THE ERRORS OF PROHIBITION. AN ARGUMENT DELIVERED IN THE REPRESENTATIVES' HALL, BOSTON, APRIL 3, 1867, BEFORE A JOINT SPECIAL COMMITTEE OF THE GENERAL COURT OF MASSACHUSETTS. BY JOHN A. ANDREW. BOSTON: TICKNOR & FIELDS, 124 TREMONT ST INTRODUCTORY. At the present annual session of the General Court of Massachusetts, commencing in January, 1867, petitions were presented by Alpheus Hardy and others, praying for enactment of a judicious license law for the regulation and control of the sale of spirituous and fermented liquors in the Commonwealth. The number of these Petitioners during the session already (April, 1867,) comprises thirty thousand legal voters, and is increasing daily. A petition was also presented by the principal inn-keepers in the city of Boston, praying for such changes in existing laws concerning the sale of wines and liquors as shall allow them to supply the wants of the guests of their houses, yet under such excise and regulation and subject to such supervision as shall be deemed needful for the public good. A further petition was presented by the officers and trustees of the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy, representing that under the present statutes it is impossible legally to conduct that business and perform its duties to the medical profession and the sick, and praying for such amendment of the law as that apothecaries may be enabled to conduct their business in a legal manner. Various petitions, numerously signed, were also presented to the General Court, remonstrating against any amendment of the existing prohibitory statutes. |