other pavement, and my guide vouchsafed the information that we were on Kansan soil. Sojourners in the state whose people and legislators had, in 1881. decreed,—

"Any person or persons who shall manufacture, sell, or barter any spirituous, malt, various, fermented, or other intoxicating liquors, shall be guilty of misdemeanour, and punished as hereinafter provided: provided, however, that such liquors may be sold for medical, scientific, and mechanical purposes, as provided in this Act."

And then, being of a curious temperament, I had turned up the said provisions, and found them to be, That

(Section 4.)—"Any druggist having a permit to sell intoxicating liquors under the provisions of this Act, may sell the same only by himself in person, or by a clerk who is a registered gharmicist or assist pharmacist, under the laws of this State, for medicinal purposes only, upon the printed or page 11 written affidavit of the applicant setting forth the particular medical purpose for which such liquor is required; the kind and quantity desired; that it is actually needed for the particular purpose by the patient to be named; and that it is not intended as a beverage, nor to sell or give away; that the applicant is over twenty-one years of age."

A similar provision existed in the case of sales for mechanical and scientific purposes; and later on provision was made preventing the drinking of any intoxicating liquor on the drruggists' premises, whether purchased upon affidavit or otherwise. Then turning the penal clauses, I found that any sale of intoxicating liquors incurred a punishment, taking the form of a fine, of not less than 500dol., together with a concurrent punishment of not less than thirty days or more than ninety days in gaol.

Bearing all this in mind, and although I was confronted by the engagement made to show me how I could treat the law, you may judge I was anxious to see the [unclear: modus] operandi. Near us, at the corner on which we stood, was a lottery agency, and next it, judged from outside appearances was a pool-room—another form of gambling, for here they race horses by electric light, and the pools go on just as in daytime. We entered, and found the place badly lighted, and evidently undergoing alterations. At the end of the room was a long bar, but no liquors visible, no attendant behind it, and no appearance of business so far as drinking was concerned. We journeyed upstairs, and found a veritable gambling hall in full swing. Not such a hole and corner affair as is sometimes unearthed by Australian police, but an open and above-board place, in which every form of gambling with just the same chances of plunder as are to be seen at Monte Carlo; but here there was a differnce—all the neatness and luxuriance of furnishing of the latter place was missing; but gamblers care little of surroundings so long as their pet vice, with its demoniac facination, is obtainable. There they were in this very moral community playing ecarte, roulette, faro, chicken hazard, in fact a multitude of games too numerous to particularise in detail; and their clients—these embraced all ages, from the boy of fifteen to the blear-eyed aged man, whose very existence seemed by his pent-up breath to tremble upon the turn of a card, or the roll of a ball. It was a pitiable sight. My guide, who had evidently been greatly nonplussed regarding the condition of the lower floor, made an enquiry of one the attendants as to why the bar was closed, and received the reply there had been a row with the landlord, hence the closure. We left this beautiful spot, No. 4, Central Avenue, and passing to the next building entered the open door fronting on the street. A turn through a side door to the left, and we were in a large room dimly lighted. On the right hand, away in the corner, visible only on going to the centre of the room, was a long 12ft. bar, behind which gleamed any number of bottles, some bearing Hennessy's label, others the labels of favourite American brands of whiskies. At the bar there stood six men conversing, one of them had before him what, judged by colour and appearance, I should say was whiskey, and another had a glass of beer beside him. I called for a glass of beer, and my companion took a cigar. We were at once served. I drained a portion of my beer, tendered a dollar in payment, and received 80 cents change. Emerging thence we journeyed to No. 6, James Street, some half a mile away; this too is a pool room, brilliantly lighted, but empty. Upstairs we found the usual gambling room, and at the back, not concealed in any way was a bar well stocked with liquors. The beer and cigar episode was repeated. Then we made for a cable car to carry us to the chief's street in Kansas City, Kansas. En route my wits having been sharpened I noted a place that bore all outside appearance of being a "Joint." My companion agreed in this opinion, so we entered No. 85 James Street. We entered a side door and thence gained direct access to a well-lighted room with a 15ft. to 20ft. bar, fitted luxuriously and furnished with the never absent check-till. Two beers was our order, but there was testimony of the stock of spirits in the bottles on the shelves behind the bar. Strangest feature of the whole concern—the thing that nearly asphyxiated me with the sudden loss of breath, at the bar lolled a real live city officer or police constable. We got our beers without demur, and by an advertisement pinned on the wall, I was led to believe that the supplying brewery was the Anhauser-Busch Co. The officer greeted my companion, then, whether intentionally I know not, turned his lack upon us, and we drank our beers. Perhaps that was his way of not seeing; page 12 mayhap he thus stifled conscience, at anyrate the fact stood, he was an officer employed by an Prohibitionist Executive, in a State where Prohibition was the law of the land, and had sworn to preserve the law of the State, but I dont think he saw us drink, and he may not have had a sufficient acquaintance with intoxicating liquors to enable him to discern what was being dispensed over that counter. We had beer in the presence of an officer, we called for it openly and drank it openly, yet were not arrested as habitues of an illegal resort, nor was the keeper of the premises arrested! 1 thought further sampling of law administration in that locality needless, so we journeyed to Minnesotos Avenue, a chief street, or rather the chief street in Kansas city. We went into the principal hotel in the city. Walking up to the clerk my companion intimated that we would like a drink. We were told that they had given up their bar, but that if we went across the street we could get all that we desired. We did so and entered No. 420. It was a tobacconist shop, and fairly large one at that. At one end was a wooden partition with a door through which the light was streaming. We made our way to this where we were met by a small black hoy, who divining we were thirsty souls did not intercept our passage. In the second room to our left were seated men playing cards, to the right was a well-storked bar with the ever smiling tender behind it. Two more beers filled our bill. It now dawned upon me that seeing how easy a matter it was to obtain liquor in their so-called "joints," I should like to test the manner in which the affidavit business was conducted by the druggists. I intimated my wishes and we entered the first drug shop we came to. My companion asked could we have a drink of whiskey. The clerk looked at us and replied that they did not keep it, but that if crossed the road above another drug store we would Bad a joint running. We withdrew and directed our steps to the spot indicated. No. 525 Minnesota Avenue, and although the drug store on the ground floor was as dark as Erebus, we journeyed upstairs and knocked at a glass frosted door, which was opened and disclosed to view a gambling room. "We want two drinks." said my guide. "Go to the door at the top of the stairs," said the man. We obeyed the injunction, and opening said door found ourselves in a room containing a bar, whilst to our left was a billiard room. There were three other worshippers at Bacchus' shrine, and our demand for a cigar and beer was quickly met, we paid, drank, and retired. We came next to a small out-of-way saloon, found more card playing, and had two more beers. I was not, however content re drug stores. I said as much, and we entered No. 436 Minnesota Avenue. We walked to the soda water fountain, and on the clerk attending, my companion said, "Give me a little whiskey and cherry phosphate." The clerk reviewed him and replied, "1 can give you some nice wild cherry phosphate." From a bottle labelled" wild cherry phosphate," the young man poured our two fair "ripe," then from another bottle labelled "cherry phosphate" he poured a few drops. "Did we want any soda?" My companion said, "Just enough to kill the whiskey." A little soda was poured in, and on tasting I found we had been supplied with veritable 40 rod whiskey with a cherry flavoring, and undoubtedly the vilest drink ever offered a man. We didn't empty our glasses, but after meeting a taxation of 30 cents, adjourned thoroughly satisfied that with a knowledge of bow to ask for a thing you could get whiskey or beer in almost any place in or part of the city. This was sufficient experience to satisfy me, and despite offers on the part of my chaperone to take me to dozens like spots 1 declined with thanks and returned to my hotel to ruminate on the manner in which, at anyrate in Kansas city, the Kansas prohibitory law does not avail to dispense With the saloons. The next day I made it my business to visit the pool room at No. 0, and there witnessed the bar open and a roaring business being done, while the people were also occupied betting on the races then being run at St. Louis. The same afternoon 1 interviewed Mrs. Bradford, the Secretary of the Kansas State W.C.T.U. and that lady, while she admitted a knowledge of the existence of joints, yet emphasised the good she considered arose from making drink selling an outlawed practice. I asked how many illicit selling places she would estimate there were in Kansas city. Kansas, said she, after conference with another temperance worker who was present, gave a possible total of over one hundred and twenty. She deplored the inability of the temperance party to close these, as the officials were evidently favorable to them, and she had no doubt were receiving payment to remain quiescent. I journeyed on page 13 to Lawrence a city of 10,810 inhabitants, and arrived at Eldridge House at about 10.30 p.m. I thought en route1 would sec into the question of obtaining supplies in a hotel, and so when shown up to my room I turned to my dark pilot and said, "See here, I'm not a Good Templar. Now George, is there any way of getting a drink." It is always safe to call a darkey George. He replied. "I guess I can get you a bottle, sah." I said, "A bottle?" "Yes sah, a bottle of beer." I bade him go ahead, and after an absence of a few minutes returned bearing a bottle under his coat. He produced this after first locking the door, then asked had I a corkscrew. His manner of putting the question aroused my suspicion that he was testing, and I replied that I usually carried one but hadn't it then, following this by an injunction to break the neck. "That's all right, sah, I'se got one," and straightway produced the article and opened the bottle. I poured out a glass of the beer, and George inquired if I would pay for it then or have it booked. I paid 25 cents and gave the darkey a like amount for his trouble. On an examination of the bottle I found it had been brewed by Schlitz. & Co.. Pilsener lager beer brewed for export, and I doubt not known to some of our Australian hotelkeepers. I inquired of the darkey if there were any joints, and he guessed there were. Asked where I could get-whiskey, he said I'd have to swear my life away in a druggists to get any. If I wanted any beer and would visit a billiard saloon close by I might get it. The next day I visited this spot and saw plenty of beer dispensed. As I passed down the main street I likewise saw in front of an Express Agency about eight barrels of beer and a dozen cases bearing brewers' address cards lying on the sidewalk, doubtless awaiting delivery. I obtained statistics from the County Clerk regarding population and later interviewed Mr. Jno. Charlton, one of the Justices of the Peace—there are two in this city.

"Topeka."—I reached this, the capital city, at 7 p.m., May 27th, and put up at the Hotel Throop. I did not doubt my ability to obtain liquors here, but considered my Lawrence experience had proven this. Had dinner, and journeyed through the main street. There is only one business street, known as Kansas Avenue. There is a tine broad street—140ft. broad. Could not locate to my own satisfaction the existence of any joint, so eventually decided to try my luck in a billiard-saloon. I entered one situate near the Post-office. I noticed in the window several bottles of hop tea, etc. I watched the play, and at the same time the bar near the doorway—by bar I mean a counter behind which stood an ice-chest, and beside it a large barrel, which bore a close impression to some I had been shown in the brewery at Kansas City, used there for conveying bottled beer. I asked the ostensible keeper of the saloon if he could find me any one to play a game with. He accommodated me, and in the course of the game I made it apparent I was a stranger, and stated I came from Australia. When the game had ended I invited my opponent to drink, and he accepted. We strolled to the bar and quieried what I would take. I replied, "Oh, some hop tea, but hot." I thought this addendum, even though not a local password, would, perhaps, lead to the production of beer. He took from the ice-chest a bottle labelled "hop tea," Then apparently searched for a corkscrew, and commenced to curse his luck. I replied that I had not mine with me, though I usually carried one, and this apparently satisfied him, for, turning to one of the players, he asked him to lend his. This done, he ignored the existence of the bottle he had brought out, and going to the ice-chest took out another bottle, one having no label, and opening it, poured out two glasses of beer. Then he volunteered the information that if I had any friends I would bring them round it would be all right. He invited me to finish the, bottle with him and I did so, paying ten cents, for my two drinks. During my stay in this place, lasting six days, I visited the State buildings, interviewed the Governor of the State, Attorney-General, Superintendent of State Lunatic Asylum, Messrs. Gleed, Griffin, Mohler, and other prominent Prohibitionists, the Chief of Police, Probate Judge, President of Police Commission, Messrs. McKinley and Jones (two prominent druggists, one of whom is also a M.D.) Not one of these denied the existence of drinking. The chief argument was, there are no open saloons. The population of Topeka is 33,245, and from the Probate Judge I obtained an instructive return, viz: that in the last twelve months 70.192 affidavits for liquor supply were filed by twenty-nine druggists (average). Now, if you divide this into thirds and say, one-third obtained page 14 half a pint of whisky (the minimum), one-third a pint (the maximum), and one-third four bottles of beer (the only sale allowed). You get these returns as Topekan licensed "medicine "Bill under a Prohibition law:

Bottles of beer	$280,728
Half-pints of spirits	23,3114
Pints of spirits	23,394

Or in English money, £12,083 13s. 8d.

Now the school population of the county is 17,079, which, deducted from the gross census of the county of 49,483, given an adult total of 32,454 to share this consumption. This allows nothing for the clubs, joints, private consumption, and other numerous heads under which beer and spirits are imported into the county, and of which no returns could ever be made. May 30 here was Commemoration Day, and of course a holiday, and I had some curious experiences that day. Early in the morning I interviewed Mr. Gleed, a prominent prohibitionist; and later in the day his brother, Mr. J. W. Gleed, also a solicitor, and his partner accompanied me to Mr. Murray's office—Mr. Murray is the father of the Prohibition Law—for the purpose of introducing me to that gentleman. Mr. Murray was not in, and during the course of general conversation with Mr. Griffeu, founder of the Republican Anti-Saloon Association, I enquired if the authorities had an Inspector of Adulteration, whose duty it was to see no sales of beer or spirits were made under the guise of harmless drinks; also incidentally remarking that I had not yet tested some of the refreshing beverages I saw advertised as "Hop Tea." "Hop Tonic," "Good for your Nerves," "The Finest Nerve Tonic," &c, &c; but that for my own satisfaction I intended doing so before leaving. Mr. Gleed said no such officer existed, but had always been under the impression these drinks were harmless, and suggested an immediate test of "Hop Tea." I readily assented, and asked him to lead the way, which he did, and took me to a shop at the junction of Kansas Averue and Eighth Street. Outside was a stand containing some sixty or seventy bottles of various tonics. We entered, and he called for "Hop Tea." Said the man, "Do you want a bottle?" "Yes, lets have a bottle "said Mr. G.; and here I interpolated, "It's hot, very hot." The man looked at me, and then went to the ice chest, and returned with a pottle bearing a "Hop Tea" label. Could not extract the cork, so called assistance, got it drawn, and poured out two glasses of frothing amber liquid. One mouthful was sufficient to satisfy me that I had got beer, and beer of a very indifferent quality at that. I said nothing; but as my companion completed drinking bis, I had to follow suit. He paid 20 cents—exactly double what in an open saloon would be the charge for the best lager—and on our regaining the foot-path I asked, "How do you like 'Hop Tea.'" My companion replied, "Well, I have done some beer drinking when I was in Germany, and it seemed to me that, from what I recollect of the taste of beer, what we've just had tasted very like beer." I replied, "I had little doubt it was, and bad beer at that;" and added, "that we had unintentionally broken the law, or at least aided in so doing." I said, "If you had an officer who could go in and demand the seizure of one of those bottles in that ice chest, seal it up to the satisfaction of the vendor, and then place it in the hands of your State Analyst, I would bet on his examination proving it to be a fermented beverage which I should call beer; and if this was not the result I would willingly pay all incidental costs." Of course no such method of dealing with the case was obtainable. Mr. Gleed, however, later on related to bis brother, and likewise to Mr. Welsh (ex County Attorney, and a hard worker for the enforcement of the law during his term of office) his belief that we had been drinking beer. During our journey I called Mr. G.'s attention to two lads of about fifteen, who were staggering in the streets, and bore every impress of being under alcoholic influences. After I page 15 left Mr. G.'s office, and was journeying to my hotel, I encountered a trio of worshippers of the Bacchanalian order, who were in a tit condition to be locked up even in the most lax city; yet a city officer was wrangling with one of them, and eventually left them masters of the field, doubtless realising he could not handle all three. This was in the main street, and a large crowd of onlookers witnessed the altercation. Another "happy" individual came out of the billiard saloon I have referred to, and sidled down the street making a very lengthy passage of his route. These are the first drunkards I have encountered in Kansas. A curious record for the severest Prohibition City in the United States—four drunken men and two boys in one afternoon, on the main thoroughfare.

"Junction City."—I arrived here at 9.45 p.m., June 1st. I find, by reference to statistics that the population of the city (which is the county town of Geary County) is 4,051 persons. It consists of one main street, where, as usual, all the business premises are situate. They are not numerous, nor do they bear the impress of doing a huge business. There are four drug stores, however. I put up at Bartell House, and even as we drove through the city from the railway station, I, in my own mind, located several likely-looking places wherein I could find joints. As a usual rule, if you see a store (shop) with central folding-door, dark drawn blinds, yet a bright light evidently burning behind them, you are pretty safe in entering, going around the screen, and finding a bar; in fact, the reproduction in country places of the bars we find in some of our smaller hotels. 1 put my things in my hotel and strolled out, eventnally entering one of my suspected places. I was not mistaken. There, once round the screen which blocked the entrance, I found a large barroom, having very fine appointments and a large safe in one corner, whilst the presumable proprietor was operating a typewriter. The bar-tender was a colored man, and my demand for "a beer George "received quick attention. I strolled into an adjoining billiard-saloon entrance, to which was gained through a partition having roller doors. This saloon had four billiard tables, a bagatelle-table, and two card-tables. I watched the play, and likewise the bar, for about a quarter of an hour, during which time a good business was done. One group of patrons who entered consisted of four youths, the oldest about nineteen years of age, and all evidently the worse for previous libations. They (different members of them) "set 'em up" just three times, then staggered off. I left, and was about to seek my room when I thought one single instance was, perhaps, not a fair trial, so I journeyed to the other end of the town, and located another likely joint, and entering found the usual bar, with five army men in uniform standing at the bar drinking beer. I had a beer and left. The next day I interviewed Mr. Hurley (candidate at last election for Congress in the Prohibition interest), and the editors of both papers. There was no attempt on their part to shield the illicit trade prevailing. Mr. Hurley lamented their inability to suppress it, but pointed out that the whole of the city officials favoured it. From the "Junction City Tribune," of April 27th, I obtained a list of fines levied against intoxicant sellers, shewing that during the eleven months ended March last, 105 persons were fined 50 dollars each. There were 34 "taxations" of 25 dollars each again gambling-house keepers, 7 "taxations" of 10 dollars each, 21 "taxations" of 10 dollars each for keeping houses of ill-fame, and four of 25 dollars for a similar purpose. The paper in question, a strong advocate for Prohibition, published the list of "fines" taken from the Court records, but the editor informed me there were never any judiciary investigations, but that this was a system of assessment (despite the prohibitory law which provides a minimum penalty of 100 dollars, together with thirty days in gaol) and was collected monthly.

"Saline" (June 3).—I reached this pretty little city, the county seat of Saline County, at 6 p.m., and put up at the National Hotel. The city has a population of 6,341 persons, and is a big educational centre, and one of the most important of Kansas central cities. From the Probate Judge, whom I immediately interviewed, I learned that there were "joints" in the city, although their existence was not recognised, and they had "outlawed the open saloon." Mr. A. C. Potter's statement speaks for itself. I next interviewed the City Marshall, whose remarks also will be found. In the evening I visited one of the liquor-selling places, a cigar store, through which you passed to a kitchen, where beer can be found in a stone filter jar, page 16 or else a wooden client in the corner. I sampled a bootle of lager, and payment was made under the ostensible guise of paying for cigars as you left. I did not deem it necessary, in view of the statement of the City Marshall, that I should further prove the existence. At my hotel I called for beer, having a visitor in my room, and was supplied without any demur.

"McPherson" (June 3).—I got here at 10.30 a.m., and quickly made the acquaintance of a local resident, who kindly gave me introductions; and further, although a temperance man, yet pointed out five "joints" within a space of 100 yards or thereabouts. I interviewed the Mayor and Probate Judge, also editor of local paper. They all admitted there were "joints," but they are not run under permits or fines as in some cities. In the afternoon I went into a billiard saloon, and noticing a goodly number of visitors going upstairs, through a locked door, I gave my card to the proprietor and told him I'd like to go up to the club room if he didn't mind. Satisfied that I would not give him away he opened the door, and I went upstairs and found the usual bar, got a bottle of beer, of which I drank a glass, and having paid 25 cents for it left.

"Wichita" (June 3).—Got here at 10.30 p.m. Put up at the Manhattan Hotel, and got a staggerer, for on coming downstairs I saw a passage leading from the hotel office and hall into a "sample room." Investigation showed this was a bar-room or saloon, splendidly fitted, and doing a good trade. An exit from here gave admission to a large billiard saloon and barber's shop. On Sunday (June 4), time being pressing, I interviewed the Chief of Police and the President of the Police Commission, and learned how the "fine system" is worked. There is no difference whatever in the hotels here and in Melbourne or Sydney, or say Coker's Hotel, Christchurch, for the bar is off the street; but it is a "joint," and is not run by the hotel proprietor, who merely leases the premises. Mr. Coves' statements I think well to reproduce in verbatum form, giving both question and answer. Monday I took a Kodak view of an interior of one of these saloons, but cannot vet say with what result. I left for Chicago at eleven o'clock. Wichita is the county seat of Sedgwick, and has a population of 20,728. It is splendidly laid out—has tramways (electric), and electric lighting.

"Newton" (June 5)—En route to Chicago we stay here half-an-hour. Whilst we were standiug in the station we took occasion to enquire of a hotel-runner who was on the platform as to how things were worked there. He said," We used to run joints in every hotel, and some in other places like Wischita, but now they're kept quiet, but if you want a driuk go over to that hotel and say I told you; there's always some there." I didn't go, for I feared the safety of my passage, but the incident is worth reproducing. Newton is a city having a population of about 5000 persons.

Review.—Thus it will be seen, in all the cities visited by me, I have never failed to get supplies without resorting to even as much trickery as is at times necessary in New Zealand to get served on a Sunday. I purpose, if possible, when en route to Iowa, to visit Leavenworth and Atchison, but even if I do not do so, I think it will be conceded by Prohibitionists themselves that I have fairly proven that no such thing as prevention exists, that their very preventive law offers a premium for perjuring one's self, and therefore must have a bad effect, that young people are not prevented from acquainting themselves with the character of strong drink, and that such a widespread and universal (so far as the Kansan is concerned) violation of a law is demoralising. I shall hereafter endeavour to put more convincing figures on the subject of the kansan Licensed Drink Bill, or, in other words, the huge sale by druggists, but time is required to gather returns from the head centres, as in this State it is impossible to get a formulated return shewing anything in complete form. It is owing to the miserable system of local self-government without any statistical bureau at the capital. For this reason I cannot possibly furnish any details regarding the growth or decrease of crime, and any that may be published by advocates of Prohibition are, in the face of existing circumstances, just personal collections, and may be complete or incomplete. One thing certain is, there is no authoritative work wherewith to check any statements set forth. In page 17 such cases as were possible I have submitted transcripts of notes made of inter-views to those interviewed, in order to obviate even small mistakes creeping in Those so submitted bear certificates at the foot.