Prouty was visibly taken aback.
"It is necessary to finance even righteousness," he said, at last.
"Beyond question," admitted the General. "I only ask you to meet me on
the business basis where you belong. I'll not allow you to mask
factional interests behind religion or a moral issue. I don't mean to be
curt or disobliging, gentlemen, but you must get out in the open. You
have something to ask me? Ask it. You'll receive a plain answer."
"Do you intend to enforce the prohibitory law?"
"I question your good taste, Mr. Prouty, in selecting one law and asking
a prospective Governor whether he intends to do his sworn duty in regard
to it."
"But other Governors have not done so. We propose to have pledges after
this. We'll vote for no more nullifiers."
"Other Governors have had no direct power to enforce the law, sir. I had
no power when I was Governor. But I'll assure you that if I am the next
Governor I shall demand that power from the legislature, and I'll
enforce that law with all the resources of the State treasury.
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