A prominent factor in this increase, according to the speaker, was the partnership entered into in 1862 between the government and the liquor traffic, when, to gain war revenue, the sellers of alcohol were sold licenses.
"We are in the midst of a revolution, the greatest revolutionary movement in the history of this country at large: Virginia has emancipated its citizens from exploitation by those who profited by the traffic in alcoholic liquors. Virginia is further advanced than many States in this revolution, and on November 1, we begin the upbuilding of a new social order in the Commonwealth. We are not unmindful of the obstacles which must be overcome."
In the list of obstacles to prohibition, Commissioner Peters placed the degenerates and drunkards, the class of men who have much regard for personal appetite and none for social welfare, the local liquor dealers and the national organization of alcohol interests, and "wet" newspapers.
"Last, but not least, in this catalogue of obstructionists," said the speaker, "I am pained to mention those credulous, unsophisticated members of our churches. Who, though so few in number, will be so eager to accept and be swift to circulate the misrepresents of our common foes."
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"Over and against all of this, however, are many encouragements," continued Commissioner Peters.
"First, under the changed policy of the State, infractions of the law will be prosecuted with the entire weight of the whole State as a unit behind each other."  Prosecution rather than by local prosecution here and there a distinct source of strength in wet communities, where the law has never been enforced in liquor cases. 