The 1912 prohibition amendment in West Virginia, which prohibited the sale of intoxicating drinks

 

The 1912 prohibition amendment in West Virginia, which prohibited the sale of intoxicating drinks after July 1, 1913, had a significant impact on the state, as evidenced by the sources. Here's a look at some of the key effects:

Reduction in Crime and Alcohol-Related Issues:

• Decreased Arrests: A report from 44 West Virginia cities and towns showed a substantial decline in arrests following the implementation of statewide prohibition. The number of arrests for the year ending July 1, 1915, under prohibition, was 7,500, compared to 15,000 for the year ending July 1, 1914, before prohibition took effect.
• Drunkenness Arrests Plummeted: Arrests for drunkenness also saw a dramatic reduction, dropping from 7,600 to 2,600 during the same period.
• Decline in Alcoholic Insanity: Dr. L. V. Guthrie, superintendent of the Huntington State Hospital, reported a noticeable decrease in alcoholic insanity cases after the amendment went into effect.

Social and Cultural Shifts:

• Changes in Drinking Habits: Judge Dice's observation that giving away a drink of liquor was unlawful except in one's own home led to a decline in social drinking and treating. People began to abstain from alcohol or find ways to obtain it discreetly.
• Impact on Saloons and Liquor Industry: The amendment forced the closure of saloons and significantly impacted the liquor industry in the state. Businesses had to adapt or find new ventures.
• Enforcement Challenges: While the amendment aimed to eliminate the sale of alcohol, enforcement proved to be a challenge. The sources mention moonshiners operating in Nicholas County, suggesting that illegal production and distribution of liquor continued.

Political Debates and Ramifications:

• County Politics: The issue of prohibition played a significant role in local elections. The Pocahontas Times advocated for the election of officials who would vigorously enforce the prohibition law.
• Statewide Impact: The success of the prohibition amendment emboldened temperance advocates and influenced political discourse at the state level.

Public Perception and Ongoing Debate:

• Supporters' Views: Proponents of prohibition argued that it led to positive societal changes, citing reduced crime, improved public health, and a decline in alcohol-related problems.
• Critics' Concerns: Opponents of prohibition raised concerns about the infringement of personal liberties, the potential for an increase in illegal activities like bootlegging and moonshining, and the loss of tax revenue from the liquor industry.
• Mixed Opinions: Opinions on the effectiveness of prohibition varied. While some, like C. B. Gilbert, a deputy commissioner of prohibition, lauded Pocahontas County as a model for successful prohibition enforcement, others expressed skepticism and pointed to continued challenges.

Overall, the 1912 prohibition amendment in West Virginia had a multifaceted impact, bringing about a reduction in crime and alcohol-related problems, leading to social and cultural shifts, and sparking ongoing debates about its effectiveness and long-term consequences.