It may be well to add here a few words by way of explanation, as mention is several times made in this book of the future taking of a Dominion Plebiscite. At time of writing it was supposed that this book would be in print long before the vote was taken, but for various reasons its publication has been delayed. On September 29th, 1898, the question of the liquor traffic was submitted to the people of Canada, and a considerable majority was given for Prohibition. Quebec, alone, of all the Provinces, failed to declare against the traffic, but even here there are some bright spots, prominent among which is the county where this Dark Plot was enacted, which gave a majority for Prohibition of 529. As this is considerably more than that formerly given for the Scott Act, it is evident that the liquor men of Brome are not gaining ground by dark plots or any other means.
By this Plebiscite, the prohibitionists of Canada have been given a privilege never enjoyed by any other nation, and they have used it well, but now the work is just begun. Let them not rest content until the end for which they have voted is realized, and then the cooperation of temperance people will be needed if the law is to be well enforced.
There is still much we all must do if we would see our country freed from the curse of strong drink, and let prohibitionists take courage from the victory already achieved, and with renewed zeal press the battle to the gates.